Postdoctoral Fellow in Early Childhood Education & Development

The Department of Human Development and Family Science (HDFS) at the University of Missouri is seeking applicants for a Postdoctoral Fellow to work with faculty at the Center for Family Policy and Research (CFPR), whose research focuses on early childhood education and development, especially among vulnerable and underrepresented populations. The postdoctoral fellow position is a 12-month appointment, with potential for renewal or long-term academic appointments (Research Scientist or Non-Tenure Track Research Faculty), pending an externally funded program of research. The successful candidate will have a doctorate in Human Development and Family Science or a related field, a demonstrated trajectory towards excellence in scholarship, advanced quantitative skills, recent publications in top-tier journals, familiarity with external funding, and the potential to develop a federally funded research program.

The prospective candidate will join an active group of researchers whose body of scholarship focuses on early childhood education and development and who are interested in a wide range of translational and policy-relevant topics at CFPR. Successful applicants will engage in research that is theoretically and empirically driven, innovative, methodologically rigorous, and has implications for improving the lives of young children and their families. The postdoc's primary mentor will be Dr. Francisco Palermo, collaborating with other researchers studying children's development and school readiness. Dr. Palermo's research focuses on fostering children's school readiness, particularly Latino/a children at an elevated risk of experiencing socioemotional and learning difficulties in school due to limited English proficiency and adverse childhood experiences, such as poverty. The successful applicant will contribute to a team science infrastructure to build multidisciplinary collaborations working with faculty with active research funding in the CFPR. They will assist faculty with seeking and writing federal grants, building on a strong state contract infrastructure, as well as seeking training grants and other larger projects. The successful candidate will collaborate with teams of faculty on peer-reviewed research publications and other scholarly outputs, such as policy briefs or infographics that translate research into practice. Finally, the successful applicant will focus on writing NIH Pathway to Independence Awards (K99/R00) or related federal or early career grants in collaboration with Dr. Palermo to advance their research program. The postdoctoral fellow will have a scholarly program in Early Childhood Education, Care, Health, and Development, focusing on strengthening or empowering families to support young children's socioemotional health and academic well-being, even in adverse settings.

The CFPR at the University of Missouri is committed to hiring a Postdoctoral Fellow in Early Childhood Education & Development who has demonstrated experience in research in historically underrepresented and underserved communities. We are particularly interested in candidates who have strong quantitative research skills, who are interested in informing social policy, and whose research complements the growing translational multidisciplinary teams at Mizzou; areas include resilience, cultural influences on parenting and caregiving, self-regulation, play, language, and literacy development. Successful applicants will demonstrate scholarly activity consistent with the University's status as an AAU member and a "Very High" Research Productive institution. Postdoctoral Fellows will maintain an active and vibrant program of research that complements the research of current CFPR faculty and work to secure external funding to support independent and team science research efforts. The start date is as soon as possible or with a preferred start date no later than January 1, 2025. Salary is commensurate with experience (Range: $60,000 to $65,000), and the position includes ongoing supplemental monetary support for scholarly activities. Review of applications will begin on September 16 and continue until the position is filled. Applicants from underrepresented groups are encouraged to apply.

* Maintain and establish an active, externally funded program of research and scholarship.

* Conduct research on translational policy-relevant topics that improve the lives of individuals and families.

* Contribute to a team science infrastructure to build multidisciplinary collaborations with current center faculty.

* Record of scholarly productivity and evidence of maintaining such scholarship.

* Success or potential for success as principal investigator or co-investigator on externally funded projects.

* Demonstrated ability to produce high-quality research on policy-relevant topics.

* Ability to work and engage with department, university, and community members.

These positions will be housed in the Center for Family Policy and Research in collaboration with the Department of Human Development and Family Science at the University of Missouri in Columbia.

* An earned doctorate in Human Development and Family Science or a related field

Salary is commensurate with experience (Range: $60,000 to $65,000), and the position includes ongoing supplemental monetary support for scholarly activities.

How to apply. Upload application materials including a cover letter describing research/ scholarly interests, curriculum vitae, two reprints or preprints of recent manuscripts, and names and contact information for three references (no reference letters are required at this time) to: http://hrs.missouri.edu/find-a-job/academic/ . Questions about the online application system are best directed to MU Human Resources at (573) 882-7976. Questions about the position should be addressed to the search committee chair: Dr. Francisco Palermo (palermof@missouri.edu).

Review of applications will begin on September 16 and continue until the position is filled.

The Center for Family Policy and Research. CFPR was established in 1997 to become a state and national resource for the development of effective social policy relating to children, families, and communities. CFPR's mission is to focus on the integration of research, policy, and practice by conducting research and disseminating evidence-based findings to inform policymakers and to enhance program development; facilitate collaboration and provide leadership for systems- building efforts at the local, state, and national level; and work in communities to provide education and support services to programs that serve children, youth, and families. CFPR is committed to creating a bridge between high-quality translational research on child and family development and the programs and policies that impact our state's and nation's families. CFPR's mission and activities contribute to the university's four missions: research, public service, teaching, and economic development. CFPR outreach programs provide critical services for low- income and at-risk populations in nearly every county of Missouri. The faculty and staff at CFPR partner with more than two dozen other units on campus, over 300 organizations statewide and have directly impacted nearly a quarter million children, youth, parents, adults, or providers across the state per year. The total amount of grants awarded to CFPR during the last five years is just over $23 Million.

The HDFS Department. Faculty in the department conduct research on child, adolescent, and adult development, diversity and multiculturalism, family and relationship science, health, and family functioning. HDFS offers both undergraduate (BS) and graduate (MA, MS, and PHD) degrees, and has a significant presence on campus and within the state through its Extension outreach and services. HDFS is home to two large centers: Center for Family Policy and Research (CFPR) and Child Development Laboratory (CDL). The CFPR offers faculty and students opportunities to work on grant-funded research and intervention projects that directly serve children, families, and communities. The CDL provides childcare for children under six years and serves as a teaching and research laboratory for faculty and students. The Department currently has over $4 million in externally funded grants and contracts.

The College of Education and Human Development. The College of Education and Human Development serves more than 2,700 students in degree programs spanning the baccalaureate, Master's, and doctoral levels. In 2021, U.S. News and World Report ranked it in the top 50 colleges of education in the nation. Several of its degree programs are recognized nationally as leaders in their fields. The College boasts an impressive research and outreach footprint, with over $45 million in externally funded grants and contracts, as well as outreach activities in every county throughout Missouri.

Columbia offers small-town friendliness with big city features and a high quality of life for people of all ages and interests. Founded on education and known as an ideal college town, its location also makes it an attractive spot for businesses and travelers. Located on Interstate 70 and U.S. Highway 63, Columbia is right in the middle of the state and the nation. Just a couple hours' drive from St. Louis and Kansas City, Columbia is Boone County's largest population center offering big-city culture, activities, and resources with a low cost of living. Columbia is home to a variety of restaurants and entertainment venues and hosts more than a dozen cultural festivals each year. If you want to grow your career, continue your education, raise a family, and retire, Columbia is a good place to be!

This position is eligible for University benefits. As part of your total compensation, the University offers a comprehensive benefits package, including medical, dental and vision plans, retirement, and educational fee discounts for all four UM System campuses. For additional information on University benefits, please visit the Faculty & Staff Benefits website at https://www.umsystem.edu/totalrewards/benefits.

Values Commitment

We value the uniqueness of every individual and strive to ensure each person's success. Contributions from individuals with diverse backgrounds, experiences and perspectives promote intellectual pluralism and enable us to achieve the excellence that we seek in learning, research and engagement. This commitment makes our university a better place to work, learn and innovate.

In your application materials, please discuss your experiences and expertise that support these values and enrich our missions of teaching, research, and engagement.

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