Open Postdoctoral position, faculty mentor Christina Krist

Posted on Tue, 11/03/2026 - 15:03

Important Info

Faculty Sponsor First name: 
Christina
Faculty Sponsor Last Name: 
Krist
Stanford Departments and Centers: 
Graduate School of Education
Postdoc Appointment Term: 
12 months
Appointment Start Date: 
April 2027 or as available
Group or Departmental Website: 
https://connectscied.stanford.edu
How to Submit Application Materials: 

Send the required application materials as one PDF to Dr. Krist (stinakrist@stanford.edu) with the subject line "[EMPOWER Postdoc Application – Your Name]":

  1. A cover letter (up to 2 pages) describing your research interests, fit with EMPOWER (including interest or experience in leading professional learning for educators), and what you would hope to learn in this postdoc role
  2. Current CV
  3. Academic writing sample (e.g., published paper, dissertation chapter)
  4. Names and contact information for three references 

Submit by Dec 1, 2026 for priority consideration. Review of applications will continue until the position is filled. 

Questions? Contact Dr. Stina Krist (stinakrist@stanford.edu) 

Does this position pay above the required minimum?: 
No. The expected base pay for this position is the Stanford University required minimum for all postdoctoral scholars appointed through the Office of Postdoctoral Affairs. The FY27 minimum is $79, 056.

We are seeking a Postdoctoral Scholar to join the EMPOWER project, part of the Community-Oriented Networks for Education, Care, and Teaching Science Education (CONNECT SciEd) lab led by Dr. Stina Krist. The scholar will help lead research on science teacher learning related to developing reciprocal community-based partnerships for justice-centered science teaching. Qualified candidates may also design and lead professional learning for educators through the GSE's Professional Learning Extension (PLEX).

About the EMPOWER project

EMPOWER (Enacting Materials to Promote OWnership, Engagement, and Relevance) is an NSF- and NIH-funded project that brings together education researchers, K-12 science teachers, research scientists, and community-based organizations as co-design teams to modify science curriculum materials to be justice- and community-oriented. As part of a multi-site project, the Stanford site focuses on developing community partnerships to support justice-centered science teaching. 

The team uses design-based research methods to study multiple facets of teacher, student, and PL facilitator learning. Learn more at the Stanford EMPOWER project page.

Responsibilities

The scholar will be a core member of the research team, with growing leadership over time. Responsibilities include:

  • Co-lead professional learning design, data collection, and analysis
  • Collect and manage data such as classroom observations, interviews, surveys, student work, and video recordings of PL sessions
  • Build and maintain relationships with participating teachers and districts
  • Lead and co-author peer-reviewed papers and conference presentations (e.g., AERA, NARST, ISLS, NSTA).
  • Help mentor and coordinate graduate student research assistants
  • Contribute to grant reports and new proposals, as desired
  • Support project management, IRB protocols, and data security

Candidates with relevant expertise may also propose, design, and facilitate professional learning opportunities with the GSE's Professional Learning Extension (PLEX). PLEX offers non-degree workshops, courses, and certificates for teachers, school leaders, and education professionals. It also builds custom multi-session programs for school districts, in person and online. 

Depending on qualifications and interest, the scholar could allocate up to 30% of their time towards activities with PLEX, including:

  • Designing workshops or courses for educators based on their own expertise, findings, and/or materials
  • Facilitating sessions for teachers, coaches, or district leaders, in person or online
  • Helping build custom, multi-session programs with partner districts
  • Studying the impact of professional learning as part of their own research agenda
Required Qualifications: 
  • PhD in science education,teacher education, learning sciences, or related field, completed by the start date and awarded within the last 3 years
  • Experience with qualitative and design-based research in education
  • A record of, or clear potential for, peer-reviewed publication
  • Strong writing, organization, and teamwork skills
  • Experience working with schools, teachers, or communities

Preferred

  • K–12 science teaching or teacher education experience
  • Familiarity with equity frameworks and utilizing critical lenses in teaching and in research 
  • Experience designing or facilitating professional learning for educators
  • Experience designing or customizing curriculum materials 
  • Experience working with research-practice partnerships or community-engaged research
  • Demonstrated leadership within collaborative teams
Required Application Materials: 
  1. A cover letter (up to 2 pages) describing your research interests, fit with EMPOWER (including interest or experience in leading professional learning for educators), and what you would hope to learn in this postdoc role
  2. Current CV
  3. Academic writing sample (e.g., published paper, dissertation chapter)
  4. Names and contact information for three references 

 

Stanford is an equal opportunity employer and all qualified applicants will receive consideration without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, veteran status, or any other characteristic protected by law.