Cornell University, Operations Research and Information Engineering
Position Description
Postdoctoral Associate in Informal Engineering Education and Learning Sciences
Cornell University | School of Operations Research and
Information Engineering
Location: Ithaca, NY
Duration: 2-year appointment with the possibility of renewal for a third
year, contingent on funding and performance
Pay range: $62,232.00 - $88,745.00 + benefits (commensurate with Cornell postdoctoral
guidelines)
Start Date: Fall 2026
Position Overview
Cornell University invites applications for a Postdoctoral Associate to support a National Science Foundation–funded research project, Engineering at Home: Designing and Studying Family-Centered Informal Engineering Learning Experiences, led by Dr. Jessica Rush Leeker. This project focuses on the design, study, and dissemination of informal engineering learning resources that support children (ages 6–10) in engaging with core engineering practices in home-based environments.
The postdoctoral researcher will play a central role in advancing a multi-phase research agenda that integrates learning sciences, engineering education, and informal STEM learning. This position is well-suited for candidates who enjoy both research and implementation, including coordinating participants, managing timelines, and translating ideas into practice.
Key Responsibilities
The postdoctoral researcher will:
- Lead coordination of participant recruitment and communication with families and informal learning partners
- Support the design and refinement of engineering learning modules and caregiver-facing materials
- Develop and implement research instruments, including surveys, interview protocols, and observation tools
- Conduct qualitative and mixed-methods data collection and analysis
- Manage day-to-day project operations, timelines, and deliverables across multiple workstreams
- Facilitate advisory board and consultant engagement and synthesize feedback into project design decisions
- Contribute to the development of a digital platform for the dissemination of learning resources
- Support preparation of research publications, conference presentations, and project reports
- Assist in planning for scaling, dissemination, and future grant development
Required Qualifications
- PhD in Engineering Education, Learning Sciences, Education, STEM Education, or a related field (by start date)
- Experience with qualitative or mixed-methods research
- Experience with human subjects research, including IRB protocols, consent processes, and participant recruitment
- Strong organizational and project management skills, with the ability to manage multiple priorities independently
- Excellent written and verbal communication skills
Preferred Qualifications
- Experience working with families, youth, or informal learning environments
- Experience with curriculum or learning design
- Interest in informal STEM education and early engineering learning
- Experience coordinating across teams or stakeholder groups
Professional Development Opportunities
This position offers substantial opportunities for professional growth, including:
- Leading and co-authoring peer-reviewed publications
- Presenting at national and international conferences
- Contributing to NSF proposal development and future funding initiatives
- Building expertise in design-based and informal STEM education research
- Developing interdisciplinary collaborations across engineering and education
- Receiving mentorship in academic and research career pathways
About the Project
Engineering at Home is an NSF-funded project that develops and studies accessible, family-centered engineering learning resources. The project combines curriculum design, learning sciences research, and digital dissemination to support early engagement with engineering practices and problem-solving. Findings will contribute to research on informal STEM learning and inform scalable approaches to engineering education beyond the classroom.
Application Instructions
Applicants should submit:
- Curriculum vitae
- Cover letter describing research interests and fit with the position
- Writing sample (e.g., dissertation chapter or publication)
- Contact information for 2–3 references
For specific questions about the position or application process, please contact the Recruiter listed in the job posting or for general questions email mycareer@cornell.edu.
If you require an accommodation for a disability in order to complete an employment application or to participate in the recruiting process, you are encouraged to contact Cornell Office of Civil Rights at voice (607) 255-2242, or email at accommodations@cornell.edu.
Applicants that do not have internet access are encouraged to visit your local library, or local Department of Labor.
Please read the required Notice to Applicants statement by clicking here. This notice contains important information about applying for a position at Cornell as well as some of your rights and responsibilities as an applicant.
EEO Statement:
Cornell welcomes students, faculty, and staff with diverse backgrounds from across the globe to pursue world-class education and career opportunities, to further the founding principle of “... any person ... any study.” No person shall be denied employment on the basis of any legally protected status or subjected to prohibited discrimination involving, but not limited to, such factors as race, ethnic or national origin, citizenship and immigration status, color, sex, pregnancy or pregnancy-related conditions, age, creed, religion, actual or perceived disability (including persons associated with such a person), arrest and/or conviction record, military or veteran status, sexual orientation, gender expression and/or identity, an individual’s genetic information, domestic violence victim status, familial status, marital status, or any other characteristic protected by applicable federal, state, or local law.
Cornell University embraces diversity in its workforce and seeks job candidates who will contribute to a climate that supports students, faculty, and staff of all identities and backgrounds. We hire based on merit, and encourage people from historically underrepresented and/or marginalized identities to apply. Consistent with federal law, Cornell engages in affirmative action in employment for qualified protected veterans as defined in the Vietnam Era Veterans’ Readjustment Assistance Act (VEVRRA) and qualified individuals with disabilities under Section 503 of the Rehabilitation Act. We also recognize a lawful preference in employment practices for Native Americans living on or near Indian reservations in accordance with applicable law.
Pay Ranges:
The hiring rate of pay for the successful candidate will be determined considering the following criteria:
- Prior relevant work or industry experience.
- Education level to the extent education is relevant to the position.
- Academic Discipline (faculty pay ranges reflects 9-month annual salary)
- Unique applicable skills.
Application Materials Required:
- Cover letter
- Curriculum Vitae
- Doctoral Transcript
- Writing sample
- Three references (no actual letters, just names and email addresses
)
Further Info:
Operations Research and Information Engineering
204 Rhodes Hall
Ithaca, NY 14853