Saturday, July 31, 2010

TT at Whitman College

The Whitman College Department of Physics invites applicants for a tenure track position at the rank of assistant professor, effective August, 2011. A Ph.D. in Physics is required. Successful applicants will demonstrate the capacity to teach at all levels of our physics curriculum, from non-major courses to upper level special topics courses. The successful applicant will also enhance the Physics Department's interdisciplinary connections to other departments or programs at Whitman College. In addition to candidates with expertise relating physics to Whitman science departments (Astronomy, Biology, Chemistry and Geology), we encourage applicants able to establish connections with the Environmental Studies program or non-science departments.

Whitman College wishes to reinforce its commitment to enhance diversity, broadly defined, recognizing that to provide a diverse learning environment is to prepare students for personal and professional success in an increasingly multicultural and global society. In their application, candidates should address their interest in working as teachers and scholars with undergraduates in a liberal arts environment that emphasizes close student-faculty interaction; how their cultural, experiential, and/or academic background contributes to diversity; and their interest in participating in the College's general education offerings.

Materials required include a letter of application; curriculum vitae; a comprehensive statement addressing the candidate's teaching interests, research agenda (including the possible involvement of undergraduate students), and potential interdisciplinary contributions to Whitman College through new courses, research focus, or both; three letters of reference; undergraduate and graduate transcripts; teaching evaluations or other evidence of demonstrated or potential excellence in undergraduate instruction. Electronic versions of materials are preferred and should be sent as pdf attachments to: physicssearch10@whitman.edu. Questions concerning the position should also be sent to this email address. Full consideration will be given to materials received by October 15, 2010. No applicant shall be discriminated against on the basis of race, national or ethnic origin, age, gender, sexual orientation, marital status, religion, creed, or disability.

Friday, July 30, 2010

Research Scientist at University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign

Description: The Graduate College at the University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign has an opening for a Visiting Research Scientist to conduct research on graduate education. We are looking for applicants with experience in higher education policy and/or issues in graduate education, and a familiarity with the agencies involved in research on graduate education (such as Sloan, NSF, etc.). The person hired will be responsible for developing and sustaining a funded research program by securing funding from external sources. S/he will participate in ongoing research projects in the Graduate College and collaborate with other academic departments, interdisciplinary research units, centers, and industrial, national and international partners as needed. This is a two year position with the expectation that the visiting research scientist’s successful grant writing activities will lead to continued funding.

Responsibilities:

Identify research questions
Design survey instruments
Identify and apply for funding from state, federal, and/or private foundation sources
Complete and adhere to proper IRB applications and protocols
Participate in primary data collection activities
Conduct quantitative and qualitative research on graduate education
Work with other Graduate College staff on ongoing research projects in a team-approach
Assist with the development of communications and reports including the development of charts and tables for various presentations
Prepare scholarly articles for publication

Qualifications:

Ph.D. in a relevant field
2-4 years experience in research setting preferred
Expertise in both quantitative and qualitative research ideal
Ability to independently and successfully manage complex research projects
Ability to work independently and in a team and effectively follow through on multiple priorities under deadline pressure
Experience with relational databases such as MSSQL
Knowledge of SPSS and/or SAS
Positive experiences communicating with people
Attention to detail

Salary: Salary will be commensurate with qualifications and experience

Appointment Status: This is a 12-month, 100% visiting academic professional position with applicable University Benefits.

Starting date: As soon as possible after closing date.

Application Procedures: Please create your candidate profile at http://jobs.illinois.edu and upload a letter of application and vitae/resume, along with the names and contact information of three references by August 16, 2010. All requested information must be submitted for your application to be considered.

For further information regarding application procedures, you may contact Lynn Schaefer at axlschae@illinois.edu or by phone at 217/244-5948. You may also visit grad.illinois.edu for more information.

The University of Illinois is an Affirmative Action /Equal Opportunity Employer. The administration, faculty and staff embrace diversity and are committed to attracting qualified candidates who also embrace and value diversity and inclusivity.

TT at Towson

Tenure Track Assistant Professor in Physics
Towson University

[Ed. note: I spoke with the search committee, and they are not interested in hiring a PER person at this time.]

Thursday, July 29, 2010

RA or Postdoc in Spatial Cognition, University College London

There is a vacancy for a Research Assistant or a Postdoctoral Research Associate on a project studying the development of spatial cognition in children. The position is based in Dr Marko Nardini's lab at UCL and is funded for a period of 36 months in the first instance by a Scholar Award from the James S. McDonnell Foundation. The project will extend the Principal Investigator's previous work on spatial cognitive development (for reprints, see http://tinyurl.com/nardini), focusing on:

  • - Developing new methods for testing spatial cognition in early and mid- childhood, using motion tracking in real environments, and in immersive virtual reality.
  • - Developing new tasks to compare human spatial cognitive development with development in model organisms whose behaviour can be related to neural substrates (in collaboration with colleagues at UCL; see http://www.sciencemag.org/cgi/content/abstract/328/5985/1573)
  • -Mathematical modelling and longitudinal studies of spatial cognitive development; studies of spatial behaviour in the wider contexts of reward-mediated learning and episodic memory

The successful applicant will carry out a range of duties, including helping to set up and run new developmental spatial studies in real environments and in virtual reality.

The post will suit an applicant with an interest in spatial cognition, an aptitude for working with young participants, and the ability to manage the technical demands of testing using motion tracking and virtual reality. Applicants must have a good first degree (BSc or equivalent) in a scientific discipline related to experimental psychology and be proficient in mathematics. Previous experience in cognitive, perceptual or developmental research, programming, or mathematical modelling would be an advantage. At the Research Associate level, a completed PhD in a relevant discipline is also required. The post is subject to a satisfactory enhanced Criminal Records Bureau check.

The starting salary range is £27,796 to £29,318 per annum, inclusive of London Allowance (Research Assistant), or £31,778 to £34,466 per annum (Research Associate).

Prospective applicants are welcome to contact m.nardini@ucl.ac.uk with informal enquiries about the post.

For a full job description, and to apply online, please go to the UCL job announcement.

Physical Scientist Position at NASA Headquarters

This position involves responsibility for managing a significant fraction of the research programs of NASA’s Earth Science Division in the areas of Modeling, Analysis, and Prediction (MAP). For instruction on how to apply and qualification requirements please access the full text vacancy announcement by searching under announcement number HQ10B0145 at www.usajobs.gov. The vacancy closes August 24, 2010.

NASA Fellowships at all levels

The National Institute of Standards and Technology’s American Recovery and Reinvestment Act Measurement Science and Engineering Fellowship Program invites applications for research Post-doctoral and Graduate Fellowships in measurement science and engineering.

For more information, visit the University of Maryland NIST-ARRA website.

TT at Lewis & Clark College

The Lewis & Clark College Department of Physics invites applications for a tenure-track assistant professorship beginning Fall 2011. Preferred teaching fields include introductory through advanced undergraduate physics. We seek a hands-on experimentalist who can effectively involve undergraduate students in research and attract external funding. Preferred research fields include, but are not limited to, experimental condensed matter physics, or atomic, molecular, and optical physics. Ph.D. or terminal degree in physics required at the time of appointment as a tenure-track member of the faculty. Postdoctoral experience required. Potential for excellent teaching and research at an undergraduate institution are essential. Usual load is five courses per academic year and may include regular participation in the College's general education program. Review of applications will begin on October 15, 2010 and continue until the position is filled. Lewis & Clark will conduct background checks on the finalist(s) for the position.

A complete application must include (1) a curriculum vita; (2) a letter of application which includes a statement of educational philosophy, teaching experience, and research interests; (3) evidence of teaching effectiveness; (4) sample of scholarship; (5) three letters of recommendation sent under separate cover and (6) graduate transcripts. Send (hard copy only) to: Physics Department Search, MSC 15, Lewis & Clark College, 0615 SW Palatine Hill Road, Portland, OR 97219. Lewis & Clark, a private liberal arts college with 1,800 undergraduates, is an Equal Opportunity employer that welcomes and encourages applications from women and minority candidates. For more information, visit www.lclark.edu/college/departments/physics.

TT at Bryn Mawr College

The Department of Physics at Bryn Mawr College invites applications for a full-time, tenure-track position at the rank of Assistant Professor to begin July 1, 2011. Outstanding applicants in all fields of experimental physics that complement the existing research areas of the department are encouraged to apply. We seek a candidate with a Ph.D. in physics and postdoctoral experience, who will thrive in a challenging atmosphere that combines teaching courses, seminars and laboratories at all levels with independently defined research in collaboration with undergraduate and graduate students.

At present, the physics department has experimental programs in chemical physics, atomic and molecular physics, and nanomaterials and spintronics, as well as a theoretical program in high energy physics. Ongoing collaborations exist with colleagues in other departments and at neighboring institutions. The successful candidate must propose an independent research program that, after a reasonable initial period, will attract outside funding. Start-up funds will be available.

Located in suburban Philadelphia, Bryn Mawr College is a highly selective liberal arts college for women who share an intense commitment to intellectual inquiry, an independent and purposeful vision of their lives, and a desire to make meaningful contributions to the world. Bryn Mawr comprises an undergraduate college with 1,300 students, as well as coeducational graduate programs in social work and in some humanities and sciences. The College promotes faculty excellence in both research and teaching, and has strong consortial relationships with Haverford College, Swarthmore College, and the University of Pennsylvania. Bryn Mawr College is an equal-opportunity employer; minority candidates and women are especially encouraged to apply.

By December 1, 2010 please submit a letter of application including a curriculum vitae, a statement of teaching philosophy, a research plan (with budget) including how students can be involved, and arrange for three letters of reference to be sent by standard mail to: Professor Peter Beckmann, Tenure Track Search, Department of Physics, Bryn Mawr College, 101 North Merion Avenue, Bryn Mawr, PA 19010-2899. Electronic submissions will not be accepted.

Wednesday, July 28, 2010

TT or T at Stony Brook University

Reference Number: F-6361-10-07-F
Department: Center for Science and Mathematics Education
Salary: Commensurate with experience
Campus: Stony Brook West Campus/HSC

Required Qualifications: Doctorate in Science Education or a science discipline with a strong background in one area of science, as well as academic credentials and a record of scholarly achievement appropriate for appointment at the desired rank.

Preferred Qualifications: Higher education teaching experience. Grades 7-12 teaching experience. Demonstrated record or potential for external funding. Emerging/established record of scholarly research.

Responsibilities & Requirements: The incumbent will:

* Teach courses in the Ph.D. and M.A.T. programs in Science Education.
* Advise and mentor Ph.D. an M.A.T. students.

# Maintain a record of published research.
# Participate in science educational outreach activities.
# Apply for external funding to support science education activities.

Special Notes: This is a tenure track position. Anticipated start date: September 1, 2011. **Applications will be accepted until the position is filled.

The selected candidate must successfully clear a background investigation.

Application Procedure: Those interested in this position should submit resume/CV; a cover letter including statements of research interests and teaching philosophy; and a list of three professional references with complete contact information on-line (preferably as a single PDF) or, to:

Judy Nimmo
Center for Science and Mathematics Education
Life Sciences Building, Room 094
Stony Brook University
Stony Brook, NY 11794-5233
Fax: (631) 632-9791

Apply Here: http://www.apply-for-job.net/c/jobclick.cfm?site=10762&job=7036179

Campus Description: Stony Brook University, home to many highly ranked graduate research programs, is located 60 miles from New York City on Long Island's scenic North Shore. Our 1,100-acre campus is home to 24,000 undergraduate, graduate, and doctoral students and more than 13,500 faculty and staff, including those employed at Stony Brook University Medical Center, Suffolk County's only academic medical center and tertiary care provider. The University is a member of the prestigious Association of American Universities and co-manager of nearby Brookhaven National Laboratory (BNL), a multidisciplinary research laboratory supporting world class scientific programs utilizing state-of-the-art facilities such as the Relativistic Heavy Ion Collider, the National Synchrotron Light Source, and the Center for Functional Nanomaterials, and the NewYorkBlue IBM BG/L+P supercomputer, owned by Stony Brook and managed by BNL. Stony Brook is a partner in managing the Laboratory for the Department of Energy, and is the largest institutional scientific user of BNL facilities. As such, many opportunities exist for collaborative research, and in some cases, joint appointments can be arranged.

Tuesday, July 27, 2010

Position at Green River Community College

There is a rumor that Green River Community College may have an opening for a Physics position to start Fall '11. Email Keith Clay (kclay@greenriver.edu) for details.

Non-TT at Mercyhurst College

There is a rumor that Mercyhurst will be looking for a permanent, full-time, non-tenure track position in Physics to start Fall '11. Email Dyan McBride (dmcbride@mercyhurst.edu) for details.

Editor at PER Jobs

PER Jobs is looking for more editors! If you're on the market now, please consider sharing your search with PER Jobs. If you're not on the market yet, joining PER Jobs will give you a good leg up on job searching when you decide to search later. The hours are small; perhaps an hour each week (or whatever you're willing to give).

We post every job that might be of interest to a PER person, construed broadly. We post any job opening at any level (graduate assistantships through deanships, plus industry and teaching) that might be of interest to someone in physics education (physics teaching, education research, cognitive science, and PER are the most common categories). We do mostly US, but there are occasional international posts as well.

We are especially interested in editors to cover non-academic and international jobs.

If you're interested or want to learn more, email Ellie: perjobs@gmail.com.

TT at Rochester Institute of Technology

RIT is rumored to be searching for a TT job this fall, to start in Fall '11. Email Scott Franklin for details.

Wednesday, July 21, 2010

Non-TT at Univ. of St. Thomas

The Physics Department at the University of St. Thomas in St. Paul, MN (www.stthomas.edu/physics) invites applications for a full-time, ongoing, non-tenure-track faculty position to start September 2011.

The successful candidate will teach 6-7 courses per year, primarily at the introductory level but possibly at the advanced level as well. In addition, the candidate will be expected to operate our new observatory, which comprises a fully automated 17" telescope along with several smaller telescopes. The candidate will be frequently available for evening sky viewings throughout the year and will work closely with the Observatory Director and other faculty to develop new curricular and community outreach activities. These endeavors will constitute the bulk of the candidate's professional engagement beyond regular teaching duties.

While the area of expertise is open, knowledge of astronomy is necessary and so is a strong commitment to excellent teaching, curriculum improvement, and university service. A physics or astronomy PhD is strongly preferred, but Masters will be considered. A demonstrated aptitude for teaching physics and astronomy at the undergraduate level is also preferred.

The successful candidate will also possess a commitment to the ideals of the university mission. Inspired by Catholic intellectual tradition, the University of St. Thomas educates students to be morally responsible leaders who think critically, act wisely, and work skillfully to advance the common good, and seeks to develop individuals who combine career competency with cultural awareness and intellectual curiosity.

The University of St. Thomas has a strong commitment to the principles of diversity and inclusion, to equal opportunity policies and practices, and to the principles and goals of affirmative action. In that spirit, the University welcomes nominations and applications from a broad and diverse applicant pool.

Applications must include (1) a cover letter and curriculum vitae, (2) a statement of teaching interests and philosophy, (3) a vision statement regarding potential use of our observatory to enhance our curriculum and outreach activities, and (4) at least three letters of recommendation (submitted separately by three references). Submit cover letter and curriculum vitae electronically at http://jobs.stthomas.edu. Submit teaching and vision statements online or electronically in pdf format to Veronica Golon, Administrative Assistant, at vcgolon@stthomas.edu. References should submit their letters of recommendation in pdf format to vcgolon@stthomas.edu as well. To receive full consideration, all application materials should be received by January 3, 2011; however, the position will remain open until filled.

Tuesday, July 20, 2010

Postdoc at University of Colorado Boulder

PhET Postdoctoral Position in Physics Education Research in Middle School Science:
The Physics Education Technology (PhET) Project within the Physics Education Research group at the University of Colorado at Boulder has postdoctoral position available. The PhET Team develops interactive simulations for teaching and learning physics, creates activities that couple with the simulations, and makes all of these resources freely available to educators and students on the web. Research is a major component of the PhET Project, and focuses on understanding aspects of design and use that lead to increases in student learning and student engagement.

The new NSF project focuses on development and research on interactive simulations for middle school science. The primary responsibilities of the successful applicant will be to 1) carry out and publish research on sim design and use with middle school students and 2) to develop new simulations with an expectation to lead the development of about 5 simulations per year. (No programming experience needed - PhET hires professional programmers). Other responsibilities include training teachers on use of PhET simulations through PhET workshops at local and national meetings, and supporting other PhET-related work where needed.
More information on PhET can be found at: http://phet.colorado.edu
More information about the PER group @ Colorado is at: http://per.colorado.edu

Eligibility: We will consider graduates in physics education research, in science education (with strong physics background), or in traditional areas of physics research or science education who are interested in shifting their focus to physics education research. Prior experience working with middle school students is a plus. We are looking for someone to start by January 2011 (or earlier), but will consider waiting until a June 2011 start date for strong candidates. The University of Colorado is committed to diversity and equality in education and employment.

Closing Date: Review of applications will begin on Sept. 20 , 2010, and continue until the position is filled.

Please email notification of interest and any questions to:
Katherine.Perkins@colorado.edu

Thursday, July 15, 2010

TT at Wentworth Institute of Technology

The Department of Applied Math & Sciences is seeking an Assistant Professor to teach undergraduate chemistry, as well as undergraduate physics or other related science courses. PhD in related field is required. Teaching experience in higher education environment is preferred. Apply at https://jobs.wit.edu/applicants/Central?quickFind=51061.

[Ed. note: Very brief position announcement -- unknown if this position is tenure-track or not. Labeling it as TT for now.]

VAP at College of the Holy Cross

The Department of Physics at the College of the Holy Cross invites applications for a visiting full-time OR part-time faculty appointment, depending upon qualifications and available resources, for the 2010-2011 academic year, to begin in August 2010. The position's primary duties will be teaching introductory physics laboratories, and possibly teaching natural science, astronomy, or intermediate lab courses. Candidates must demonstrate commitment to, and excellence in, undergraduate teaching. Visiting full-time faculty teach 3 courses each semester and are eligible for travel support and reimbursement of relocation costs within the College’s published policies. All full-time appointments offer competitive salaries and include full benefits. Please send a letter of application, a current curriculum vitae, a statement on teaching philosophy and interest, undergraduate and graduate transcripts (Ph.D. strongly preferred), and two letters of recommendation to Timothy Roach, Ref: PHTD, Department of Physics, College of the Holy Cross, Worcester, MA 01610. Questions may be conveyed electronically to troach@holycross.edu at any time. Review of applications will begin immediately and continue until the position has been filled.

TT at Rider University

For the Fall of 2011 the Department of Chemistry, Biochemistry & Physics invites applications for a tenure-track position at the Assistant Professor level. The physics program at Rider is currently in transition and we are seeking an energetic individual who is interested in helping to redevelop an applied physics program. The successful candidate will have a Ph.D. in physics or physics-related discipline, strong communication skills, a commitment to both teaching and research in the liberal arts environment, the ability to establish a research program that can engage undergraduates and be able to teach courses in introductory physics with the possibility of teaching elective courses to science majors or non-science majors. Prior teaching experience and post-doctoral research are desirable.

All applicants must complete an online application at www.rider.edu/hr, 'Employment Opportunities', 'Create Application', and attach letter of interest, curriculum vitae, a statement of teaching philosophy, and a substantive research proposal. Undergraduate and graduate transcripts and three letters of recommendation are also required and can be sent separately to Manager of Employment, 2083 Lawrenceville Road, Lawrenceville, NJ 08638-3099. Review of completed applications will begin on October 1st and continue until the position is filled. Position #312145.

Rider University is an equal opportunity/affirmative action employer dedicated to excellence through diversity and does not discriminate on the basis of age, race, sex, disability, sexual orientation, national origin, religion, or any other non-job related criteria.

Wednesday, July 14, 2010

Adjunct at Worcester Polytechnic Institute

Worcester Polytechnic Institute (WPI) is looking to hire an adjunct professor to teach an extra session of our introductory physics course (introductory mechanics for the first seven weeks, and introductory electromagnetism for the next seven weeks), from August 2010 to December 2010 (with the potential for continuation in the Spring terms, January 2011 to May 2011). This would be a full time position and this would be an ideal teaching opportunity for a Post Doc or for an All-But-Dissertation Graduate Student. The successful candidate would be working with myself and a team of colleagues, incorporating PER-inspired ideas in the classroom. For further information about this position please contact our Department Head, Professor Germano Iannacchione (gsiannac@wpi.edu), or Carolann Koleci (ck@wpi.edu).

For more information regarding our campus, please visit: http://www.wpi.edu/about/index.html.

Friday, July 9, 2010

VAP at Univ. of Alaska Southeast (repost)

This position has appeared again on Physics Today (suggesting that it was never filled). See the original post for more info: http://perjobs.blogspot.com/2010/02/vap-at-univ-of-alaska-southeast.html

Tuesday, July 6, 2010

Lab Tech at Crafton Hills College

Crafton Hills College in Yucaipa is currently has an immediate opening for a substitute physics laboratory technician and is accepting applications for a permanent physics laboratory technician to begin September 1, 2010 or sometime thereafter. Both the substitute and permanent positions are 19 hours per week, primarily during the late morning and afternoon hours Monday through Thursday. Schedule is flexible and some Fridays may be required.

Both positions require 60 units of college-level coursework with 18 units in physics or astronomy. A job announcement for the permanent position which describes the duties of and requirements for both the permanent and substitute positions is attached.

Applicants interested in the permanent position can apply online at www.sbccdjobs.com. The deadline to apply is August 4, 2010. Applicants interested in the substitute position should contact

Lecturer at University of North Carolina at Greensboro

The University of North Carolina at Greensboro's Department of Physics and Astronomy is rumored to be searching for a one-year full-time lecturer to fill in for a faculty member on leave during AY10-11, to start in Fall '11. This person would teach a full load of lectures and labs, but under the guidance of UNCG's PER faculty (Gerace and Beatty), who have been involved in these particular courses before.

The primary qualifications required will be competence to teach introductory-level physics, as evidenced by an appropriate degree, TA experience, etc.

Down the road (when budget crises abate somewhat) the department will be searching for multiple tenure-track faculty positions. So, this lectureship might possibly be a way for someone interested in PER to get their foot in the door (but they can't promise that one of these hoped-for positions would be soon, let alone in PER).

For more information, email Ian Beatty at idbeatty at uncg dot edu

Saturday, July 3, 2010

Postdoc at Texas Tech

The Department of Physics at Texas Tech University seeks a Postdoctoral Research Associate beginning September (August) 2010 to work on a National Institutes of Health (NIH) Challenge Grant for Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics (STEM) education. The project is to assess the following:

1) The introduction of research-based laboratories and teaching pedagogies into the curriculum.
2) Teaching assistant training in the new pedagogies and the development and use of grading rubrics.
3) The integration of the lecture and lab, using the new research- based laboratories and pedagogies.
4) A completely laboratory-based, interactive engagement course taught to students in small sections.

The focus is the introductory algebra-based and calculus-based courses. We would also like someone who would be able to teach either in a small inquiry-based classroom or a large classroom with interactive- engagement. The position is for one year only. Other involvement will be in administering and analyzing assessment instruments, teaching assistant (TA) training, some development of assessment instruments and other aspects of research related to the grant. Salary is competitive and commensurate with experience.

Applications should include a CV, statement of research and teaching experience, list of publications, and names of three professional references and be sent to beth.thacker@ttu.edu. Review of applications will begin immediately, and the search will continue until the position is filled. We encourage applications from individuals of diverse backgrounds. Texas Tech is committed to affirmative action, equal opportunity and the diversity of its workforce.

TT at Kansas State

Kansas State is likely to be searching for a TT PER person to start in Fall '11. Sanjay Rebello and Dean Zollman have more information.

Two positions at University of Maryland

Two positions are likely to be searched at the University of Maryland, with positions starting in Fall '11. One is open rank focusing on Teacher Ed. The other is senior, and perhaps also Teacher Ed. Both are in the school of Ed. Joe Redish knows more.