Educational Postdoctoral Research Scholar

About the role

This Educational Postdoctoral Research Scholar is designed to bridge the gap between clinical expertise and educational scholarship. By combining research training with hands-on teaching experience, the Postdoctoral Research Scholar will develop the skills necessary to become a leader in veterinary education and communication and professional pedagogy.

Program Overview

Duration: 12–24 months

Primary Objective: To equip DVM or PhD professionals with the methodological toolkit required to conduct high-impact research in health communication, communication and educational theory, and professionalism/professional identity.

Eligibility & Qualifications

• Must hold a DVM (or equivalent) or a PhD in a related field (Education, Communication, Psychology, etc.)

Research & Methodological Training

The Postdoctoral Research Scholar will participate in a structured mentorship program to master mixed-methods research tailored to the veterinary healthcare and educational environment.

• Quantitative research methodologies, including survey design, statistical analysis of educational outcomes (such as competency-based assessments), and data-driven evaluation of communication interventions
• Qualitative research methods, including thematic analysis of reflective practice, conducting and coding focus groups and semi-structured interviews, and utilizing ethnographic or observational approaches
• Scholarly output through writing and submitting one first-author manuscript per year to a peer-reviewed journal (e.g., Journal of Veterinary Medical Education)

Teaching, Facilitation, and Curriculum

The Postdoctoral Research Scholar will be integrated into the DVM curriculum to ground ongoing research initiatives in active educational practice related to professionalism and communication training.

• Communication Lab Facilitation – Leading small-group sessions using simulated clients (SCs) and providing real-time, constructive feedback to DVM students on clinical communication
• Guest Lecturing – Developing and delivering didactic content on topics such as conflict management, breaking bad news, or veterinary professional ethics
• Curriculum Development – Collaborating with faculty to refine and enhance learning modules and assessments across the professionalism curriculum

Benefits

• Medical, Dental, Vision
• Retirement and Leave
• Faculty and Staff Assistance Program
• LEAD courses
• Free attendance at non-revenue generating sporting events
• Childcare benefits
• Wellness & Recreation Membership
• Wellness Programs

Pay

Anticipated Hiring Range: $58,656 – $60,000

Schedule

Monday – Friday, 8:00 am to 5:00 pm