The Early Learning and Social Cognition Lab directed by Dr. Annelise Pesch is seeking a highly motivated Research Associate (postdoc) to join the lab. Our lab investigates the social and cognitive skills that support early learning and development. We use a variety of methods – including experiments, naturalistic observations, and surveys – to explore how young children learn from others. We aim to build evidence-based foundations for translational efforts that promote early learning in both informal and formal contexts. Our work is guided by community-based participatory research approaches, in which communities are active partners and collaborators throughout the scientific process.

The successful candidate will play a central role in several new initiatives that aim to establish community partnerships and embed playful learning opportunities in collaboration with stakeholders throughout the Dallas-Fort Worth metroplex. The Research Associate will be involved in facilitating codesign workshops with key stakeholders, overseeing collection of observational and survey data in community spaces, manuscript preparation, and grant writing. The scholar will provide supervision and mentorship of undergraduate and graduate students in the lab.

This is a full-time, 12-month position with the possibility of renewal, contingent upon performance and funding. The anticipated start date is January 1, 2026, but is flexible depending on availability. This is an in-person position.

The successful candidate will be expected to travel to locations throughout Dallas-Fort Worth and to attend in-person meetings and functions at the UT-Dallas campus in Richardson, Texas.

This position is in the Department of Psychology in the School of Behavioral and Brain Sciences at The University of Texas at Dallas (UTD — bbs.utdallas.edu). UTD is the fastest growing University in Texas, is ranked number 3 in the nation among universities less than 50 years old and houses a vibrant research community. The city of Dallas is an international economic hub with a vibrant cultural atmosphere and world-class sports and entertainment in a temperate climate.

Ph.D in a related field.

To the extent this position requires the holder to research, work on, or have access to critical infrastructure as defined in Section 117.001(2) of the Texas Business and Commerce Code, the ability to maintain the security or integrity of the critical infrastructure is a minimum qualification to be hired and to continue to be employed in the position.

Work Notice:
Work will be performed on-site and in person only.

Travel: The successful candidate will be expected to travel to locations throughout Dallas-Fort Worth and to attend in-person meetings and functions at the UT-Dallas campus in Richardson, Texas. This position may require other local travel for assessments or participant needs; occasional travel may also occur for training, development, or conferences.

What We Can Offer
UT Dallas is an Equal Opportunity Employer. We offer an employee-friendly work environment with a comprehensive benefit package including:
Competitive Salary
Tuition Benefits
Internal Training
Medical insurance – including 100% paid employee medical coverage for full-time employees
Dental Insurance
Vision Insurance
Long and short-term disability
Retirement Plan Options
Paid time off
Paid Holidays All UT Dallas employees have access to various professional development opportunities, including a membership to Academic Impressions, LinkedIn Learning, and UT Dallas Bright Leaders Program.

Visit https://hr.utdallas.edu/employees/benefits/ for more information.

1) All employees serve as a representative of the University and are expected to display respect, civility, professional courtesy, consideration of others and discretion in all interactions with members of the UT Dallas community and the general public.

2) The University of Texas at Dallas is committed to providing an educational, living, and working environment that is welcoming, respectful, and inclusive of all members of the university community. UT Dallas does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, religion, sex (including pregnancy), sexual orientation, gender identity, gender expression, age, national origin, disability, genetic information, or veteran status in its services, programs, activities, employment, and education, including in admission and enrollment. The University is committed to providing access, equal opportunity, and reasonable accommodation for individuals with disabilities. To request reasonable accommodation in the employment application and interview process, contact the ADA Coordinator. For inquiries regarding nondiscrimination policies, contact the Title IX Coordinator.