Postdoctoral Research Fellow (ASCEND Initiative)

About the role

The Prairie View A&M University Postdoctoral Research Fellow will support the ASCEND Initiative, a collaborative effort with Yale University focused on faculty development and institutional transformation in higher education. This two-year, full-time appointment runs from June 1, 2026, through May 30, 2028, and is designed for an emerging scholar seeking to build a strong applied research portfolio on institutional collaborations in higher education.

Responsibilities

• Support research activities associated with the ASCEND Initiative, including study design, data collection, management, and analysis using qualitative, quantitative, or mixed methods approaches.
• Collect, manage, and analyze data to assess program effectiveness and outcomes.
• Prepare comprehensive annual reports documenting initiative progress, impact, and key findings.
• Develop manuscripts for peer-reviewed journals, policy briefs, and institutional reports.
• Present research findings at national and international conferences.
• Contribute to dissemination strategies that highlight the impact and outcomes of the initiative.
• Collaborate closely with partners at Prairie View A&M University and Yale University to ensure alignment of research goals and deliverables.
• Engage with faculty participants and program stakeholders to support data collection efforts and continuous improvement processes.
• Contribute to strategic discussions about scaling and sustaining ASCEND outcomes across institutional contexts.
• Teach one 3-credit course during the Fall semester and one 3-credit course during the Spring semester at Prairie View A&M University.
• Develop course materials, facilitate instruction, maintain office hours, and support student learning through research-informed pedagogical practices.

Requirements

• Doctorate degree (Ph.D.) in Education or a closely related field.
• Demonstrated expertise in research design and methodology.
• Strong scholarly writing skills with evidence of publication or clear potential for publication.

Qualifications

• Experience with program evaluation, faculty development initiatives, or higher education research.
• Experience working on multi-institutional projects.
• Record of conference presentations or publications.
• Demonstrated commitment to excellence in education and student success.