Research Assistant Professor of Education Policy

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Closing Date:

11/04/2026

Type of Position:

Faculty - Non-Tenure

Workstudy Position:

No

Job Type:

Academic Term (Fixed Term)

Work Shift:

Sponsorship Available:

Yes

Institution Name:

University of Arkansas, Fayetteville Founded in 1871, the University of Arkansas is a land grant institution, classified by the Carnegie Foundation among the nation’s top 2 percent of universities with the highest level of research activity. The University of Arkansas works to advance the state and build a better world through education, research, and outreach by providing transformational opportunities and skills, fostering a welcoming climate, and nurturing creativity, discovery, and the spread of new ideas and innovations.

The University of Arkansas campus is located in Fayetteville, a welcoming community ranked as one of the best places to live in the U.S. The growing region surrounding Fayetteville is home to numerous Fortune 500 companies and one of the nation’s strongest economies. Northwest Arkansas is also quickly gaining a national reputation for its focus on the arts and overall quality of life.

As an employer, the University of Arkansas offers a vibrant work environment and a workplace culture that promotes a healthy work-life balance. The benefits package includes university contributions to health, dental, life and disability insurance, tuition waivers for employees and their families, 12 official holidays, immediate leave accrual, and a choice of retirement programs with university contributions ranging from 5 to 10% of employee salary.

Below you will find the details for the position including any supplementary documentation and questions, you should review before applying for the opening.

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For general application assistance or if you have questions about a job posting, please contact Human Resources at 479.575.5351.

Department:

Department of Education Reform

Department's Website: https://edre.uark.edu/

Summary of Job Duties:

The Research Assistant Professor - 9-month, non-tenure track - will play a key role in advancing rigorous, policy-relevant research within the Department of Education Reform. The position will support multiple research projects, many conducted in collaboration with the Arkansas Department of Education, on topics such as the educator workforce, school finance, school choice, and career and technical education.

The Research Assistant Professor will contribute to empirical research using large-scale administrative datasets as well as data collected through surveys and interviews. Responsibilities include collecting primary data, managing and analyzing complex datasets, and writing and editing academic journal articles, technical reports, policy briefs, presentations, and other research products.

Additional responsibilities may include developing data visualizations, supporting stakeholder outreach, coordinating with research partners, and assisting with grant proposals and new research initiatives.

This position is well suited for candidates who are committed to using rigorous research and clear communication to address important questions in education policy and help shape the future of schooling in Arkansas and across the nation.

This is an in-person position. On-campus presence is an essential function of this position. Extensive in-person engagement in activities such as office hours, student advising, collaborative work, and departmental, college, and university committee meetings is required to advance student success, departmental effectiveness, and the mission of the college and the university.

Regular, reliable, and non-disruptive attendance is an essential job duty, as is the ability to create and maintain collegial, harmonious working relationships with others.

Qualifications:

Minimum Qualifications :

• Ph.D. in Economics, Public Policy, Data Science, or a related field from an accredited institution conferred by start of employment

Preferred Qualifications :

• Experience with the U.S. education system
• Experience managing and analyzing large, complex datasets
• Demonstrated expertise in applied econometrics, causal inference, and quantitative research methods
• Demonstrated ability to produce research papers, reports, and presentations on education issues using quantitative analysis
• Proficiency with statistical software and programming tools such as Stata, R, and Python
• Experience developing data visualizations, dashboards, or other tools that make complex data accessible to research, policy, or practitioner audiences
• Strong research writing and communication skills, including experience producing policy briefs, technical reports, and academic publications
• Demonstrated ability to work both independently and collaboratively in a multidisciplinary research environment
• Experience contributing to externally funded research projects

Qualification Equivalencies:

Additional Information:

This position is a Designated Research Position and is regulated by the Arkansas Research Education Protection Act of 2025.  Prior to issuance of an offer of employment, the University is required to request and obtain additional information about an applicant’s background and, if required, conduct an additional review of that background information.

Required Documents to Apply:

Cover Letter/Letter of Application, Curriculum Vitae, Listing of Publications, List of three Professional References (name, email, business title), Statement of Research Philosophy, Statement of Teaching Philosophy Optional Documents:

Proof of Veteran Status, Writing Sample

Recruitment Contact Information:

• Dr. Josh B. McGee
• Associate Professor of Education Reform and 21st Century Endowed Chair in Accountability and Transparency
• JoshMcGee@uark.edu
• All application materials must be uploaded to the University of Arkansas System Career Site  https://uasys.wd5.myworkdayjobs.com/UASYS

Please do not send to listed recruitment contact.

Special Instructions to Applicants:

Completed applications received by December 3, 2026, will be given full consideration. Applications submitted after this date may be reviewed as necessary to fill the position.

Pre-employment Screening Requirements:

Criminal Background Check, Sex Offender Registry

The University of Arkansas is committed to providing a safe campus community. We conduct background checks for applicants being considered for employment. Background checks include a criminal background check and a sex offender registry check. For certain positions, there may also be a financial (credit) background check, a Motor Vehicle Registry (MVR) check, and/or drug screening. Required checks are identified in the position listing.

A criminal conviction or arrest pending adjudication or adverse financial history information alone shall not disqualify an applicant in the absence of a relationship to the requirements of the position. Background check information will be used in a confidential, non-discriminatory manner consistent with state and federal law.

The University of Arkansas seeks to attract, develop and retain high quality faculty, staff and administrators that consistently display practices and behaviors to advance a culture that embeds equal opportunity, educational excellence and unparalleled access for all.

The University of Arkansas is an equal opportunity institution. The University does not discriminate in its education programs or activities (including in admission and employment) on the basis of any category or status protected by law, including age, race, color, national origin, disability, religion, protected veteran status, military service, genetic information, sex, sexual preference, or pregnancy.

Questions or concerns about the application of Title IX, which prohibits discrimination on the basis of sex, may be sent to the University’s Title IX Coordinator and to the U.S. Department of Education Office for Civil Rights.

Persons must have proof of legal authority to work in the United States on the first day of employment.

All Application information is subject to public disclosure under the Arkansas Freedom of Information Act.

Constant Physical Activity:

Talking

Frequent Physical Activity:

Talking

Occasional Physical Activity:

Talking