Postdoctoral Fellow, Center for Public Engagement with Science

Next Lives at the University of Cincinnati

 Founded in 1819, the University of Cincinnati ranks among the nation’s best urban public research universities. Home to more than 53,600 students, 12,000 faculty and staff, and over 360,000 living alumni, UC, a Carnegie 1 institution, combines research prowess with a physical setting The New York Times has called “the most ambitious campus design program in the country." UC's momentum has never been stronger as the anchor of the Cincinnati Innovation District, the oldest cooperative education (co-op) program in the country with students earning $94 million annually through paid experiences, an academic health system, and as a member of the Big 12 Conference. The university contributes $10.6 billion in economic impact to the city and $22.7 billion to the state of Ohio. At UC, next is all of us. Learn more at uc.edu. 

UC is a mission-driven organization where we are committed to student success and positively transforming the community through scholarship and service.  We thrive on innovation, making an impact, and fostering an environment where staff and faculty are key contributors to UC’s success.  

 About The Center for Public Engagement with Science

The Center for Public Engagement with Science (PEWS) at the University of Cincinnati is an interdisciplinary initiative to expand and enrich the interface between science and the public to benefit all stakeholders. PEWS involves an engaged network of 30 Faculty Affiliates across 8 UC colleges, alongside many partner organizations in Greater Cincinnati. Our primary activities include organizing public initiatives related to science, supporting UC researchers’ outreach efforts, and conducting interdisciplinary training and research on effective public engagement.

Job Overview

PEWS seeks a postdoctoral fellow to support the Center’s operations and growth and to pursue initiatives related to public engagement with science. We invite applications from those with a recent PhD in any academic discipline with an interest in interdisciplinary collaboration and demonstrated experience in one or another aspect of public engagement with science. We interpret public engagement with science broadly, to include science communication, informal and formal science education, public participation in scientific research, science policy, and more.

 Activities are anticipated to include:

• Mentorship and oversight of graduate and undergraduate student interns;

• Management of PEWS internal and external communications, including file management and web, email, and social media presence;

• Support for PEWS operations, including teaching,  grant writing, developing community partnerships, and event management;

• Development and expansion of public engagement initiatives.

 The Postdoctoral Fellow will also have the opportunity to engage in research and professional development in their discipline(s) and in the interdisciplinary setting of PEWS, with a small annual discretionary budget to support travel and/or research. We anticipate that approximately 30% of the Fellow’s time will be dedicated to pursuing their own professional goals in research and/or outreach.

The postdoctoral fellow will be mentored by PEWS Director, Dr. Angela Potochnik, and a faculty mentor of their choice within their discipline, with additional support from the PEWS Leadership Team.

This is a one-year appointment with a starting salary of $60,000, including benefits. Renewal for a second year is possible, pending budgetary support and success in the position.

Essential Functions

• Participate/assist in manuscript writing for publication in scientific journals and/or presentation; may assist in grant writing.
• Keep informed of developments in field to maintain and enhance professional expertise.
• Lab maintenance, including equipment maintenance and ordering of supplies, as needed.
• May teach techniques to others, train, and mentor junior research staff.
• Engage in appropriate training and professional development opportunities. 
• Play an active role in seeking career and research advice, both from the faculty supervisor and from other faculty members as well. 
• Perform related duties based on departmental need. This job description can be changed at any time.

Minimum Requirements

Doctoral degree in a field relevant to public engagement with science, including but not limited to any STEM discipline, Education, History, Interdisciplinary Studies, Philosophy, Science and Technology Studies, and Sociology.

Required Education

Doctoral Degree in the appropriate field or discipline, or the recognized terminal degree

Preferred Qualifications

Demonstrated experience in one or another aspect of public engagement with science, broadly construed to include science communication, informal and formal science education, public participation in scientific research, science policy, and more.

Application Information

We will begin reviewing applications April  30, 2026, and continue until the position is filled. Qualified and interested applicants must apply online at the university's recruitment website: https://jobs.uc.edu (search Requisition #101961). In addition to the online application, please include: a cover letter, curriculum vitae, statement of research background and interests (2 pages maximum), and a statement of background and interests in public engagement. Applicants should also arrange for three confidential letters of recommendation to be emailed to [email protected].

Compensation and Benefits

 UC offers an exceptional benefits package designed to support your well-being, financial security, and work-life balance. (UC Benefits) Eligibility may vary by position and FTE status. Highlights include:

 Comprehensive Tuition Remission

UC provides tuition remission for you and your eligible dependents, covering tuition costs for nearly all undergraduate and graduate programs offered by the university.

 Robust Retirement Plans

As a UC employee, you won’t contribute to Social Security (except Medicare). Instead, you’ll choose between state pension plans (OPERS, STRS) or an Alternative Retirement Plan (ARP), with UC contributing 14–18% of your salary based on position.

 Real Work-Life Balance

UC prioritizes work-life balance with a generous time-off policy, including:

Vacation and sick time

11 paid holidays and additional end-of-year paid time off (Winter Season Days)

6 weeks of paid parental leave for new parents

Additional Benefits Include:

• Comprehensive health coverage (medical, dental, vision, prescription)
• Flexible spending accounts & wellness programs
• Professional development & mentorship opportunities

To learn more about why UC is a great place to work, please visit our Careers Page.

UC is an E-Verify employer.  If hired into this position, you will be required to provide satisfactory proof of employment eligibility by providing acceptable, original forms of identification for employment verification via the Federal I-9 employment verification process. Click here for a list of acceptable documents.   

 Important: To apply you must create a profile and submit a complete job application through the UC applicant portal. We are unable to consider “easy apply” applications submitted via other websites. For questions about the UC recruiting process or to request accommodations with the application, please contact UC HR at [email protected].

Equal Opportunity Employer.  Building a workplace where all qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment, including Individuals with Disabilities and Protected Veterans.