Wednesday, December 28, 2011

Postdoc at University of Virginia

The Department of Curriculum, Instruction & Special Education (CISE) at the University of Virginia, Curry School of Education is seeking a Post-Doctoral Research Associate in Science Education for an independent research opportunity working on an NSF-funded research grant entitled "Mixed-Reality Labs: Integrating Sensors and Simulations to Improve Learning". The grant will develop, implement and assess secondary science lab activities that bridge visualizations and hands-on experiences.

Responsibilities include but are not limited to: conducting research on the effectiveness of virtual, physical, and mixed laboratory activities and technologies (quasi-experimental comparison studies will be conducted in Massachusetts and Virginia schools); supervising graduate and undergraduate students; working with teachers, researchers, and developers to create the technologies and curriculum; helping to lead professional development workshops; collecting and analyzing teacher/student data and presenting research findings at professional conferences and in scholarly journals. The incumbent will join a strong and supportive environment with career advancing opportunities and will engage in mixed-methods research, educational technology development and academic publishing. This project offers collaborative opportunities working closely with Principle Investigators, among them, Dr. Jennifer Chiu, of Curry's Science, Technology, Education & Math (STEM) program; the Concord Consortium and other research staff and distinguished faculty members.

This position requires an earned/conferred Ph.D. in Instructional Technology, Science Education or a related field prior to the hire date of the incumbent. Candidates must demonstrate strong organizational skills, with the ability to multi-task; strong communication skills, oratory and in writing; leadership and interpersonal skills. Preference will be given to candidates experienced in quantitative and qualitative research. This is a one year appointment; however appointments may be renewed for an additional two, one-year increments, contingent upon available funding and satisfactory performance. The position is full-time with benefits and funding is currently expected to continue until September 30, 2014.

To apply, candidates must complete a candidate profile under job posting number 0609034 at http://jobs.virginia.edu/applicants/Central?quickFind=66062. Candidates are required to attach a cover letter stating their interest and qualifications in applying for the position, current curriculum vitae and the contact information for three professional references. Screening of applications will begin December 26, 2011; however, the position will remain open until filled. The appointment hire date for this position will be negotiated with the selected incumbent and expected to be prior to February 2012. Please email jlchiu@virginia.edu with any questions.

For further information regarding the Curry School of Education and/or the Department of Curriculum, Instruction, Special Education, please refer to the following website at: http://curry.virginia.edu.

The Curry School of Education and the University of Virginia welcomes applications from minorities, women, veterans and persons with disabilities. We seek to build a culturally diverse intellectual environment, and are committed to a policy of equal employment opportunity and to the principles of inclusion in accordance with state and federal laws.