The Research in Mathematics Education unit at Southern Methodist University seeks a full-time postdoctoral research associate to conduct research related to Tier 2 mathematics interventions implemented with students experiencing mathematics difficulty (MD). The successful candidate will join an interdisciplinary team of education researchers and practitioners. They will play a key role in studying student and interventionist interactions with a Tier 2 fraction intervention and the outcomes of participating in the intervention program. The available data covers multiple clustered randomized controlled trials with elementary and middle school students and multiple outcome measures related to mathematics and motivation. Examples of targeted areas for scholarship include mathematics education, Multi-Tiered Systems of Support (MTSS), development of intervention programs, and measurement and assessment.
The postdoctoral researcher will have opportunities to collaborate with faculty, graduate students, and project staff from all project sites (Southern Methodist University, University of Texas at Austin, University of Missouri, and American Institutes for Research). The postdoctoral researcher will be expected to develop and lead their own complementary research activities aligned with the scope of the research unit.
The postdoctoral research associate will have expertise in education, mathematics, statistics and/or psychometrics. Applicants must demonstrate promise for a tenure-track appointment at a research college or university.
Statement of Duties and Responsibilities
Support implementation of research activities for the U.S. Department of Education Office of Education Innovation and Research-funded project: S411B210032.
Mentor graduate and undergraduate students, oversee data organization and processing, participate in communication with the external evaluation team. Participate in the analysis of mainly quantitative student and interventionist assessment, interventionist training, and implementation data. Contribute to manuscript preparation, grant-related reporting, and other dissemination efforts. Conduct research complementary to the existing research activities to establish one's own research agenda.
Salary and Appointment
The initial appointment is for one year with the possibility of renewal for an additional year, based on satisfactory performance. The preferred start date is August 1, 2026. The salary is competitive and commensurate with experience and relevant research.
Minimum Qualifications
The initial appointment is for one year with the possibility of renewal for an additional year, based on satisfactory performance. The preferred start date is August 1, 2026. The salary is competitive and commensurate with experience and relevant research.
Applicants must have completed requirements for a doctoral or other terminal degree in education, learning sciences, mathematics education, statistics, or related fields within the past five years or have evidence of completion of all requirements for the doctoral degree by the start date.
Evidence of scholarly activity/potential is required.
Preferred Qualifications
Content expertise in mathematics, education, and/or statistics. Experience in MTSS and assessment. Interest and knowledge in quantitative methods, including multivariate statistics, multi-level modeling, psychometrics, and/or meta-analysis. Teaching experience in primary or middle school grades. Research and publications related to mathematics, MTSS, educational psychology, or mathematics education. Demonstrated commitment to mentoring undergraduate and graduate students.
Priority Consideration Date Review of applications will begin June 15, 2026. To ensure full consideration for the position, the application must be received by June 15, 2026, but the committee will continue to accept applications until the position is filled. The committee will notify applicants of its employment decisions after the position is filled. Hiring is contingent upon the satisfactory completion of a background check.
Submission Materials
· Application
· CV
· Cover letter should include detailed information about qualifications for this position, including a clear statement of research interests, relevant content/subject area, and/or data analysis/management experiences
· 1-3 relevant publications with a description of applicant’s contribution
· 3-5 professional references, including doctoral dissertation advisor (Letters may be requested.)
Hiring is contingent upon the satisfactory completion of a background check.
SMU is an equal opportunity employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, national origin, sex, age, disability, genetic information, veteran status, sexual orientation, or gender identity and expression.
SMU is an equal opportunity employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, national origin, sex, age, disability, genetic information, veteran status, sexual orientation, or gender identity and expression.
