"Research Associate-Fixed Term"

Position Summary

The Education Policy Innovation Collaborative (EPIC) at Michigan State University (MSU) invites applications for a Postdoctoral Research Associate who is skilled in quantitative research methods and has expertise in education policy, with a specific interest in policy and program evaluation. EPIC is a policy lab located within the College of Education at Michigan State University. EPIC partners with state and school district leaders to produce rigorous and objective multi-method research with consequence that strengthens evidence-based decision making for practice and policy in Michigan, with implications for historically and currently underserved students throughout the country. The EPIC team includes Dr. Madeline Mavrogordato and EPIC staff researchers, EPIC-affiliated faculty, several postdoctoral research associates, and graduate and undergraduate students.

The Postdoctoral Research Associate will work with an interdisciplinary team of scholars focused on research to improve educational opportunities and outcomes for Michigan students, especially those from underserved populations and communities. This includes assessing the implementation and efficacy of state and local policies, programs, and investments in public education and providing continuous feedback about the state of the public school system and educator workforce. The Postdoctoral Research Associate will be tasked with using large-scale state administrative panel data and survey data collected from students, teachers, and principals across the state of Michigan in both descriptive and quasi-experimental econometric analyses.

There will be opportunities for the Postdoctoral Research Associate to engage in research regarding teacher labor markets, education finance, student outcomes, and academic recovery. In addition to engaging in EPIC research, the Postdoctoral Research Associate will be supported in establishing their own research agenda within EPIC’s major focus areas. In support of this, the successful candidate will be able to leverage key features of EPIC and the College, including EPIC’s unprecedented data sharing agreement with the State of Michigan that provides access to all administrative educational data sets with regular updates.

The Postdoctoral Research Associate will work with other EPIC researchers to conduct appropriate and rigorous quantitative analyses, co-author peer-reviewed publications, and present research at national conferences and to policymaker partners in Michigan. In addition, the Postdoctoral Research Associate will gain valuable experience working with agency partners, interfacing with state officials and stakeholders, and providing them with evidence to inform policymaking and program implementation. The Postdoctoral Research Associate will also gain experience with project management and leading a team of doctoral student and staff researchers.

The Postdoctoral Research Associate must have a completed doctoral degree or be on track to successfully defend their dissertation prior to beginning the position. Preference will be given to candidates with strong econometric skills, experience working with large administrative datasets, facility with analyzing survey data, and strong evidence of writing capability. Because EPIC is a collaborative and fast-paced center, we are seeking a person who is excited to be a member of a dynamic and motivated group, and who is driven by a desire to produce both rigorous and policy-relevant research aimed at driving improvements in educational outcomes for Michigan students.

The position, which includes benefits, is a fixed-term annual, 100% time beginning July 1, 2026 (although the start date is flexible and we welcome candidates who can start earlier) with the potential for annual renewals in the College of Education as funding permits. Postdoctoral Research Associate roles are generally structured to work with EPIC for two years, with the option for a third year, should interest and project needs permit, and enter the job market with support from EPIC.

This position is primarily office-based, with the opportunity for a hybrid schedule based on center needs.

Required Degree

Doctorate -economics, public policy, education or another related field

Minimum Requirements

• A Ph.D. in economics, public policy, education or another related field;
• Expertise with econometric research methods, particularly quasi-experimental design and panel data methods;
• Significant research experience working in Stata;
• A track record of publication, or evidence of strong potential;
• Ability to work collaboratively;
• Interest in pursuing independent and collaborative policy-oriented research in the field of public education;
• Interest in producing applied research in partnership with and of relevance to policymakers;
• Excellent interpersonal, organizational, verbal and written communication skills; and
• Potential for developing a substantial research and publication record and scholarly recognition in the field.

Desired Qualifications

• Experience with survey design and analysis;
• Experience working on large-scale team-based projects;
• Experience coordinating data collection and analysis activities across a large team; and
• Experience mentoring early-stage graduate or undergraduate researchers.

Required Application Materials

Interested candidates should send: 1) a letter of application stating qualifications for and reasons for interest in this position; 2) a current curriculum vitae; 3) a writing sample produced for an academic audience  (e.g. working paper, draft manuscript, published article) 4) a writing sample that demonstrates the applicant’s ability to translate academic research for policymaker and/or practitioner audiences; and 5) the names and contact information for three references.

Special Instructions

We will begin reviewing applications on January 26, 2026, and will continue on a rolling basis until the position is filled.

Questions can be directed to Emily Mohr (emohr@msu.edu).

This position is primarily office-based, with the opportunity for a hybrid schedule based on center needs.

Review of Applications Begins On

01/26/2026

epicedpolicy.org