Postdoctoral Research Associate

Announcement Number:
STAFF - VA - 26347

For questions regarding this position, please contact:
Dr. Jayson Nissen
Assistant Professor
...

Classification Title:
Postdoctoral Researcher

Working Title:
Postdoctoral Research Associate

Brief Position Overview:
Montana State University seeks a Postdoctoral Research Associate to contribute to research on cognitive diagnostic assessments and student learning in introductory STEM courses, with a focus on Bayesian quantitative methods and mixed-methods education research.

Position Number:
4C1852

Department:
Physics

Division:
College of Letters & Science

Appointment Type:
Research Professional

Contract Term:
Fiscal Year

Semester:

If other, specify From date:

If other, specify End date:

FLSA:
Exempt

Union Affiliation:
Exempt from Collective Bargaining

FTE:
1.0

Benefits Eligible:
Eligible

Salary:
$60,000 $65,000 annually

Contract Type:
LOA

If other, please specify:

Recruitment Type:
Open

Position Details General Statement:
The Department of Physics at Montana State University conducts nationally recognized research in physics education and STEM learning. This position will contribute to projects focused on developing cognitive diagnostic assessments for college physics and calculus courses and studying student learning using advanced statistical and qualitative research methods.

The successful candidate will join a collaborative research team spanning the nation, working on large-scale assessment development, educational data analysis, and professional development resources for STEM instructors.

Duties and Responsibilities:

• Conduct quantitative analyses of educational datasets using Bayesian hierarchical models and other statistical approaches.
• Apply cognitive diagnostic models (e.g., DINA ) and psychometric models such as Item Response Theory.
• Analyze large-scale educational datasets using statistical software such as R
• Support development of cognitive diagnostic assessments and item banks for introductory physics and calculus courses.
• Conduct mixed-methods education research including qualitative coding and analysis of student responses and interviews.
• Collaborate with faculty, research staff, and graduate students on research projects
• Supervise and mentor graduate and undergraduate student researchers.
• Assist with development of professional development materials for instructors
• Prepare manuscripts, reports, and conference presentations.
• Contribute to development of research proposals and new research initiatives.

Required Qualifications Experience, Education, Knowledge & Skills:

1. PhD in Physics Education Research, Physics, Mathematics Education, STEM Education, Statistics, or a closely related field.
2. Experience conducting quantitative analysis using statistical software such as R or Python.
3. Experience conducting educational, social science, or related research.
4. Demonstrated ability to communicate research findings through publications or conference presentations.

Preferred Qualifications Experience, Education, Knowledge & Skills:

1. Experience with Bayesian statistical modeling.
2. Experience with cognitive diagnostic models or psychometric modeling.
3. Experience analyzing large educational datasets.
4. Experience conducting mixed-methods research combining quantitative and qualitative approaches.

The Successful Candidate Will:

• Ability to collaborate effectively in interdisciplinary research teams.
• Strong written and verbal communication skills.
• Ability to manage multiple research tasks and deadlines.
• Ability to translate research findings into practical resources for instructors.
• Strong analytical and problem-solving skills.

Position Special Requirements/Additional Information:
Continued employment is contingent upon the availability of external funding.

Occasional travel for conferences or project meetings may be required.

Required Application Documents:

1. Curriculum Vitae
2. Cover Letter (max 2 pages)
3. Research Statement (max 3 pages)

References will automatically be contacted by email to request a reference letter once your application has been submitted.

This job description should not be construed as an exhaustive statement of duties, responsibilities or requirements, but a general description of the job. Nothing contained herein restricts Montana State Universitys rights to assign or reassign duties and responsibilities to this job at any time.

Physical Demands:
To perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to perform each essential duty satisfactorily with or without reasonable accommodations. The requirements listed above are representative of the knowledge, skill, and/or ability required.

This position has supervisory duties?:
Yes

Posting Detail Information Number of Vacancies:
1

Desired Start Date:
Upon completion of a successful search.

Position End Date (if temporary):

Open Date:

Close Date:

Applications will be:
Screening of applications will begin on May 1, 2026 ; however, applications will continue to be accepted until an adequate applicant pool has been established.

Special Instructions:
This position is not eligible for sponsorship.

EEO Statement:
Montana State University is an equal opportunity employer. MSU does not discriminate against any applicant on the basis of race, color, religion, creed, political ideas, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, age, marital status, national origin, physical or mental disability, or any other protected class status in violation of any applicable law.

In compliance with the Montana Veterans Employment Preference Act, MSU provides preference in employment to veterans, disabled veterans, and certain eligible relatives of veterans. To claim veterans preference, please complete the veterans preference information located in the Demographics section of your profile.