Research Scientist, Center for Advanced Study of Teaching and Learning (CASTL)

The Virginia Kindergarten Readiness Program ( VKRP ) housed within the Center for Advanced Study of Teaching and Learning ( CASTL ) at the UVA School of Education and Human Development seeks to hire a Research Scientist with an analytic focus to leverage and disseminate data related to early childhood education access and quality and children’s school readiness skills. With direction from the Principal Investigators ( Whittaker , Williford ), the incumbent will oversee key aspects of VKRP, conduct literature reviews, conduct statistical analyses, and disseminate research to meet the goals of the project. This position will assist in analysis and reporting needs as well as using data for systems improvements to help our team offer high-quality and equitable birth-to-five experiences for children across Virginia.

VKRP is a partnership between the University of Virginia, the Virginia Department of Education, and school divisions across the Commonwealth. VKRP partners with Virginia Literacy Partnerships to provide a comprehensive picture of students’ skills in pre-kindergarten and kindergarten. VKRP uses a web-based assessment and reporting system, which provides critical data about young children’s school readiness skills in the areas of literacy, math, social skills, and self-regulation.

The primary focus of this position is to effectively oversee key aspects of this initiative and to manage, analyze, and report on research and policy questions by leveraging large datasets that span early childhood settings and include data on children’s school readiness skills in pre-kindergarten and kindergarten. The incumbent will work with the Principal Investigators to analyze data; to write reports, manuscripts, and other products; and to disseminate findings.

The ideal candidate will be a highly motivated, efficient, individual with a history of excellent work ethic, attention to detail, high levels of organization, ability to juggle multiple deadlines, and work both independently and collaboratively. In addition, the person will find motivation in our shared mission of improving early education for all children.

Responsibilities

The successful candidate will be responsible for the following activities:

• Oversee key aspects of VKRP.
  
• Support data cleaning; lead analyses; produce policy-relevant reports; co-author manuscripts for peer-reviewed publications; and disseminate findings for diverse audiences including VDOE, school divisions, schools/program, and research audiences (e.g., reports, peer reviewed manuscripts, research briefs).
  
• Collaborate within and across research projects, giving and receiving feedback on processes and products to produce high-quality reports and publications.
  
• Check-in weekly with the PIs to discuss progress and research findings and products
  

In addition to the above job responsibilities, other duties may be assigned.

This is a hybrid position. The individual who is hired into this position may work remotely, in accordance with the University's flex-work guidelines, and will be required to work on Grounds 2-3 days per week. No travel reimbursements will be provided for reporting on-site.

Minimum Qualifications

Education: A Doctoral degree in a related field. A Master's degree may be considered in lieu of a terminal degree when accompanied by significant relevant experience.

Physical Demands: This is primarily a sedentary job involving extensive use of desktop computers. The job does occasionally require traveling some distance to attend meetings, and programs.

Preferred Qualifications

• A Ph.D. in education, psychology or related field
  
• Deep experience in early childhood education and development.
  
• Publication record and experience with the peer-reviewed publication process.
  
• Experience with large-scale data and running analysis.
  
• Familiarity with and ability to prepare reports and briefs to be disseminated to diverse audiences.
  
• Ability to meet deliverables on a structured timeline
  
• Ability to work independently.
  

Research Scientists are limited-term, restricted positions with initial appointments of one year (1y), after which continued employment is contingent upon satisfactory performance, department need, and availability of funding.

Anticipated annual starting salary is $75,000-$90,000, commensurate with experience and technical expertise. This is an Exempt-level, benefitted position.

This position is based in Charlottesville, VA, and may be eligible to work on-site, hybrid or fully remote, following the University's remote work guidelines. To learn more about UVA and the Charlottesville area, visit UVA Life and Embark CVA .

This position will not offer sponsorship. Application review will begin after August 4 and may continue until the position is filled. Background checks will be conducted on all new hires prior to employment.

How to Apply

Please apply online , by searching for requisition number R0085239 . Complete an application with the following documents:

• CV/Resume
  
• Cover Letter
  

Upload all materials into the resume submission field. You can submit multiple documents into this one field or combine them into one PDF. Applications without all required documents will not be considered.

Internal applicants may search and apply for jobs on the UVA Internal Careers website .

Reference checks will be completed by UVA’s third-party partner, SkillSurvey, during the final phase of the interview. Five references will be requested, with at least three responses required.

For questions or additional information about this position, please contact Miriam Rushfinn at mkr5s@virginia.edu .

For questions about the application process, please contact

Lyndsay Thaxton at enn9zv@virginia.edu.

The University of Virginia is an equal opportunity employer. All interested persons are encouraged to apply, including veterans and individuals with disabilities. Learn more about UVA’s commitment to non-discrimination and equal opportunity employment .