Description

Saint Louis Translational Fellowships in Education

Educational research conducted through the long-term collaboration between practitioners and academic researchers creates equitable outcomes for children and teachers in PK-12 education. In contrast with traditional academic educational research, such research-practice partnerships (RPP) prioritize investigating problems of practice through a process in which research agendas are collaboratively developed with the goal of improving schools. The Saint Louis Translational Fellowships in Education program provides training to early career educational researchers through an apprenticeship model working with multiple RPPs and local schools. The program enables early career educational researchers to acquire the knowledge, skills, and experience necessary to conduct translational research for schools and transition into careers of service to the PK-12 education system. The program invites applications for multiple postdoctoral fellow positions with a start date of July 2026.

Program Information

The Saint Louis Translational Fellowships in Education program is a collaboration between Washington University in St. Louis and Saint Louis University in partnership with Saint Louis local education agencies (LEAs). During the training program, postdoctoral fellows will engage in research through the apprenticeship model with research and design centers and local schools. The program utilizes three research and design centers that support Saint Louis PK-12 education practitioners in different ways: the St. Louis Research Practice Collaborative, the Institute for School Partnership, and the Policy Research in Missouri Education (PRiME) Center. 

In Year 1, fellows will work on different research projects while rotating through partnered centers and PK-12 education contexts, such as schools or district offices. In Year 2, they will develop a capstone partnership with one or more LEAs and conducted a research project for the entire year. An optional third year in the program can serve as an opportunity to deepen or expand the capstone partnership. During the program, fellows will also engage in coursework designed to help them acquire the core competencies needed to succeed in conducting research for practice. They will spend some of their time together as a cohort to collaborate in teams on large research projects, engage in coursework, and develop strong working relationships. During the program, postdoctoral fellows will be employed at Washington University, but they will spend much of their time working off-campus in school contexts. They will have access to a variety of support for their activities and professional development, including funding for technology and travel needs. Postdoctoral fellows will also have a diverse mentorship team, including practitioners and academic researchers, to guide their development.

Responsibilities include but are not limited to:

• Collaborating with school partners and research and design center teams to develop applied research projects
• Facilitating partnership activities, such as maintaining communication and routines
• Organizing, managing, and conducting data collection and analysis
• Interpreting and translating research findings to diverse audiences alongside practitioners and other relevant stakeholders
• Engaging in coursework and training activities
• Participating in meetings with PK-12 practitioners about pressing issues, such as educational reform, school improvement, and instructional challenges

Eligibility & Success Criteria

Individuals who have obtained a Ph.D. or Ed.D. in an education or related field (learning sciences, educational psychology, curriculum and instruction, educational technology, educational policy studies, sociology, social work, etc.) within the previous three years are eligible to apply. Successful candidates will need to have a background in conducting empirical research, demonstrate a clear interest in moving from traditional academic research into translational research for educational practice, and a long-term goal of pursuing a career in the service of PK-12 education. They will also need to provide evidence of their ability and experience in working with practitioners in PK-12 education spaces (or successfully with non-academics in other spaces outside of academia). Candidates must also demonstrate a commitment to addressing systemic inequities in PK-12 education and using a strengths-based approach to conducting research with schools that serve students from racially, ethnically, and socially marginalized communities.

Application Instructions

Applications and supporting materials must be submitted electronically via Interfolio: https:/apply.interfolio.com/179983. Candidates should create an account, complete the application form, and submit the following: 

1. Cover letter addressing the eligibility and success criteria for the position
2. Curriculum vitae or resume
3. Statement of career goals and research experience (1-2 pages, single-spaced)
4. Statement of equity, diversity, and inclusion (1 page, single-spaced)
5. List of 3-5 professional references (names, institutional information, and contact information only); letters may be requested later 

In order to ensure full consideration, candidates must submit an application and all supporting materials by February 20, 2026. After this date, review of applications will continue on a rolling basis until the search is concluded. Questions about the position should be directed to the Program Director, Dr. Andrew C. Butler (andrew.butler@wustl.edu). 

EEO/AA Statement

Washington University in St. Louis is an equal opportunity affirmative action employer. The University is committed to the principles and practices of equal employment opportunity and especially encourages applications by those underrepresented in their academic fields. It is the University’s policy to recruit, hire, train, and promote persons in all job titles without regard to race, color, age, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, national origin, protected veteran status, disability, or genetic information.

Campus Safety

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