Postdoctoral Scholar

Department: Department of Special Education and Clinical Sciences
Rank: Postdoctoral Scholar
Annual Basis: 12 Month

Review of Applications Begins

April 24, 2026; position open until filled

Special Instructions to Applicants

To ensure consideration, complete applications must include the following along with the online application:

• A cover letter highlighting how your knowledge, skills, and experience quality you for the requirements, competencies, and if applicable, preferred qualifications outlined in the job announcement.
• A resume of your professional work experience, education, and applicable certifications.

The online application includes the name and contact information of at least three professional references. The candidate will be notified prior to references being contacted.

Department Summary

The Department of Special Education and Clinical Sciences (SPECS) is housed within the College of Education at the University of Oregon. SPECS faculty have highly productive programs of research focused on a wide array of topics, including but not limited to Early Intervention/Early Childhood Special Education (EI/ECSE), School Psychology, and Communication Disorders.

Position Summary

Dr. Sara Schmitt, faculty in SPECS, is seeking qualified applicants for a full-time postdoctoral scholar to engage in several different research projects in her lab, which focuses on 1) identifying contextual and individual predictors and correlates of self-regulation and school readiness in early childhood, 2) designing and evaluating targeted interventions, curricula, and policies to enhance these skills in children from minoritized populations (e.g., those living in poverty). These research lines are in the service of detecting and preventing early learning problems and, ultimately, reducing socioeconomic disparities as children make their way through formal schooling. The purpose of this position is to provide a postdoctoral scholar with opportunities to develop research and scholarship skills in the field of EI/ECSE. The postdoctoral scholar will write and publish peer-reviewed research reports, train research assistants on and administer child assessments, collaborate with lab members and school staff on intervention implementation, contribute to and/or lead the writing of grant proposals, and provide mentorship to undergraduate and graduate students. The postdoctoral scholar will receive mentorship from Dr. Schmitt in self-regulation, school readiness, intervention development, implementation science, and grant writing, and will receive professional development to support the scholar in pursuing a successful career in a research position (e.g., tenure line faculty).

The position is a limited-duration appointment potentially renewable for up to a total of two years.

Minimum Requirements

• Ph.D. in early childhood education, special education, human development and family sciences, psychology or related field by start of position.
• Demonstrated experience with human subjects research, particularly children.
• Documented experience publishing research.

Professional Competencies

• Demonstrated effectiveness in working with children from racial and ethnic minoritized and/or lower socioeconomic status backgrounds
• Demonstrated effectiveness working with schools or other community organizations
• Familiarity with statistical modeling (e.g. use of structural equation modeling, hierarchical linear modeling, regression analyses).
• Interpersonal skills that foster teamwork and collaboration, the ability to work effectively individually and as part of a team, and the ability to coordinate multiple projects and staff
• Excellent scientific writing ability and effective communication skills

Preferred Qualifications

• Familiarity with IRB protocol preparation
• Advanced skills in data management and analysis.
• Demonstrated experience collaborating in research workgroups.
• Demonstrated experience delivering professional workshops and conference presentations.

All offers of employment are contingent upon successful completion of a background check.

The University of Oregon is proud to offer a robust benefits package to eligible employees, including health insurance, retirement plans, and paid time off. For more information about benefits, visit our website.

The University of Oregon is an equal-opportunity institution committed to cultural diversity and compliance with the Americans with Disabilities Act. The University encourages all qualified individuals to apply and does no