Post-Doctoral Research in the SURGE project
Vanderbilt Peabody College
Nashville, TN
Doug Clark at Vanderbilt is looking for a post doc to work on a game-based learning project(www.surgeuniverse.com). The post doc could pursue a wide range of research interests focusing on conceptual change, argumentation, collaboration, measurement, scaffolding, or related topics in the context of digital games for science learning.
Applicants should have an earned doctorate in learning sciences, science education, measurement, or a related field. The position involves participation in two projects funded by the National Science Foundation and the Department of Education. The projects focus on helping students integrate intuitive understandings of science concepts developed through game play with formal disciplinary concepts and representations. The primary disciplinary context is Newtonian mechanics but population ecology and ecosystems will also soon become central disciplinary contexts. The projects involve both qualitative and quantitative components and involve close collaboration with two urban school districts. For additional information about the projects please visit www.surgeuniverse.com. The postdoctoral fellow will collaborate with principal investigator Doug Clark (www.dougclark.info) and will participate in all phases of the projects including design, implementation, data collection, analysis, and publication of results. The principal investigator will encourage the postdoctoral fellow to develop studies and publications that build on his or her emerging research agenda in the general areas of conceptual change, argumentation, collaboration, measurement, scaffolding, or related topics in the context of the games developed through the projects.
Applicants should have an earned doctorate in learning sciences, science education, measurement, or a related field. Applicants will ideally have expertise and experience with qualitative data analysis, quantitative data analysis, or both methodologies. The position includes salary plus health insurance coverage and has the possibility of renewal for up to three years. Review of applications will begin February 2, 2012 and will continue until the position is filled. We may hire more than one position and will continue to review applications through the summer. Please submit application materials electronically to Ms. Shawn Blomker at shawn.blomker@vanderbilt.edu with the heading of “SURGE post-doctoral fellow search” included in the subject line. The materials should include: a letter of interest, no more than two publications (or manuscripts in progress), and a current vita. In addition, please arrange for three referees to email letters of reference to shawn.blomker@vanderbilt.edu with the heading of “SURGE post-doctoral fellow search” included in the subject line. Inquiries should be sent to doug.clark@vanderbilt.edu. Prospective applicants are encouraged to visit the Vanderbilt Peabody College website at http://peabody.vanderbilt.edu/.
