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Job Opportunities

On this page, you will find descriptions and application procedures for current openings for post-doctoral fellows, lab assistantships, and more. 

If you are looking for staff and faculty roles, please visit Northwestern's Careers webpage, where you can find positions available at SESP and Northwestern University at large.

Careers Site

Post-Doctoral Fellow for Black Education and STEM Equity in Evanston, Illinois

About the Position

We are seeking two full-time post-doctoral fellows for a grant-funded project titled, “Co-designing STEM Ecologies with Black Communities: Centering History, Heterogeneity, Power, and Place. Fellows will be part of a research team led by Drs. Sepehr Vakil, kihana miraya ross, and Nichole Pinkard, who are conducting a historical and ethnographic investigation of Black families experiences, values, and aspirations for equitable STEM education in Evanston, Illinois. Members of this research team are also working with the local school district, city entities, as well as Black families and community partners, to support efforts to design STEM opportunities for Black students in the city, including within a new K-5 school and adjoined community center. This research-community-practice partnership (RCPP) will create tools, processes, and/or programs centering Black community goals and values within in-school and out-of-school STEM ecologies in Evanston. 

Responsibilities

The fellows will be based in Evanston, Illinois. They will be fully involved in all aspects of the research, including project management, data collection and analysis, and conference and manuscript preparation. The fellows will supervise the work of graduate and undergraduate students and staff, work closely with research partners, and help shape the direction of the research.

Required Qualifications

Ideal candidates will have a subset of these qualifications: 

  • Ph.D. in Education, Black Studies, Anthropology, Sociology or related field. Applicants with expertise in Black Education, STEM education, and/or Learning Sciences are especially encouraged to apply. 
  • Methodological expertise in some of the following areas: ethnographic and qualitative methods; quantitative, statistics, and data science methods, randomized trials and meta-analysis, social network analysis; participatory design and community-engaged methods.  
  • Conceptual and content expertise in some of the following areas: Black education, Critical and sociocultural perspectives in education; elementary and out of school STEM learning; culturally relevant STEM pedagogy   
  • Strong writing, communication, and organizational skills.  

This position is a full-time 12-month position with the option to renew. Initial position term will begin August 15, 2024 and end August 14, 2025.  

How to Apply

Applications should include: 

  1. Cover letter/research statement, describing your interest in and qualifications for this position, as well as your research achievements and agenda
  2. Curriculum vitae (including publications list)
  3. 1 published paper, or writing samples that demonstrate your expertise and fit 
  4. The names and contact information of three professional references
  5. A link to a professional webpage and/or Google Scholar page (if applicable)

Email applications to Dr. Shannon Paige Clark at shannon.clark@northwestern.edu with subject header: " NSF POSTDOCTORAL APPLICATION." Review of applications will begin on March 30, 2024, and continue until the position is filled. 

For more information about the project, please click here.

Northwestern University is an Equal Opportunity, Affirmative Action Employer of all protected classes, including veterans and individuals with disabilities. Women, underrepresented racial and ethnic minorities, individuals with disabilities, and veterans are encouraged to apply. Hiring is contingent upon eligibility to work in the United States. 

Post-Doctoral Fellow For STEM Education and Computational Thinking Project at Northwestern

About the Position

Northwestern University’s School of Education and Social Policy seeks applicants for a postdoctoral fellow in the learning sciences. The candidate will be part of a team of researchers, faculty, and teachers involved in a newly funded initiative by the National Science Foundation. The goal of the project is to improve understanding of the concept of dynamic equilibrium across multiple sciences and develop a unified framework for defining it. Toward these aims, we will develop, implement, and evaluate science units that include computational activities for middle school and high school. The project also aims to produce new modeling software that will enable students to see and explore dynamic equilibrium in action. Fellows will fully participate in the research laboratory: the Center for Connected Learning and Computer-Based Modeling (CCL).

This position provides opportunities for in-depth qualitative and quantitative research. Successful candidates will be comfortable conducting research both in lab and in classroom environments. The candidate will be part of an international collaborative research team involving faculty from learning sciences, science education and computer science. This is a dynamic and vibrant collaborative environment comprised of faculty, post-docs, students, computer programmers, modelers, and curriculum developers.

Responsibilities

The candidate will co-supervise the work of graduate students and staff, publish research papers, contribute to grant writing and materials development, participate in the design of computational tools, work closely with implementing schools, and help shape the overall scope and direction of the research. There will be close mentorship from the PI as well as opportunities to learn from other truly outstanding senior scholars and practitioners. Fellows will fully participate in the research laboratory: the Center for Connected Learning and Computer-Based Modeling (CCL).

Required Qualifications

Successful candidates will have a doctorate in learning sciences or a related field (e.g., science education, educational technologies), strengths in research methods, a science background, good communication skills, experience with lab and classroom-based research, and strong writing skills

How to Apply

Start date is as soon as possible and expected duration of the post-doctoral fellowship is two years with possibility of renewal for a third. To apply, please send a cover letter, CV, sample publications and names and contact info for three references to DE-postdoc@ccl.northwestern.edu. Application review will begin immediately and continue until the position is filled.

Postdoctoral Fellowship with School of Education and Social Policy (SESP) and the Center for Native American and Indigenous Research (CNAIR)

About the position

The School of Education and Social Policy (SESP) and the Center for Native American and Indigenous Research (CNAIR) at Northwestern University have a two-year position (beginning Fall 2023) available for a postdoctoral scholar to contribute to Dr. Megan Bang’s educational research projects, ISTEAM and Learning in Places. The postdoc will primarily focus on the research projects under Dr. Megan Bang but will also be affiliated with CNAIR as the center continues to work towards its goals and builds research capacity which includes developing and promoting reciprocal and sovereignty-affirming relationships and partnerships with Native American and Indigenous communities. A key part of this role will be to help build out a new professional learning program for educators serving Indigenous communities. This is a full-time, 12-month academic position. The anticipated start date is September 1st, 2023. ABD candidates with an anticipated degree conferral date prior to the position start date are welcome to apply.

Megan Bang’s SESP projects include Learning in Places and the Indigenous STEAM Collaborative. Both are land and water based programs which work to cultivate equitable, culturally thriving, socio-ecological systems learning and ethical decision-making using field-based science education in outdoor places for children and their families, with ISTEAM foregrounding Indigenous knowledge in the co-design of materials and programs with families, communities, and educators.

As part of CNAIR, the Postdoc will be connected to CNAIR affiliates and students to build a stronger community of scholars. The postdoc will provide co-mentorship to graduate students and undergraduate students.  The postdoc will also take on academic mentorship responsibilities by helping facilitate the NAIS graduate cluster at Northwestern and be invited to participate in NAIS career resources including workshops and groups at CNAIR and in the larger Chicagoland community.  For example, the Chicagoland NAIS Working Group is a space where young NAIS scholars can share drafts of book chapters and journal articles. In addition, CNAIR will support the postdoc in their career pathway by supporting mentorship structures and research (i.e., relationship building with Indigenous scholars, navigating NU research resources, supporting workshops in grant writing, paper development, and conference dissemination).

Responsibilities

The successful candidate will take an active role in all research activities and play a significant role in co-design with educators and communities. The postdoc will work with an extended team of graduate and undergraduate students as well as community members. The postdoc will help provide guidance and mentorship. It is critical that the successful candidate demonstrates strong academic writing skills and the ability to effectively advance projects across the “finish line” to manuscript submission in top journals.  

  • The postdoctoral scholar will collaborate with doctoral and undergraduate students, Indigenous community members, and educators, and will have opportunities to publish in peer-reviewed publications.  
  • The postdoctoral scholar will join a supportive community of scholars and will have the opportunity to take advantage of the multitude of internal and external mentoring initiatives and center affiliations that Northwestern affords to early career researchers.  
  • As a CNAIR affiliate, postdocs will be invited to present their work at CNAIR sponsored events. They will also be invited to participate in or facilitate CNAIR sponsored workshops.  

Required qualifications

  • Ph.D. in Education, Learning Sciences, or a related social scientific discipline such as Psychology 
  • Experience working with Tribal Nations, Native and Indigenous communities, and K-12 educators in formal or informal contexts
  • Record of communicating research results via peer-reviewed publications and presentations
  • Willingness to mentor and supervise undergraduate and graduate students
  • Experience in collecting and analyzing empirical data
  • Experience with community co-design and qualitative research including video analysis preferred 

How to apply

To apply, please send items listed below to Tom Dixon (thomas.dixon@northwestern.edu) with the header “CNAIR and SESP Postdoc Position”. Applications are rolling but applications received by February 15th , 2023 will be given first priority. Applications will continue to be reviewed until the position is filled. 

  • cover letter, describing your interest in and qualifications for this position 
  • curriculum vitae (including publications list) 
  • 1 published paper, or equivalent writing samples that you are most proud of and which best demonstrate your expertise and fit for the position 
  • 1-2 page statement about goals for postdoc work 
  • the names and contact information of three references 

For more information about Megan Bang’s research please see Learning in Places and Indigenous STEAM. To learn more about CNAIR, see the CNAIR webpage. 

Graduate Assistant for SESP Leadership Institute

About the position

The Graduate Assistant works with the staff of the School of Education and Social Policy (SESP) Leadership Institute at Northwestern University and reports to the Administrative Team. The SESP Leadership Institute (SLI) is an academic program and community. Participants in the program are selected based on their experiences as the first in their families to attend college and as students from lower-income backgrounds. Student participants are in the first or second years at Northwesterntern and engage in social activities and enroll in two credited courses: LOC/LS 214: Culture & Cognition and SESP 218: Leaders Lab. The Graduate Assistant is responsible for managing the day-to-day- program operations and supporting the student community of the Institute in conjunction with the SLI Leadership Team.

Responsibilities

The primary responsibilities of the Graduate Assistant are program management (50%) student support (50%). 

Program management

  • Coordinates team meetings inclusive of scheduling, facilitating, and recording meeting minutes.

  • Recruits student participants.

  • Recruits peer leaders/student mentors.

  • Develops marketing and data-driven presentation materials for senior administrators, donors,

    students and their families.

  • Develops and maintains relationships with campus partners and local businesses

  • Plans, designs, and supports the execution of student trainings and programming.

  • Maintains and builds out program artifacts and administrative needs.

Student support
  • Collaborate with student mentors at different stages of social programming (designing,

    developing, and leading) that aligns with the program budget

  • Partners with student mentors in navigating concerns and their own well-being.

  • Schedules debriefs with SAO focused on student wellness and community building.

    Other duties as assigned by faculty and program staff.

Required qualifications

  • Working towards a master’s degree in Higher Education, Social Work, or related field

  • Strong time management, communication skills and attention to detail required

  • Strong ability to build trust and consistency within student relationships

  • Demonstrated interest in social justice and undergraduate student mentorship required

  • Experience working with FGLI, BIPOC and LGBTQ+ students required

  • Experience leading workshops, planning events, and assessing programs preferred

Outcomes, compensation and time commitment

As a result of this internship, the Graduate Assistant will acquire transferable professional skills in program management, co-curricular programming, student development and a deeper understanding of learning sciences. The Graduate Assistant is mentored by SLI Senior Program Coordinator, participates in networking events, and receives professional development training as a part of the work experience.

The duration of the internship is from June 2023-June 202with opportunity for renewal. The start date is flexible.

The Graduate Assistant is paid $22.50 per hour and works 15 - 20 hours per week, with occasional evenings and weekends for social programming.

How to apply

Interested candidates should indicate so to Vanessa Champagne, SLI Senior Program Coordinator, at vanessa.champagne@northwestern.edu. To apply, please send a cover letter and resume.

Visiting Scholar Positions for E4 (Center for Education Efficacy, Excellence, and Equity)

About the positions

Northwestern University’s Center for Education Efficacy, Excellence, and Equity (E4) seeks four tenure-track scholars to conduct K-12 education research in residence at Northwestern during the 2024-2025 academic year.  

Visiting scholars will research a range of issues facing underrepresented students, including students of color, English language learners, and students whose families live in poverty. In addition to collaborating with faculty and graduate students at Northwestern’s School of Education and Social Policy, visiting scholars will connect with researchers across campus and beyond.

 

Required qualifications

Applicants must:

  • Hold a PhD, EdD or equivalent research degree
  • Currently work as a tenure-track assistant professor
  • May not hold tenure at the time of the application deadline

Preference will be given to:

  • Early career researchers of color
  • First-generation college-going research scholars
  • Early career research scholars who will explore questions focused on, but not limited to, success in mathematics and algebraic readiness

Compensation

Scholars will receive:

  • Access to Curriculum Associates’ rich database and a tight-knit learning community that includes colleagues from across the Northwestern campus, Curriculum Associates, and the participating school districts.
  • Salary support up to $90,000 over the nine-month academic year
  • Research fund of $10,000 to offset research, travel, and conference costs
  • When appropriate, a negotiated rate for benefits coverage
  • Visiting fellows who arrange formal leaves from their current university will be welcome to use the stipend and benefits rate to fund or supplement an approved institutional research leave.

How to apply

Applications must include:

  • A current curriculum vitae or resume limited to five pages that includes relevant education, employment, awards, scholarships, and relevant publications and research.
  • A statement of interest that explains how this scholarship aligns with your career goals and how you will benefit from an academic year at Northwestern (no more than three pages double-spaced). Please include evidence of your experience and commitment to collaborative research with school practitioners, district leaders, and policy specialists that produces relevant, useful knowledge.
  • A research statement that one or more potential projects that you might pursue using Curriculum Associates’ data, recognizing your ideas may shift during the scholarship period (no more than three pages double-spaced). Please include the names of up to three SESP scholars you may want to interact with on your project(s) and the types of data you would need to complete it.
  • Recent publications or reports (up to three).
  • Two references including name, title, institution, phone number and email address. Recommendation letters are not required.
  • All materials must be emailed to e4center@northwestern.edu in a single PDF file. Text should be double-spaced and at least 11-point font. Pages should have one-inch margins. 

Application timeline:

  • Call for applicants: October 2, 2023
  • Applications due: December 15, 2023
  • Decisions made: January 26, 2024
  • Commitments due: February 2, 2024

Questions? Contact us at e4center@northwestern.edu.

Research Assistant for MS in Social and Economic Policy Program

About the position

The Master of Science in Social and Economic Policy program is seeking a passionate, detail-oriented Research Assistant to aid a grant from the US Department of Education to assess a Virginia intervention designed to end the practice of paying less than the minimum wage to people with disabilities.

The Real Pay for Real Jobs, an EPIC (Education, Partnerships, provisions of Individualized Services, and Capacity Building) Model Project, is an effort by the Virginia Department of Aging and Rehabilitative Services to eliminate the longstanding but legal practice of paying a subminimum wage and support employment and economic independence for Virginians with disabilities.

Responsibilities

  • Conduct qualitative and quantitative data analysis
  • Interview program participants and collect survey data
  • Assist in writing research reports
  • Collaborate with students, faculty members, research team, and department

Required Qualifications

  • Current PhD or MA/MS degree in a social science related field such as economics, psychology, sociology, statistics, public policy or others
  • Good problem-solving and analytical skills; Excellent written and verbal communication skills
  • Ability to work independently and as part of a team
  • Prior research experience is preferred
  • Working knowledge of Stata or R

Compensation

The pay rate is $20/hour (10-15 hours per week).

How to apply

Submit a cover letter and CV to MSSEP Program Coordinator Ashley Reyes at ashley.reyes@northwestern.edu.Please include "Research Assistant Application" in the subject line.Applications will be reviewed on a rolling basis until the position is filled.

Northwestern strongly recommends COVID-19 vaccinations and boosters for people who can obtain them as a critical tool for minimizing severe illness. More information can be found on the COVID-19 and Campus Updates webpage.

Northwestern University is an Equal Opportunity, Affirmative Action Employer of all protected classes, including veterans and individuals with disabilities. Women, racial and ethnic minorities, individuals with disabilities, and veterans are encouraged to apply.

The Northwestern campus sits on the traditional homelands of the people of the Council of Three Fires, the Ojibwe, Potawatomi, and Odawa as well as the Menominee, Miami and Ho-Chunk nations. We acknowledge and honor the original people of the land upon which Northwestern University stands, and the Native people who remain on this land today.