Post-Doctoral Fellow: Technology for Literacy Development

Sesame Workshop is looking for a Post-Doctoral Fellow. - Technology for Literacy Development. Applications are invited for a postdoctoral fellowship under the direction of Dr. Medha Tare at the Joan Ganz Cooney Center at Sesame Workshop. The Cooney Center is an independent research and innovation lab within Sesame Workshop that advances positive futures for kids in the digital world. We conduct research on emerging technologies and collaborate with technologists, digital media producers, and educators to put this research into action to support children’s learning and well-being.

The work will focus on the development of co-design research partnerships through the Cooney Center Sandbox initiative which supports the development of child-centered, evidence-based digital design. Fellows will support the Senior Director of Research in working with educational technology companies to translate research around best practices for children and adolescents’ literacy development and conduct research on learning and design.

Please note: The position is a twelve-month appointment at 100% FTE for up to three years at $75,000, plus health insurance and other benefits, and funding for conference travel. Applicants with potential availability for three years are preferred. Hires must have their PhD conferred by their start date. This position is hybrid at the Sesame Workshop offices in New York City.

Qualifications

• Ph.D. in Psychology, Education, Human-Computer Interaction, Cognitive Development, or a related field.

• Collaborative design or community-based research experience is desirable

• Demonstrated expertise in literacy development in children and adolescents, including the science of reading

• Demonstrated experience and training in data collection and analysis, organizational skills, and strong interpersonal and communication skills.

• Ability to work independently and in a team environment on multiple tasks and projects, and to share their expertise with others.

Other

• Strong writing skills and ability to co-author reports, academic papers, and blog posts.

• Applicants should be interested in working at the intersection of academic research on learning and development and application with industry partners.

• Proficiency with productivity tools including Google Workspace, and Microsoft Office, and online communication tools including Slack, Teams, Zoom, etc.

Applicants will be considered on a rolling basis until the position is filled. Please send the following application materials:

1. Curriculum vitae

2. A cover letter/research statement describing your interests, research questions you hope to pursue, areas of overlap, as well as a description of prior work.

Department Overview:

The Cooney Center is an independent research and innovation lab within Sesame Workshop that advances positive futures for kids in the digital world. We conduct research on emerging technologies and collaborate with technologists, digital media producers, and educators to put this research into action to support children’s learning and well-being.

About Sesame Workshop:

Sesame Workshop is the global impact nonprofit behind Sesame Street and so much more. For over 50 years, we have worked at the intersection of education, media, and research, creating joyful experiences that enrich minds and expand hearts, all in service of empowering each generation to build a better world. Our beloved characters, iconic shows, outreach in communities, and more bring playful early learning to families in more than 150 countries and advance our mission to help children everywhere grow smarter, stronger, and kinder. Learn more at www.sesameworkshop.org and follow Sesame Workshop on Instagram, X, Facebook, and TikTok.

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