Job Details

(Postdoctoral) Research Scientist in Statistical Modeling of Educational Data

Position Number: 7157721
Location: Boulder, CO
Position Type: Science - Statistics

(Postdoctoral) Research Scientist in Statistical Modeling of Educational Data

Requisition Number: 71957
Location: Boulder Colorado
Employment Type: Research Faculty
Schedule: Full Time
Posting Close Date: 01-Jun-2026
Date Posted:

Job Summary

The Institute of Cognitive Science at the University of Colorado Boulder anticipates hiring a full time postdoctoral fellow for statistical modeling of educational data. The project focuses on analyzing data pertaining to improving educational outcomes for students. In this position, you will develop and apply analytical techniques to analyze data pertaining to student learning, engagement, and collaborative discourse during small group human tutoring and collaborative problem solving. You will also examine the impacts of interventions to improve various educational outcomes.

For early career scholars, this position offers a unique training experience and unsurpassed publishing opportunities within multi-department and multi-institution grant-funded projects. You will be encouraged to develop advanced technical skills, conduct real-world impactful research, strengthen your research portfolio via publications, gain interdisciplinary experience by working with a diverse team, develop leadership skills, and gain expertise in co-authoring grant proposals. More experienced researchers will have the opportunity to hone their skills within a world-class research environment offering outstanding professional development options and an exceptional collaborative environment.
CU is an Equal Opportunity Employer and complies with all applicable federal, state, and local laws governing nondiscrimination in employment. We are committed to creating a workplace where all individuals are treated with respect and dignity, and we encourage individuals from all backgrounds to apply, including protected veterans and individuals with disabilities.

Who We Are

You play a collaborative and co-leadership role in a vibrant research team encompassing researchers in Computer Science, Cognitive Science, and Education. We are housed in the Institute of Cognitive Science (ICS; https://www.colorado.edu/ics/), whose mission is to enhance human cognition, learning, and development through the creation of interdisciplinary partnerships. ICS fosters rich scientific interchange across researchers from a broad range of fields including Artificial Intelligence, Linguistics, Psychology, Neuroscience, Computer Science, Philosophy, and Education. ICS serves as an incubator of research centers and institutes such as the NSF National AI Institute for Student-AI Teaming (www.isat.ai) and the Learning Engineering Virtual Institute (LEVI - https://learning-engineering-virtual-institute.org/).

What Your Key Responsibilities Will Be

Preparing large datasets for analysis by merging data from multiple sources and checking data integrity.
Developing and applying statistical techniques for modeling large longitudinal, multilevel, multivariate datasets.
Converting research questions into representative statistical models.
Maintaining and applying current best practices in open science.
Dissemination of results by leading publication efforts and assisting with reporting.
Managing projects including supervising project staff and students.

What You Should Know

1-3 year position. Initial contract is for one year.
Contract is renewable annually based on performance and availability of funds.
Start date Fall 2026 (desired).
This is a hybrid position encompassing both in-person and work-from-home but the candidate must be located in the Denver Metro Area.

What We Can Offer

Salary ranging from $65,000 to $85,000 based on experience and qualifications.
This position is eligible for medical, dental and life insurance, retirement benefits programs, and is eligible for monthly vacation and sick leave accruals.
May offer relocation expense reimbursement of up to $2500.

Benefits

At the University of Colorado Boulder, we are committed to supporting the holistic health and well-being of our employees. Our comprehensive benefits package includes medical, dental, and retirement plans; generous paid time off; tuition assistance for you and your dependents; and an ECO Pass for local transit. As one of Boulder County's largest employers, CU Boulder offers an inspiring academic community and access to world-class outdoor recreation. Explore additional perks and programs through the CU Advantage program.

Be Statements

Be ambitious. Be groundbreaking. Be Boulder.

What We Require

Ph.D. in Quantitative Psychology, Statistics, Education or a related technical field (at the time of appointment).
Strong writing skills and ability to conduct independent research as evidenced by multiple first author publications.

What You Will Need

Demonstrated expertise in analysis of complex multivariate datasets using advanced methods including structural equation modeling, instrumental variable analysis, mixed-effects modeling, longitudinal data analysis, and multivariate time series modeling as evidenced by peer-reviewed publications.
Experience in cluster RCTs or quasi-experimental design and data analysis.
Expertise in statistical modeling (R and Python preferred).

Special Instructions

To apply, please submit the following materials:

Current resume/CV.
Cover letter that specifically outlines how you are uniquely qualified for the job as described.
Two or three representative publications [as one pdf]

(Optional) Transcripts/Proof of Degree: If you are selected as the finalist, your degree will be verified by the CU Boulder Campus Human Resources Department using an approved online vendor. However, if your degree was obtained outside of the United States, please submit an English-translated version as an Optional document.

Please apply by 6/1/2026 for consideration.

Note: Application materials will not be accepted via email. For consideration, applications must be submitted through CU Boulder Jobs.

In compliance with the Colorado Job Application Fairness Act, in any materials you submit, you may redact or remove age-identifying information such as age, date of birth, or dates of school attendance or graduation. You will not be penalized for redacting or removing this information.

To apply, visit https://jobs.colorado.edu/jobs/JobDetail/Postdoctoral-Research-Scientist-in-Statistical-Modeling-of-Educational-Data/71957