"Post Doctoral Researcher"

Posting Summary

Job Title: Post Doctoral Researcher

Division: Division of Academic Affairs

Department: School of Education & Urban Studies

Contact Name: Meria J Carstarphen

Contact's Phone #: 443-885-2623

Job Effective Date: 10/15/2025

Job End Date: 06/30/2026

Work Status: Full Time

Position Category: Contractual

FLSA: Exempt

Annual Salary: $70,000 per year

About NCEED

The National Center for Elimination of Educational Disparities (NCEED) is committed to having a positive impact on academic achievement and equity in the Baltimore community, the State of Maryland, and the nation. In particular, NCEED’s work is focused on eliminating disparities in the educational outcomes of K-12 children. A national interdisciplinary research center, NCEED is driven by its mission to undertake research that addresses critically important questions related to the academic, social, and emotional outcomes of all children. Although the focus of our work is local, our contributions to educational knowledge will extend beyond Maryland to achieve national and global advances. We aim for the research and related interventions we develop to become a national model for addressing educational disparities nationwide.

Job Duties

This is an ideal opportunity for recent doctoral graduates who are committed to advancing equity in education through rigorous, community-engaged research. The successful applicant will demonstrate a strong collaborative work ethic, research acumen, and excellent written and verbal communication skills. In this position, the postdoctoral researcher will engage in NCEED-led research projects and also design and lead their own research initiatives that align with the Center’s mission. This postdoctoral program is expected to be completed within two years, with opportunities for mentorship, publishing, grant development, and community engagement.

Key Responsibilities

• Collaborative Research & Program Support: Collaborate with NCEED faculty on Center-based research initiatives, including literature reviews, data collection and analysis, manuscript development, and dissemination efforts. Contribute to the design and execution of research projects related to educational disparities in K-12 systems, teacher recruitment, preparation, and retention, community engagement in education, and literacy and college readiness initiatives. Support the development, implementation, and evaluation of community-based programs and events (e.g., Young Scholars Day, Parent Literacy Day, Grow Your Own, Battle of the Books).
• Independent Research & Leadership: Design and lead an original research project that aligns with NCEED’s unified research question: “How might schools and school systems and the broader educational ecosystem be transformed to ensure optimum outcomes for all students?” Engage community stakeholders and educational partners using Community-Based Participatory Research (CBPR) frameworks. Utilize mixed-methods designs to generate actionable findings and policy recommendations. Present research at conferences, community forums, and academic venues. Contribute to grant writing and development of new research partnerships.
• Mentorship & Capacity Building: Provide mentorship and research support to undergraduate and graduate research assistants. Co-lead workshops or seminars related to equity in education, research design, or community-engaged scholarship.

Professional Development Opportunities & Benefits:

• Opportunity to be mentored by leading researchers in urban education and equity.
• Funding to attend professional conferences and research events.
• Access to Morgan State University resources and a collaborative network of educational stakeholders.
• Potential for advancement or transition into a faculty or research scientist role.

Requested Minimum Qualifications

Education: A Ph.D. or Ed.D. in Education, Urban Education, Educational Leadership, Sociology of Education, Public Policy, or related fields (earned within the past 3 years) from an accredited college or university is required.

Experience: Experience conducting empirical research, including mixed-methods approaches. Experience in or strong knowledge of Community-Based Participatory Research (CBPR).

Knowledge, Skills & Abilities: Strong writing skills and a record of academic publications or presentations. Excellent interpersonal and organizational skills.

Other Preferences for Consideration

Preferred: Knowledge of Maryland’s educational landscape or similar urban education contexts. Experience working directly with K-12 schools or educational organizations. Grant writing or fundraising experience. Special consideration may be given to applicants with expertise in mixed-methods research and Community-Based Participatory Research (CBPR) methodologies, given the complex, systemic nature of educational disparities in urban contexts.