Postdoctoral Scholar: Community Centered Computer Science

Posting Summary:
The Vice Dean of Teacher Education and Community Partnerships at Teachers College, Columbia University, is seeking a Postdoctoral Scholar to support the research, curriculum development, and dissemination components of interrelated projects.

The Postdoctoral Scholar will work in close collaboration with principal investigators, school-based educators, and community partners to manage data collection, contribute to curriculum development, support implementation in schools, and lead dissemination efforts across academic and public platforms.

This position, funded by the National Science Foundation (NSF), focuses on co-developing and implementing locally grounded and community-centered computer science (CS) curriculum for rural Hawaiian elementary and middle school students. The work engages students, educators, and families in the co-design of curriculum that reflects the lived experiences, challenges, and values of local communities. Through a mixed-methods, collaborative research approach, the project seeks to deepen student engagement and interest in STEM learning and future opportunities.

Job Summary/Basic Function:
The Vice Dean of Teacher Education and Community Partnerships at Teachers College, Columbia University, is seeking a Postdoctoral Scholar to support the research, curriculum development, and dissemination components of interrelated projects.

The Postdoctoral Scholar will work in close collaboration with principal investigators, school-based educators, and community partners to manage data collection, contribute to curriculum development, support implementation in schools, and lead dissemination efforts across academic and public platforms.

This position, funded by the National Science Foundation (NSF), focuses on co-developing and implementing locally grounded and community-centered computer science (CS) curriculum for rural Hawaiian elementary and middle school students. The work engages students, educators, and families in the co-design of curriculum that reflects the lived experiences, challenges, and values of local communities. Through a mixed-methods, collaborative research approach, the project seeks to deepen student engagement and interest in STEM learning and future opportunities.

CHARACTERISTIC DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES:
● Curriculum Coordination & Management
○ Collaborate with teachers and researchers to co-design and refine CS curriculum materials connected to community priorities and students' lived experiences.
○ Support in-school implementation and professional learning with teaching teams.
○ Document curriculum iterations and implementation fidelity.
○ Serve as a key liaison between researchers, school teams, and community partners.
○ Contribute to progress reports and future funding proposals.

● Data Collection & Analysis
○ Conduct classroom observations and support collection of interview, focus group, and survey data.
○ Analyze both qualitative and quantitative data (e.g., coding, factor analysis, measurement validation).
○ Ensure ethical research practices, informed consent, and secure data storage and confidentiality protocols.

● Research Dissemination
○ Co-author journal articles, conference presentations, research briefs, and community reports.
○ Present findings at national research conferences and local stakeholder events.
○ Contribute to development of tools and resources for educators and researchers.
● Other duties as assigned

In order to be considered for the position, all applicants must submit the following materials:
1. A cover letter detailing your interest and qualifications
2. Curriculum vitae (CV)
3. One writing sample (e.g., journal article, dissertation chapter, or conference paper)
4. Contact information for three references
Applications without the required documents may not be considered
For inquiries about the position, contact Colby Tofel-Grehl at colbytg@tc.columbia.edu

This is a one-year appointment.

Minimum Qualifications:
● Ph.D. or Ed.D. in Education, Learning Sciences, Educational Psychology, Curriculum Studies, or a related field
● Demonstrated experience with qualitative and/or quantitative research methodologies.
● Strong data management skills, including experience using tools such as Microsoft Excel (e.g., data cleaning, organizing spreadsheets, creating charts/tables), Google Sheets, or similar platforms to track, organize, and analyze data.
● Excellent written and verbal communication skills.
● Strong organizational and time management skills, with the ability to handle multiple tasks, meet deadlines, and work both independently and collaboratively.
● Experience working collaboratively in team-based environments, particularly across institutional, geographic, or cultural boundaries.

Preferred Qualifications:
● Experience with participatory or community-engaged research.
● Familiarity with K–12 STEM or computer science education.
● Background in curriculum design, teacher professional development, or instructional support.
● Knowledge of rural education or Hawaiian community contexts is beneficial.

Salary Range:

58,400-73,000

Work Modality:

Hybrid