The PhET Interactive Simulations Project at the University of Colorado at Boulder has a two-year postdoctoral position available. The PhET Team develops research-based interactive simulations for teaching and learning physics, chemistry, earth science, biology and math/statistics. Recently the project has begun developing and researching activities that take advantage of the unique features of simulations. All PhET simulations and activities are freely available on the web. The projects Research focuses on understanding aspects of simulation design and use that lead to increased student engagement and learning. The two primary responsibilities of the successful applicant will be to 1) carry out and publish research on simulations and 2) work with a team to create new simulations with an expectation to coordinate the development of 5-7 simulations per year. The role of a simulations coordinator is to work with a professional programmer, teacher, content specialist and interface specialist to determine the simulation learning goals, design, content and underlying model. This position also includes training teachers on use of PhET simulations through PhET workshops at local and national meetings.
The candidate will be joining an active education research community at CU, including a nationally-recognized PER group and a growing number of education researchers within the chemistry, biology, integrative physiology and geological science departments.
More information about:
PhET: http://phet.colorado.edu
PER @ Colorado: http://per.colorado.edu
Education research in the sciences: http://www.colorado.edu/sei/departments
Qualifications: Candidates must have a PhD. in Physics and either experience in or a strong interest in shifting their focus to physics education research. The position will start between January 2009 to September 2009 depending on availability. The University of Colorado is committed to diversity and equality in education and employment.
