At Wellesley, our mission is to deliver an outstanding liberal arts education to women who will make a difference in the world. Our collaborative community, comprising faculty, students, staff, and alumnae, is guided by our shared values. We champion intellectual discovery and excellence, uphold gender equality as foundational to progress, affirm diversity as crucial to educational excellence, value connection and community, empower individuals for social change, and commit to integrity and academic freedom in our pursuit of knowledge. Join us in this transformative journey!
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Job Posting Title
Postdoctoral Researcher
Job Description Summary
Admin Exempt
Job Description
Position Summary
The Postdoctoral Researcher will be joining the Youth, Media, and Wellbeing Research Lab (YMW) at the Wellesley Centers for Women (WCW), Wellesley College. Our research involves quantitative and qualitative studies of adolescent and young adult social media and televised media use, socioemotional health, physical health, peer and romantic relationships, digital citizenship, election attitudes, and civic engagement. We are committed to an intersectional identity approach, exploring questions of race/ethnicity, gender, sexual orientation, class, etc. We use a variety of methods to collect data in schools and community organizations, as well as through online platforms. We collect surveys, conduct interviews and focus groups, and social media content data of adolescents and young adults. Since 2013, we have collected multiple waves of cross-sectional survey data from over 25 countries related to gender equity and election attitudes from over 5000 individuals. Our previous NIH grant and current work about adolescent social technology use have amassed 6 waves of survey data from over 1500 middle and high school students in the Northeast. Locally, we organize and evaluate our own spring and summer digital wellbeing workshop each year with approximately 60 youth. Another line of research that our lab conducts is the role of pets in adolescent development and technology use, which is a collaboration with Tufts University Cummings School of Veterinary Medicine.
The postdoctoral researcher would work closely with the PI, Dr. Linda Charmaraman, as a co-Project Director for new and ongoing research studies related to adolescent development, social technology use, and wellbeing. Current projects include an ecological momentary sampling study of smartphone use in collaboration with the Boston Children's Hospital Digital Wellness Lab as well as a mixed methods study on socialization about online race and racism within Asian American families, partnering with Brigham & Women's Hospital. The postdoctoral researcher would join a team of data managers/analysts, a project coordinator, communications and website-development team, and will help co-supervise and mentor multiple undergraduate Wellesley College students. There will be plenty of opportunities to learn about the grant-writing process for federal, foundation, and community-based funding sources. Co-authoring in peer-reviewed journals and presenting at local and national conferences will be strongly encouraged and supported.
This position is a mostly grant-funded, full-time (35.0 hours/week), 1.0 FTE position with full benefits. Desired schedule would be "hybrid" with at least 3 days physically in the office. This is a term position for 2 years but may be extended beyond that date, depending on availability of funding.
Position Responsibilities
Data analysis and dissemination for Boston Children's Hospital collaboration
Recruitment, data analysis, and dissemination for Tufts University collaboration
Data analysis and dissemination for Brigham Women's Hospital collaboration
Co-organize digital wellbeing workshops
Co-organize Youth Advisory Board and supervise Wellesley College students
Professional development (including dissertation publishing, new studies)
Grant development
WCW core responsibilities including attendance at retreats, staff meetings, communications/social media updates, website content review
Supervisory Responsibilities
Supervision of research associates and data analysts, supervision of Wellesley College students.
Basic Qualifications
Candidates must have earned a doctoral degree within the last 4 years in a related field, such as psychology, media education, public health, human-computer interaction, communications, etc.
Fluency in SPSS and/or R.
Familiarity with survey platforms (e.g., Qualtrics).
Experience with qualitative or mixed methods.
Skills and Abilities
Positive outlook and enthusiasm for the research mission- enjoys working on a team with diverse people with various project roles (students, methodologists, research scientists at WCW, colleagues and postdocs at other institutions, consultants, pet lovers, etc.)
Ability to work independently with minimal supervision and as part of cross-functional teams, including the ability to work effectively both remotely and in person.
Excellent interpersonal skills, patience, and openness to constructive feedback
Good written communication skills (e.g., email correspondence, academic writing) and careful attention to detail
Ability to multitask, use good judgment to prioritize and follow through with competing deadlines
Proactive creative problem solver
Excellent organizational and time management skills
Flexibility and intellectual curiosity to work on multiple, varying, fast-paced projects
High degree of computer and internet literacy (e.g., Word, Excel, Google Suite, PowerPoint, Canva, social media)
Experience with publishing peer-reviewed articles on adolescent social technology use strongly preferred
Experience with grant applications and recruitment of study participants preferred
Experience with mixed methods and/or qualitative methods and NVivo a plus
Available to work occasional nights and weekends as required to support grant deadlines or special events.
Other
The Wellesley Centers for Women (WCW) is an academic research and action institute at Wellesley College that is focused on women and gender and driven by social change. The mission of WCW is to advance gender equality, social justice, and human wellbeing through high-quality research, theory, and action programs. As such, we encourage our employees to practice a healthy work/life balance.
We are committed to diversity and inclusion and we encourage individuals who identify as members of groups historically underrepresented in STEM to apply.
Company Description
Wellesley's mission is to provide an excellent liberal arts education to women who will make a difference in the world. We advance our mission by working together as a community-faculty, students, staff, and alumnae.
Embark on a fulfilling career journey at Wellesley College, where we prioritize your well-being and professional growth. As a valued member of our team, you'll enjoy a comprehensive array of benefits and resources designed to enhance both your work-life balance and long-term success.
Competitive Compensation : Experience competitive wages ensuring your dedication is recognized and rewarded.
Exceptional Benefits Package: Access a comprehensive benefits package, including health, dental, vision and pre-tax saving benefits, life insurance, disability coverage, and more to safeguard your health and that of your loved ones.
Commuting and Transportation: Enjoy the convenience of free parking on our picturesque campus, easily accessible from major roadways. We are also accessible via the MBTA commuter rail.
Paid Time Off : Take advantage of paid vacations, personal days, sick time, and holidays to recharge and maintain a healthy work-life harmony.
Retirement Savings : Plan for the future with our retirement savings plan. Wellesley College contributes up to 10.5% towards your 403(b) plan for eligible employees
Work/Life and Wellness: A hybrid work environment for select positions (additional details will be provided during the interview process), caregiving support through Wellthy, legal plan insurance, pet insurance discount and a variety of other resources including retirement planning, free onsite and virtual fitness classes and access to cultural and leisure activities throughout metro-Boston.
Professional Development: Enhance your skills and explore growth opportunities through continuing training and pathways for growth within our supportive environment.
Tuition and Education Benefits : Invest in your education with tuition benefits, and access resources to navigate student loan forgiveness, reinforcing our commitment to your ongoing learning.
Campus Privileges : Enjoy free use of our state-of-the-art athletic and fitness facilities with onsite fitness classes, Library resources, and seize opportunities to attend diverse campus events that contribute to a vibrant community.
Apply today and take your first step toward a rewarding career with Wellesley College - where your unique strengths and success are celebrated as part of our shared commitment to inclusivity!
Worker Sub-Type
Fixed Term (Fixed Term)
Time Type
Full time
EEO Statement
At Wellesley, we embrace and honor difference and diversity. We believe the best ideas-the best solutions-draw on a range of voices, perspectives, and experiences. As a college, and as a community, we are dedicated to assuring that all members for the Wellesley community have an equal opportunity to flourish.
Wellesley College is an Equal Opportunity Employer, committed to the diversity of the college community and the curriculum . Wellesley College and all its subcontractors shall abide by the requirements of 41 CFR 60-1.4(a), 60-300.5(a) and 60-741.5(a). These regulations prohibit discrimination against qualified individuals based on their status as protected veterans or individuals with disabilities, and prohibit discrimination against all individuals based on their race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity or national origin. Moreover, these regulations require that Wellesley College and all of its subcontractors take affirmative action to employ and advance in employment individuals without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, age, disability or veteran status. Candidates who believe they can contribute to that goal are encouraged to apply.
