Postdoctoral Scholar

Job Summary The Illinois State University Department of Special Education is seeking a Postdoctoral Scholar to work with Dr. Natalie L. Shaheen on A11y in Sci (NSF grant #2334693). This blind-led project is designed to improve the long-term accessibility of technology-mediated high school science education for blind and low-vision students. The specific aims of the project are to: 1. Investigate the state of in-service teachers' knowledge about constructing born accessible (i.e., proactively accessible) technology-mediated science classes using an exploratory sequential mixed methods design; and 2. Develop opportunities for pre- and in-service teachers to learn how to construct born accessible technology-mediated science classes. The Postdoctoral Scholar will coordinate the research and education activities for the project. The Postdoctoral Scholar's research responsibilities will include overseeing recruitment, data collection, and data analysis; co-authoring manuscripts and presentations; designing and conducting original research that aligns with the aims of the project; and mentoring doctoral and undergraduate research assistants. With respect to the education activities, the Postdoctoral Scholar's responsibilities will include overseeing the iteration of a case library and case-based learning modules. The position will begin in Fall 2026 based on the candidate's availability. The employment term is one-year, with opportunity for a second-year pursuant to satisfactory performance and available funding. The annual salary for this position is $65,000-70,000, with both a research and travel allowance. Additional Information This is a non-continuous, grant funded position. The initial appointment will be for 12 months. Appointment renewal for the following grant year will be based upon available grant funding and performance. Salary Rate / Pay Rate $65,000-$70,000 annually and is commensurate with qualifications and experience, combined with an excellent benefits package. Benefits Information * Insurance benefits, including health, dental, vision, and life * Retirement and supplemental retirement planning options * Tuition waiver benefits available to staff as well as their eligible dependents * Paid holiday/administrative closures during Thanksgiving and Winter Breaks * Paid benefit time Required Qualifications 1. Doctoral degree in any of the following fields: disability studies, blind/low-vision education, science education, STEM education, instructional technology, special education, or related fields; ABD will be considered at time of application, but terminal degree is required prior to start date. 2. Evidence of strong research skills in qualitative and/or mixed methods research (e.g., published work, training, mentorship). 3. Strong task management skills (e.g., deconstructing complex tasks, organizing and prioritizing tasks, and meeting deadlines). 4. Excellent written and oral communication skills in English. 5. Experience managing individuals, small teams, or complex projects. 6. Experience with common office productivity applications (e.g., Word, Excel, PowerPoint) and data analysis software (e.g., NVivo, maxQDA, R, etc.) and the ability to learn new software applications and simple markup languages (e.g., HTML, Markdown). Preferred Qualifications 1. Lived experience with disability. 2. Experience collaborating with and/or taking direction from disabled people. 3. Experience teaching disabled and/or nondisabled students in formal (i.e., PreK-12 or higher education) or informal (e.g., museums, after school programs, etc.) settings. 4. Expertise in digital accessibility (e.g., WCAG, 508), critical disability studies, critical digital pedagogy, or Universal Design for Learning. 5. A publication record in any of the following fields: disability studies, blind/low-vision education, science education, STEM education, instructional technology, or special education. 6. Experience using and creating content with content/learning management systems such as WordPress, Pressbooks, and Canvas. 7. Experience working on interdisciplinary teams. Work Hours Generally Monday - Friday, 8:00 am - 4:30 pm with occasional weekend and evening hours as business needs dictate. Some travel is required; potential for remote work. Functional Expectations Must be able to complete the following with or without a reasonable accommodation: 1. Work on a computer for extended periods 2. Move about in various locations on and off campus as needed to complete day-to-day work 3. Effectively communicate on a daily basis Proposed Starting Date Fall, 2026 Required Applicant Documents Resume / C.V. Cover Letter Reference List - (specifically, the names, addresses, telephone numbers and e-mail addresses of at least three professional references) Writing Sample Please Note: These documents are required to be submitted online in order to complete the application process. Please have these documents ready prior to clicking on "Apply" Special Instructions for Applicants Initial application review will begin immediately and continue until the position is filled. All application materials must be submitted online. Application materials submitted via fax, email, or mail will not be accepted. Please prepare in advance separate documents representing a cover letter, reference list (specifically, the names, addresses, telephone numbers and e-mail addresses of at least three professional references), academic writing sample, and resume/C.V. to attach to this application. Contact Information for Applicants Dr. Natalie L. Shaheen Important Information for Applicants Please note, non-continuous positions (such as this one) are not eligible for H1B visa sponsorship. This position is subject to a criminal background investigation and if applicable, an employment history review, based on University Policy 3.1.30 and any offer of employment is contingent upon you passing a satisfactory criminal background investigation and/or an employment history review. You may not begin work until the criminal background investigation results have been received and cleared by Human Resources. Illinois State University is an Equal Opportunity Employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, or status as a protected veteran. If you are an individual with a disability and need a reasonable accommodation under the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) or other state or federal law you may request an accommodation by contacting the Office of Equal Opportunity and Access at (309) 438-3383. The Office of Equal Opportunity and Access will hold any confidential information you provide in confidence. If you are having difficulty accessing the system, please call Human Resources at (309) 438-8311. Application Opened: 01/12/2026 09:00 AM CST Application Closes:

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