Two Postdoctoral Research Positions to develop and research PhET Simulations for Middle School Physical Science:
The PhET Interactive Simulations Project at the University of Colorado at Boulder has 2 postdoctoral positions available. The PhET Team develops interactive simulations for teaching and learning physics and chemistry, 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.
(These are both filled.)
With funding from a NSF DRK12 project and the O’Donnell Foundation (ODF), PhET is expanding its focus to include development and research on interactive simulations for use in middle school physical science classrooms. Research questions center around effective sim design and sim classroom use for this population, with ODF funding also targeting how teachers use these resources in the classroom and effective professional development models and resources needed for teachers using sims. The primary responsibilities of the successful applicants will be to 1) carry out and publish research on sim design and use with middle school students and teachers; 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 software developers). 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/chemistry education research, in science education (with strong physics or chemistry background), or in traditional areas of physics or chemistry research or science education who are interested in shifting their focus. Prior experience working with middle school students or teachers 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.
To apply: Please submit a cover letter, curriculum vitae, an unofficial transcript, and 3 letters of recommendation to: Kathy.Perkins@colorado.edu
And complete CU’s online application here:
http://www.jobsatcu.com/applicants/Central?quickFind=62264
Review of applications is ongoing and will continue until the position is filled.
