| Job Description: |
Position Summary
We are seeking a highly motivated and collaborative Postdoctoral Researcher with expertise in research, evaluation, and methodology to support the design, implementation, and analysis of the Data Listening Tour at the Lastinger Center for Learning. The postdoc will serve as a key research partner throughout all phases of the Tour, from instrument development through final reporting. This position requires a blend of strong methodological skills, excellent interpersonal communication, and the ability to manage multiple tasks in a dynamic, field-based environment. This is a unique opportunity to contribute to high-impact, practitioner-centered research at the intersection of data, education, and research. This position is time-limited and soft-funded.
About the Lastinger Data Listening Tour
The Lastinger Data Listening Tour is an initiative aimed to engage school leaders, administrators, teachers, students, parents, and policymakers in meaningful conversations about the role of data in education. Through interviews, focus groups, and surveys conducted across Florida's diverse communities, the Tour will surface the needs, challenges, and opportunities associated with using data to inform future data initiatives that support teaching, learning, research, and decision-making in Florida’s education system.
Key Responsibilities
Research Design & Protocol Development
- Collaborate with the research team to develop a comprehensive mixed-methods research framework for the Listening Tour.
- Design and refine data collection protocols for interviews, focus groups, and surveys, ensuring alignment with the Tour's goals and ethical standards.
- Develop interview guides, focus group facilitation scripts, and survey instruments tailored to each stakeholder group (school leaders, administrators, teachers, students, parents, and policymakers).
- Prepare and submit Institutional Review Board (IRB) applications and ensure ongoing compliance with human subjects research requirements.
- Pilot-test instruments and protocols and revise based on feedback prior to full deployment.
Data Collection & Fieldwork
- Travel across the state of Florida to facilitate in-person and virtual interviews and focus groups with diverse education stakeholders.
- Administer and manage survey distribution, tracking, and response rates using appropriate digital platforms.
- Recruit and coordinate participation with schools, districts, and community partners in collaboration with Tour logistics staff.
- Maintain detailed field notes and documentation of data collection activities, participant responses, and contextual observations.
Data Analysis & Interpretation
- Lead the coding, analysis, and interpretation of qualitative data from interviews and focus groups using systematic qualitative methods (e.g., thematic analysis, grounded theory approaches).
- Analyze quantitative survey data using appropriate statistical methods to identify patterns, trends, and key findings.
- Integrate qualitative and quantitative findings into a coherent, mixed-methods narrative.
- Identify cross-cutting themes, regional differences, and stakeholder-specific insights across the data.
- Engage in iterative sense-making with the broader research team to validate interpretations and ensure analytical rigor.
Reporting & Dissemination
- Lead the drafting of post-tour reports synthesizing findings, themes, and recommendations for educators, administrators, and policymakers.
- Prepare executive summaries, stakeholder briefs, and accessible data snapshots for diverse audiences.
- Develop data visualizations and presentation materials to communicate findings clearly and compellingly.
- Present preliminary and final findings to internal and external audiences as needed.
- Contribute to potential academic publications or policy briefs stemming from the Tour's findings.
Project Coordination & Team Collaboration
- Maintain organized records, data files, and project documentation throughout the Tour.
- Contribute to logistics planning, scheduling, and coordination of Tour sites and activities.
- Communicate regularly with the project sponsor and research team regarding progress, challenges, and emerging findings.
- Mentor or supervise graduate research assistants supporting data collection and analysis as needed.
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| Preferred: |
- Doctoral degree (Ph.D. or Ed.D.) in education research, educational psychology, sociology, public policy, evaluation, or a closely related field — completed or defended by the start date.
- Demonstrated expertise in mixed-methods or qualitative research design and methodology.
- Experience designing and administering research instruments, including interview guides, focus group protocols, and surveys.
- Proficiency in qualitative data analysis using software such as NVivo, ATLAS.ti, MAXQDA, or equivalent.
- Proficiency in quantitative data analysis using software such as SPSS, R, Stata, or equivalent.
- Strong written and verbal communication skills, including the ability to translate complex research findings for non-specialist audiences.
- Ability and willingness to travel extensively throughout the state of Florida over the 10-week engagement.
- Prior experience conducting community-based, participatory, or policy-focused research in K–12 education settings.
- Familiarity with K–12 education system, data infrastructure, or education policy landscape.
- Experience facilitating focus groups or conducting stakeholder interviews with diverse populations.
- Knowledge of data literacy frameworks and their application in educational contexts.
- Experience with IRB protocols and human subjects research compliance.
- Bilingual in English and Spanish is a plus.
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