Thursday, July 21, 2011

Postdoc at Maryland

The UMd PERG/BERG (Physics and Biology Education Research) groups are looking for a postdoc in PER / BER at to work on a project called: "Creating a Common Thermodynamics." The idea is that students in biology and pre-med learn thermo in physics, bio, and chemistry, but they look different in each venue as a result of different (often tacit) assumptions. The project is a collaborative effort between the group at Maryland and researchers at the University of Colorado, the University of New Hampshire, and Swarthmore College.


The ideal candidate will have:
-- a PhD in PER with experience in assessment and curriculum design
-- studied biology, chemistry, and statistical mechanics
-- an interest in interdisciplinary curriculum reform
-- a good understanding of thermodynamics
-- have "take charge" management and organizational skills.

Since the people having all these characteristics is an empty set, a good candidate should have at least a few of them.

The position will pay $45,000 for the first year and be renewable for a possible second and third year given a mutually satisfactory experience and the continued availability of federal funds. The position includes subsidized health benefits. More information about these benefits can be found at .

Interested candidates should send
-- a cover letter that includes a statement of long-term goals,
-- a resume,
-- a list of the courses and other experience they have had with thermodynamics
--- and the names of three references.


We would like someone to start as soon as possible. Applications will continue to be accepted until the position is filled.

Information about the PERG/BERG research groups at Maryland can be found at http://www.physics.umd.edu/perg/.

For more information, contact

Edward F. (Joe) Redish
redish@umd.edu
Department of Physics, U. of Maryland
College Park, MD 20742-4111
Voice: 301-405-6120; Fax: 301-314-9531
http://umdperg.pbworks.com/Joe+Redish