The University of Chicago seeks a Postdoctoral Researcher at the rank of Research Associate in basic or applied research on early childhood development from any relevant discipline whose work centers on developmental and/or contextual experiences that promote learning, broadly defined, in early childhood. For example, the work could focus on family interactions and home experiences; early childhood care and education programs, settings, and curricula; and teaching strategies and everyday classroom experiences. The work could include approaches such as identifying and assessing relevant skills and processes, and/or creating, implementing, and evaluating the effectiveness of new intervention programs. Applicants should focus on learning from birth through early elementary school (PreK-G3). The candidate will be appointed in one of the following units: Psychology, Comparative Human Development, Sociology, Economics, the Harris School of Public Policy, or the Crown School of Social Work, depending on the interests of the applicant. A joint appointment in the Committee on Education will ensure engagement in the Committee’s stimulating inter-disciplinary intellectual life (see https://voices.uchicago.edu/coed/).

Candidates are expected to have their PhD in hand by the appointment start date and have demonstrated a strong early record of conducting rigorous quantitative research, basic or applied, that has potential relevance for improving the lives of young children.

Candidates must apply online at the University of Chicago’s Interfolio academic job board at: apply.interfolio.com/159309. Applicants are required to submit; 1) a cover letter describing their research interests, 2) CV, 3) writing sample consisting of a publication or manuscript, and 4) two letters of recommendation. The cover letter should discuss which faculty members) the applicant is interested in working with.

Review of applications will begin on January 15*h, 2025 and continue until the position is filled or the search has closed.

The initial postdoctoral researcher at the rank of research associate appointment will be for a two-year term with the possibility of renewal for an additional year conditional on evaluation and funding for the position. Normally, individuals cease to be eligible for Postdoctoral Researcher positions seven years after the award of the degree. The total duration of an individual’s postdoctoral experience may not exceed seven years, including postdoctoral work at other institutions.

Equal Employment Opportunity

All University departments and institutes are charged with building a faculty from a diversity of backgrounds and with diverse viewpoints; with cultivating an inclusive community that values freedom of expression; and with welcoming and supporting all their members. We seek a diverse pool of applicants who wish to join an academic community that places the highest value on rigorous inquiry and encourages diverse perspectives, experiences, groups of individuals, and ideas to inform and stimulate intellectual challenge, engagement, and exchange. The University’s Statements on Diversity are at https://provost.uchicago.edu/statements-diversity.

The University of Chicago is an Affirmative Action/Equal Opportunity/Disabled/Veterans Employer and does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender, gender identity, national or ethnic origin, age, status as an individual with a disability, military or veteran status, genetic informati on, or other protected classes under the law. For additional information please see the University’s Notice of Nondiscrimination.

Job seekers in need of a reasonable accommodation to complete the application process should call 773-834-3988 or email with their request.