Connecting Bridges PostDoc

This position is designed to support the work of Connecting Bridges: Empowering and Supporting Birth Parents, funded by the Sauer Family Foundation. The PostDoc would work with the PI on all study and intervention design aspects to create a community engaged parent support system for birth parents impacted by child welfare. The postdoc would receive training in community based participatory research processes as well as parent intervention development and evaluation.

The University of Minnesota encourages a healthy work life balance for employees. CEHD is committed to an excellent employee experience, offering a flexible work environment that meets the needs of students, staff, faculty, and the communities we serve. Flexible work arrangements may include flexibility in schedule and/or work location. Please note that 100% remote work requires approval prior to offer.

This is a part time position at 15 hours per week. The budgeted salary for this position is approximately $12,000 and will end December, 2026.

Job Responsibilities:

Function 1 (5%)

• Support CBPR processes with the Advisory Board and Development Team

Function 3 (40%)

• Contribute to intervention development processes and organization. This includes protected time for learning about parent intervention development and evaluation. This will include mentoring and developing leadership skills within the research team and in the community.

Function 4 (25%)

• Support parent intervention pilot set up, testing, and evaluation

Function 5 (30%)

• Help prepare manuscripts and dissemination plan

Required Qualifications:

• Ability to collaborate effectively with people from a variety of communities, backgrounds, and identities
• PhD in Family Social Science or related field
• Qualitative and quantitative data collection and analysis skills
• Extensive knowledge base of existing parenting interventions
• Experience using data to develop parent training materials
• Organizational and effective communication skills
• Mentoring and Leadership skills

Preferred Qualifications:

• Research experience with parents who have trauma history that can be used in intervention development
• Degree in mental health related field

The Department of Family Social Science (FSoS) prepares students to use research to discover and apply knowledge, build interpersonal communication skills, and develop personally and professionally. Considered one of the premier family departments in the United States and globally, our history reaches back to the very first classes taught at the University of Minnesota in 1884. We are leaders in community-based participatory research to develop community-based programs and educational models. We are dedicated to increasing equity, diversity, and inclusion across our academic programs, within our faculty, and in teaching and learning, research, outreach and engagement, and clinical practice.

The College of Education and Human Development (CEHD), the University's third largest college, contributes to a just and sustainable future through engagement with the local and global communities to enhance human learning and development at all stages of life. We know diversity is necessary to do our best work and foster our humanity. That's why the CEHD community is collectively dedicated to cultivating an inclusive and equitable environment, embracing and celebrating all identities of our students, staff, and faculty. These values are also a moral imperative requiring continuous proactive measures and a firm stance against prejudice, discrimination, and systemic injustice.

Pay Range: ; $12,000 depending on education/qualifications/experience

Please visit the Benefits for Postdoctoral Candidates website for more information regarding benefit eligibility.

• Competitive wages, paid holidays, and generous time off
• Continuous learning opportunities through professional training
• Medical, dental, and pharmacy plans
• Healthcare and dependent care flexible spending accounts
• University HSA contributions
• Disability and life insurance
• Employee wellbeing program
• Financial counseling services
• Employee Assistance Program with eight sessions of counseling at no cost

Applications must be submitted online. To be considered for this position, please click the Apply button and follow the instructions. You will have the opportunity to complete an online application for the position and attach a cover letter and resume or CV.

This position will remain open until filled.

To request an accommodation during the application process, please e-mail employ@umn.edu or call (612) 624-8647.

The University recognizes and values the importance of diversity and inclusion in enriching the employment experience of its employees and in supporting the academic mission. The University is committed to attracting and retaining employees with varying identities and backgrounds.

The University of Minnesota provides equal access to and opportunity in its programs, facilities, and employment without regard to race, color, creed, religion, national origin, gender, age, marital status, disability, public assistance status, veteran status, sexual orientation, gender identity, or gender expression. To learn more about diversity at the U: http://diversity.umn.edu

Any offer of employment is contingent upon the successful completion of a background check. Our presumption is that prospective employees are eligible to work here. Criminal convictions do not automatically disqualify finalists from employment.

The University of Minnesota, Twin Cities (UMTC)

The University of Minnesota, Twin Cities (UMTC), is among the largest public research universities in the country, offering undergraduate, graduate, and professional students a multitude of opportunities for study and research. Located at the heart of one of the nation's most vibrant, diverse metropolitan communities, students on the campuses in Minneapolis and St. Paul benefit from extensive partnerships with world-renowned health centers, international corporations, government agencies, and arts, nonprofit, and public service organizations.

At the University of Minnesota, we are proud to be recognized by Forbes as a Best Employer for Company Culture (2026), Best Employer for Women (2023), and Best Employer by State (2022-2026). In 2026, we also received Culture Excellence & Industry Awards recognition for employee appreciation and work-life flexibility.