Postdoc at the Exploratorium

Researcher

Visitor Research and Evaluation Department
Fixed-Term, .80 FTE Position

The Exploratorium is a not-for-profit museum dedicated to the public understanding of science, art, and human perception.  It has pioneered the role of museums as active teaching centers with original programming based on an interactive approach to learning.  It serves as an interdisciplinary resource for schools, universities, scientists, and artists, as well as for the public.


                      Job Information
             www.exploratorium.edu/jobs
              resume@exploratorium.edu

SUMMARY

The Researcher will develop and conduct front-end and formative evaluation studies as well as a design-based research study for Science of Sharing (SoS), an NSF-funded exhibit and program development project to bring the scientific study of human social behavior to a broad public audience. Science of Sharing creates new ways for visitors to experiment with social psychology and generates important information for informal science institutions committed to involving visitors in discussions of personal, societal, and scientific responses to real-world challenges. Researcher responsibilities include designing and implementating in-house research and evaluation studies, coordinating activities directly with the Science of Sharing project team and with outside evaluators and consultants, training and overseeing staff and volunteer evaluators, and generating written reports and journal articles.  The Researcher is expected to present project findings periodically at conferences and professional meetings.  The Researcher may also contribute to the development and writing of new research and evaluation projects and grant proposals. The position reports to the Director of Visitor Research and Evaluation who is also co-PI for the Science of Sharing project.
ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS

Work with Science of Sharing project leadership to develop project research and evaluation goals; represent research and evaluation results in discussions of project direction
Design and implement the in-house research and evaluation plans for SoS exhibits and programs, including design-based research and front-end, formative and remedial evaluation
Under the direction of Director, act as liaison between the Exploratorium and outside project evaluation consultants, as needed
Train and oversee work of volunteers and staff who perform evaluations and assist in research.
Contribute significantly to the documentation of project processes and results, including the creation of written reports and journal articles.
Periodically represent the Exploratorium to the public  and present research and evaluation findings at conferences and other professional meetings
Contribute significantly to the proposal development and writing process for new research and evaluation projects
Contribute to departmental administrative and organizational processes as needed


Continued
Researcher

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MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS

Doctoral degree in science, education, technology or related field, or equivalent experience.
Experience working collaboratively with or leading project teams
Excellent communications skills
Excellent analytical abilities
Demonstrated writing skills, preferably in published form
Technology fluency in using data analysis software and the web
Experience with audio/video recording and editing a plus
Experience in empirical social psychology a plus
Bilingual language skills a plus


APPLICATION DEADLINE

The application submission deadline is 5:00pm on Friday, August 19, 2011, or when the position is filled.
HOW TO APPLY

This is a fixed-term, part-time (80%), exempt, union (grade 23) position that includes benefits. The fixed-term is scheduled to begin October 1, 2011 and end March 30, 2013. To apply, please send cover letter and resume to:


Researcher
(Please include the title as the subject heading)
Exploratorium, 3601 Lyon Street, San Francisco, CA 94123
Fax: (415) 674-2852
E-mail: resume@exploratorium.edu
No phone calls, please

The Exploratorium is committed to a diverse workforce