Cornell University's Duffield Engineering Education Research Institute Postdoctoral Associate Positions

The newly established Cornell University Duffield Engineering Education Research Institute is seeking multiple highly motivated scholars to join our Institute as Postdoctoral Associates in Engineering Education Research. This is a unique opportunity to help shape a new, nationally visible Institute at a leading research university.

The Institute advances theory-informed and practice-engaged research on how engineers learn, how engineering knowledge and identities are formed, how we assess and evaluate learning, and how educational systems can be designed and transformed to support meaningful and impactful learning experiences. A central focus of the Institute is translating research into sustained evidence-based practice across engineering classrooms, programs, and institutions. The postdoctoral associates will work directly with core faculty within the Institute, Drs. Allison Godwin, Jessica Rush Leeker, Alexandra Werth and Alexandra Coso Strong. Institute faculty bring complementary expertise spanning engineering student learning and identity, faculty development and pedagogy, design- and project-based learning environments, institutional transformation in engineering education, and research method innovation.

The collaborative expertise of the postdoctoral associate cohort, using both qualitative and quantitative methods, will contribute to, for example, foundational research for the Institute and collaborations with Duffield Engineering faculty interested in engaging in discipline-based education research and/or scholarship of teaching and learning. Postdoctoral associates will join a vibrant and growing community of engineering education researchers at Cornell University, with access to interdisciplinary collaborations, cutting-edge research infrastructure, and strong institutional support for innovative and impactful scholarship.

The position includes structured mentorship from Institute faculty, opportunities to lead collaborative projects, contribute as first authors on publications, and develop a research trajectory aligned with their long-term career goals. This position is designed to support successful transitions into academia, industry, or the public sector.

The anticipated start date is August 2026. This is a one-year appointment, with the possibility of renewal based on performance.

Responsibilities could include:

Lead and contribute to Institute research projects, including empirical and design-based studies
Partner with engineering faculty to design and study innovations in teaching and learning
Engage with educational programs and institutional partners to support evidence-based change
Disseminate research through peer-reviewed publications, conferences and seminars
Mentor and supervise graduate and undergraduate students in research activities

Requirements:

Ph.D. in Engineering Education, STEM Education, Engineering, Computer Science, or a related field.
Demonstrated expertise in quantitative, qualitative, or mixed-methods research methods.
Experience with human subjects research, including data collection analysis, and interpretation preferred.
Strong oral and written communication skills.
Ability to work independently and collaboratively within a research team.

Application Procedure:

A cover letter that describes the interest in this position, desired goals for the postdoc, alignment of the candidate's expertise with position requirements, and anticipated start date. Candidate CV, including publication list and date of Ph.D. graduation, and listing the Ph.D. advisor's name. If not yet graduated, please note the estimated date for graduation. Font size should be no smaller than 11pt. Names of 2-3 recommenders that may be contacted as a reference after initial screening.

Pay Range: $62,232.00 - $88,745.00

Cornell University's Duffield Engineering Education Research Institute Postdoctoral Associate Positions