Florida Atlantic University
Overview
Postdoctoral Research Fellow position at Florida Atlantic University in the Phyllis and Harvey Sandler School of Social Work, Boca Raton, FL. The two-year, 12-month research fellowship begins August 2026. The fellow will work with faculty affiliates of the Sandler School of Social Work Child Welfare Institute on child welfare research, with a focus on training in state-funded research, community-engaged research, and secondary data analysis of child welfare data. FAU seeks applicants who complement existing faculty research and contribute their own expertise. There will be opportunities to develop and implement research projects, coordinate projects, recruit participants, collect and analyze data, prepare manuscripts, and write grants.
Key Responsibilities
Conduct independent and collaborative research in child welfare, focusing on children, parents, caregivers, or professionals involved with or affected by child welfare or foster care.
Analyze data, interpret findings, and prepare manuscripts for publication in peer‑reviewed journals.
Assist with ongoing grant-funded projects, including data collection, management, and analysis.
Prepare grant proposals and participate in developing future funding applications, including identifying funding sources and assisting with proposal writing.
Present research findings at academic conferences and other relevant forums.
Collaborate with faculty, research staff, and community partners on child welfare research initiatives.
Minimum Qualifications
Ph.D. in Social Work or a closely related field with a focus on child welfare or related areas or be enrolled in an accredited doctoral degree program and fulfill all degree requirements prior to program entry.
Demonstrated experience in conducting child welfare research, including study design, data collection, and analysis.
Strong publication record (or evidence of potential to publish) in peer‑reviewed journals.
Experience or demonstrated potential in writing grant proposals and securing external funding.
Proficiency with quantitative and/or qualitative analysis and methodology.
Excellent written and oral communication skills.
Strong organizational and time‑management skills, with the ability to work independently and in collaborative research teams.
Preferred Qualifications
Proficiency with statistical analysis software (e.g., SPSS, R, SAS) and qualitative analysis tools (e.g., NVivo, ATLAS.ti).
Experience with research projects that involve interdisciplinary teams and community‑based participatory research.
Familiarity with child welfare policies and practices in the United States.
Experience with large-scale data sets and advanced statistical techniques.
Salary Commensurate with Experience
College or Department College of Social Work and Criminal Justice
Location Boca Raton
Work Days and Hours N/A
Application Deadline 2025-11-09
Special Instructions to Applicant This recruitment has been reopened; all previous applicants are still under consideration and need not reapply. This position is open until filled and may close without prior notice. This position is subject to funding.
Required Documents FAU’s Career Page permits the attachment of required/requested documentation. Please upload the following when applying:
Cover letter outlining research interests, experience, and career goals.
Curriculum vitae (CV).
Contact information for three professional references.
Up to three writing samples or publications.
Transcripts: Final candidate will be required to have official, sealed transcripts and original NACES evaluation, if applicable, sent from their educational institution to Human Resources prior to the start of employment.
Background Screening: Selected candidates must successfully complete and pass all employment screenings prior to the start of employment. Employment screenings may include a criminal background check, motor vehicle check, credit check, reference checks, alcohol and drug screening check.
Accommodations: Individuals requiring accommodation, please call 561-297-3057.
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Key Responsibilities
Conduct independent and collaborative research in child welfare, focusing on children, parents, caregivers, or professionals involved with or affected by child welfare or foster care.
Analyze data, interpret findings, and prepare manuscripts for publication in peer‑reviewed journals.
Assist with ongoing grant-funded projects, including data collection, management, and analysis.
Prepare grant proposals and participate in developing future funding applications, including identifying funding sources and assisting with proposal writing.
Present research findings at academic conferences and other relevant forums.
Collaborate with faculty, research staff, and community partners on child welfare research initiatives.
Minimum Qualifications
Ph.D. in Social Work or a closely related field with a focus on child welfare or related areas or be enrolled in an accredited doctoral degree program and fulfill all degree requirements prior to program entry.
Demonstrated experience in conducting child welfare research, including study design, data collection, and analysis.
Strong publication record (or evidence of potential to publish) in peer‑reviewed journals.
Experience or demonstrated potential in writing grant proposals and securing external funding.
Proficiency with quantitative and/or qualitative analysis and methodology.
Excellent written and oral communication skills.
Strong organizational and time‑management skills, with the ability to work independently and in collaborative research teams.
Preferred Qualifications
Proficiency with statistical analysis software (e.g., SPSS, R, SAS) and qualitative analysis tools (e.g., NVivo, ATLAS.ti).
Experience with research projects that involve interdisciplinary teams and community‑based participatory research.
Familiarity with child welfare policies and practices in the United States.
Experience with large-scale data sets and advanced statistical techniques.
Salary Commensurate with Experience
College or Department College of Social Work and Criminal Justice
Location Boca Raton
Work Days and Hours N/A
Application Deadline 2025-11-09
Special Instructions to Applicant This recruitment has been reopened; all previous applicants are still under consideration and need not reapply. This position is open until filled and may close without prior notice. This position is subject to funding.
Required Documents FAU’s Career Page permits the attachment of required/requested documentation. Please upload the following when applying:
Cover letter outlining research interests, experience, and career goals.
Curriculum vitae (CV).
Contact information for three professional references.
Up to three writing samples or publications.
Transcripts: Final candidate will be required to have official, sealed transcripts and original NACES evaluation, if applicable, sent from their educational institution to Human Resources prior to the start of employment.
Background Screening: Selected candidates must successfully complete and pass all employment screenings prior to the start of employment. Employment screenings may include a criminal background check, motor vehicle check, credit check, reference checks, alcohol and drug screening check.
Accommodations: Individuals requiring accommodation, please call 561-297-3057.
#J-18808-Ljbffr