Post-doctoral Research Position Opening
Spring 2012

America’s Promise Alliance and Tufts University

Through a collaboration between America’s Promise Alliance and the Institute for Applied Research in Youth Development at Tufts University, we seek a qualified Ph.D.-level researcher for a post-doctoral research position.  The initial appointments will be for one year, with the possibility of extension for an additional 1-2 years for applied research projects that focus on how communities come together to support positive youth development.

We seek a highly-motivated individual able to work efficiently and productively in a fast-paced, multifaceted research environment.  Based on the various needs of the projects, the candidate should be able to work successfully as a team member on some project goals and independently on other project goals.  Flexibility in work hours and availability for some travel is essential.

Responsibilities will include, but are not limited to:
Development of measures for studying youth development, broadly construed
Contributing to overall logistical tasks of mixed-method, longitudinal projects including data collection methods, IRB approval and site outreach and communication.
Data management and analysis of large sample multi-method data, including  longitudinal data and experience sampling data.
Presentation of research findings to communities and at national and international meetings
Publication of research findings in reports for communities and policymakers and in peer-reviewed journals and special interest publications
Grant writing
Mentoring of graduate students
Contributing to general project oversight and management
 
Requirements
Ph.D. or Ed.D. in a social science field with a focus on adolescent development (psychology, sociology, child development, family studies, education)
Knowledge of advanced person, pattern, and variable-centered statistical methods (e.g., confirmatory factor analysis, structural equation models, multi-level models, random effects and multivariate linear models)
Demonstrated interest and commitment to work in youth development
Enthusiasm for intellectual rigor and engagement
Enthusiasm for working with communities, especially traditionally disenfranchised communities
Excellent writing ability with potential for publishing
Ability, willingness, and flexibility to work efficiently and productively in a fast-paced and often demanding environment, with deadlines
Experience and interest in working in a team environment;  ability to work both independently and collaboratively
Good interpersonal skills
   
Review of applications will begin immediately and continue until the position is filled.  Please send a letter of application, curriculum vitae, 2-3 representative publications, and the names and contact information of three references to:

Jonathan F. Zaff, Ph.D.
America’s Promise Alliance and Tufts University
jonz@americaspromise.org