Coordinator of Science Research Integration (2026-27)

Riverdale Country School, a Pre-K through Grade 12 independent all-gender school in New York City, is dedicated to inspiring students to live meaningful and purpose-driven lives. The school achieves this by fostering a culture of academic excellence, critical thinking, and curiosity, supported by a diverse and inclusive community. Riverdale emphasizes both high challenge and high support in its approach to education, encouraging students to engage deeply in interdisciplinary learning, research, and experiential education, both inside and outside the classroom and beyond our campuses. This holistic approach aims to develop well-rounded individuals who are prepared to make a positive impact on the world. At Riverdale, we strive to reflect the diversity of the New York metropolitan area in our students, faculty, and staff. We believe that a diverse and inclusive community enriches the educational experience and is integral to our mission. With a student body of approximately 1,300 students from 117 different zip codes, Riverdale is a vibrant community where 48% of our students identify as students of color.  We seek to employ educators and leaders who bring a student-centered approach, passion for their work, a commitment to DEIB, and a desire to contribute to the growth and development of our entire school community. Position Overview Riverdale’s Middle and Upper School Science Department seeks a visionary, practicing scientist to serve as the Coordinator of Science Research Integration. This is a newly created leadership role designed for a Ph.D.-level researcher who is passionate about translating professional scientific inquiry into the secondary school experience. The Coordinator will support the Director of Science Research and the Science Department Chair to integrate research skills throughout the Grade 6-12 science curriculum, working to bridge the gap between classroom theory and real-world discovery through a cohesive progression of skills, concepts, and content acquisition. The Coordinator will assist in developing a Science curriculum that prepares students to critically evaluate scientific claims encountered in media, civic, and personal contexts, while cultivating transferable inquiry skills such as asking productive questions, interpreting ambiguous information, and revising thinking in response to new evidence. Riverdale’s Commitment to Science Research For over 25 years, Riverdale’s Lisman Laboratories Science Research Program has redefined what is possible in secondary science education by placing high school students at the center of authentic, college-level research. Through faculty mentorship and deep, sustained collaborations with university laboratories and professional scientists, students design experiments, generate and analyze large genomic datasets, apply for external research funding, and publish peer-reviewed articles. This innovative model bridges high school education and experiential, place-based learning with meaningful scientific research, cultivating a culture where ingenuity, collaboration, and the creation of new knowledge drive both teaching and learning. The Coordinator of Science Research Integration will extend the model created by Lisman Laboratories to ensure that every student engages with scientific inquiry at each stage of their academic progression.  The Ideal Candidate You are a scientist who finds as much joy in a student’s "lightbulb moment" as you do in a published paper. You are capable of looking at a traditional syllabus and seeing hidden opportunities for discovery. You possess the disposition, empathy, and desire to mentor novice learners, and the interpersonal skills to collaborate productively with a large and diverse faculty. Key Responsibilities & Requirements