Applications are invited for a Postdoctoral Research, Development and Teaching position in Physics Education Research in the Department of Physics and Astronomy at the University of Calgary in Calgary, Alberta, Canada (www.phas.ucalgary.ca). This is initially a one-year position, although it may be extended to a second year. A start date of July 1, 2010 is targeted for this position. The position will be focused on the development, implementation, and efficacy evaluation of labatorial exercises in a 1st year service course in Electromagnetism for students in Engineering, and will include instruction of this course in the summer and winter terms. Labatorials1 are the University of Calgary implementation of some of the ideas commonly associated with Studio Physics. These two hour weekly small group sessions utilize mini-experiments, PhET- or Physlet-based exercises, and demonstration-based tutorials to complement student learning in clicker-based, large-section, lecture sessions. The candidate selected for this position is expected to be involved in the instruction of these courses, as well as working with other faculty and graduate students on labatorial development and assessment, including publication of the results of these pedagogical implementations.
Applicants must have teaching experience and an interest in physics education. Experience in the field of Physics Education Research would be an asset.
The University of Calgary is locating in the City of Calgary, Alberta, Canada (www.tourismcalgary.com), a vibrant metropolis of a million people located in the foothills of the Canadian Rocky Mountains. The University of Calgary is a broadly-based institution of 28000 students spread over 16 different faculties. The Department of Physics and Astronomy (www.ucalgary.ca/phas/) is a mid-sized Canadian physics department with nearly 30 faculty members, about 80 graduate students and roughly 160 undergraduate physics and astrophysics majors. Each year, the Department teaches about 5000 students across all of our courses. The Faculty of Science at the University of Calgary is home to the recently-formed RAISE (Research And Instruction in Science Education), a multi-disciplinary group of scholars committed to quality university education in the sciences.
Any questions about this position should be addressed to Prof. R. Thompson (rthompso@ucalgary.ca). Complete applications, including cover letter, curriculum vitae, teaching dossier (including a statement of teaching philosophy and list of courses taught), and the names and contact information (including e- mail address) for three references, should be sent to: Dr. Robert I. Thompson, P.Phys. Physics Education Research and Development Department of Physics and Astronomy University of Calgary 2500 University Drive NW Calgary, Alberta, Canada, T2N 1N4 email: rthompso@ucalgary.ca tel. (403) 220-5407 fax: (403) 210-8974
Review of applications will begin May 3, 2010, and continue until the position has been filled.
