Job Description

Classification Title:

Postdoctoral Researcher

Job Description:

About the Lastinger Center’s Literacy Initiatives

The Literacy Team at the Lastinger Center is dedicated to improving early literacy outcomes through a growing portfolio of evidence-based initiatives. By engaging with educators, administrators, and policymakers, the team works to surface needs and develop specialized content and implementation supports. Our projects rely heavily on translating rigorous educational research and state-wide data into practical, scalable solutions that support teaching, learning, and systemic decision-making across Florida’s education system.

Key Responsibilities:

Content Development and Implementation

• Lead and collaborate on the creation, revision, and scaling of high-quality, evidence-based literacy content and instructional materials.
• Travel across the state of Florida to support on-site implementation, facilitating training or observations, and gathering practical insights from educators in the field.
• Apply principles of implementation science to ensure content is effectively translated from research into sustainable classroom practice.
• Address bottlenecks in content development by rapidly synthesizing research into actionable practitioner tools and professional learning modules.

Research & Evaluation 

• Collaborate with the research team to design and execute program evaluations for current and piloting literacy initiatives.
• Conduct comprehensive literature reviews to ensure all new content and frameworks are grounded in the most current empirical research.
• Design and refine data collection protocols (interviews, focus groups, surveys, and assessments) to evaluate the efficacy of implemented programs.
• Ensure ongoing compliance with human subjects research requirements and IRB protocols.

Data Analysis & Interpretation

• Support the coding, analysis, and interpretation of state-level educational data and qualitative fieldwork data using systematic methodologies.
• Analyze quantitative survey and assessment data using appropriate statistical methods to identify patterns, trends, and key findings in early literacy outcomes.
• Engage in iterative sense-making with the broader Literacy Team to validate interpretations and ensure analytical rigor.

Reporting & Dissemination

• Lead the drafting of program evaluation reports, synthesizing findings and actionable recommendations for project sponsors, educators, and policymakers.
• Prepare academic manuscripts, executive summaries, and accessible data snapshots for diverse audiences.
• Develop data visualizations and presentation materials to communicate findings clearly and compellingly.
• Present preliminary and final findings to internal and external audiences as needed.

Project Coordination & Team Collaboration

• Maintain organized records, data files, and project documentation throughout the lifecycle of various grant-funded projects.
• Contribute to logistics planning, scheduling, and coordination of implementation site visits.
• Mentor and supervise graduate research assistants, students, or OPS workers supporting data collection and content creation.

Expected Salary:

Commensurate with education and experience.

Required Qualifications:

Doctoral degree (Ph.D. or Ed.D.) in education, literacy, educational psychology, special education, evaluation, or a closely related field—completed or defended by the August 2026 start date.

Preferred:

• Ph.D. with minor in research and evaluation methodology (mixed-methods or qualitative/quantitative design) or commensurate research experience. • Demonstrated expertise in the Science of Reading and multi-tiered systems of support (MTSS).
• Proficiency in quantitative data analysis using software such as SPSS, R, Stata, or equivalent.
• Proficiency in qualitative data analysis using software such as NVivo, ATLAS.ti, MAXQDA, or equivalent.
• Strong written and verbal communication skills, including the ability to translate complex research findings into accessible content for non-specialist practitioner audiences.
• Ability and willingness to travel periodically throughout the state of Florida to support content implementation and data collection.
• Prior experience conducting community-based, participatory, or policy-focused research in K–12 education settings.
• Familiarity with the Florida K–12 education system, data infrastructure, and current literacy policy landscape.
• Experience with IRB protocols and human subjects research compliance.

Special Instructions to Applicants:

Interested candidates should submit the following materials:

• Cover letter (maximum 2 pages) describing your relevant experience, research philosophy, and interest in the Data Listening Tour.

• Curriculum vitae (CV).

• One writing sample demonstrating research, evaluation, or content-development expertise (e.g., published article, technical report, or practitioner-facing module).

• Contact information for three professional references.

Application must be submitted by 11:55 p.m. (ET) of the posting end date.

Health Assessment Required:No

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