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Dr. Joshua Jeong is an Assistant Professor in the Hubert Department of Global Health. His research group investigates how parents and particularly fathers shape early childhood development (ECD) in low-resource settings. He is working with NGO partners in Kenya and Tanzania to design and evaluate parenting interventions to improve parenting and ECD during the first three years of life. His research group uses mixed-methods, with a focus on applied research to improve the implementation, quality, and effectiveness of parenting interventions.  The postdoctoral research fellow will contribute to several recently completed, ongoing, and new studies evaluating parenting interventions in Kenya and Tanzania. The fellow will play a key role in analyzing quantitative and qualitative data from impact and process evaluations, contributing to scientific publications, and supporting preparations for upcoming field activities. The fellow will also support the development of a theory of change to better understand how parenting interventions achieve their intended impacts. Overall, this position will provide an opportunity to engage in interdisciplinary, cross-cultural research that bridges research and practice to support parenting and improve ECD globally.

KEY RESPONSIBILITIES:

• Prepare statistical analysis plans and conduct advanced quantitative analyses of longitudinal data from cluster-randomized trials and follow-up evaluations.
• Develop codebooks and conduct qualitative analyses using grounded theory and thematic approaches.
• Integrate qualitative and quantitative findings to generate mixed-methods insights into program implementation and impact.
• Lead and co-author manuscripts for peer-reviewed publication.
• Prepare technical reports, policy briefs, and other translational outputs to inform program and policy partners.
• Present research findings in internal lab meetings, academic conferences, and stakeholder dissemination events.
• Collaborate closely with a multidisciplinary and international team of researchers in developmental science, public health, economics, and cognitive neuroscience.
• Collaborate closely with implementing partners in Tanzania and Kenya to support implementation and inform and interpret research findings.
• Contribute to the design and planning of a new cluster-randomized trial launching in 2026, including finalizing data collection tools and co-leading enumerator trainings.
• Supervise and mentor graduate and undergraduate research assistants.
• Participate in grant proposal development to support the expansion of the research program and the fellows own research interests
• Travel to Tanzania and Kenya to support field trainings and provide technical assistance for implementation and data collection (up to 20% of time).

JOB DESCRIPTION:

• Helps design and conduct research within a specified field while receiving advanced training from a designated Principal Investigator to enhance professional skills and research independence needed for pursuit of a career.
• The specific area of research in which the trainee is mentored is determined by the department and laboratory of the Postdoc. Designs and evaluates experiments.
• Develops new ideas that promote current research.
• Prepares and publishes scientific manuscripts under the direction of the Principal Investigator.
• May be responsible for operation of specific equipment.
• May teach techniques to others, train, and supervise research staff.
• Positions are temporary appointments as a research trainee.
• The initial appointment is for one year, renewal expected if progress is satisfactory and funds are available.
• Appointments cannot exceed five years.

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS:

• A doctoral degree or equivalent (Ph.D., M.D., ScD., D.V.M., DDS etc) in an appropriate field.
• Excellent scientific writing ability and strong oral communication skills.
• The ability to work effectively and collegially with colleagues.
• Additional qualifications as specified by the Principal Investigator.

PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS:

• PhD (or equivalent) in public health, developmental psychology, education, economics, sociology, or a related field.
• Demonstrated proficiency in quantitative and/or qualitative research, with experience applying these methods to questions in early childhood development, parenting, family relationships, gender, or maternal and child health.
• Evidence of strong methodological skills (dissertation or published manuscripts), such as structural equation modeling or mediation analysis to test mechanisms of change; mixed-effects models or difference-in-differences analyses for impact evaluations; factor analysis or item response theory for measurement development; grounded theory or framework analysis for qualitative research; mixed-methods approaches to process evaluation and implementation research
• Experience conducting field research, especially in low-resource or East African contexts; prior involvement in parenting or child development intervention evaluations is highly valued.
• Interest in implementation research and linking implementation indicators to understand variation in program effectiveness and quality.
• Experience leading trainings for field enumerators and/or direct child assessment (e.g., Bayley Scales).
• Proven ability to communicate findings to both academic and practitioner audiences, and to work effectively within diverse, multidisciplinary, and international research teams.
• Self-motivated, organized, collaborative, and able to balance independent research with teamwork across multiple projects. 
• Willingness and ability to travel internationally up to 20% of the time.

NOTE: Position tasks are generally required to be performed in-person at an Emory University location.  Remote work from home day options may be granted at department discretion. Emory reserves the right to change remote work status with notice to employee.

Emory is an equal opportunity employer, and qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, disability, protected veteran status or other characteristics protected by state or federal law. Emory University does not discriminate in admissions, educational programs, or employment, including recruitment, hiring, promotions, transfers, discipline, terminations, wage and salary administration, benefits, and training. Students, faculty, and staff are assured of participation in university programs and in the use of facilities without such discrimination. Emory University complies with Section 503 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973, the Vietnam Era Veteran's Readjustment Assistance Act, and applicable executive orders, federal and state regulations regarding nondiscrimination, equal opportunity, and affirmative action (for protected veterans and individuals with disabilities). Inquiries regarding this policy should be directed to the Emory University Department of Equity and Civil Rights Compliance, 201 Dowman Drive, Administration Building, Atlanta, GA 30322. Telephone: 404-727-9867 (V) | 404-712-2049 (TDD).

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