Director, Center for Research on Lifelong STEM Learning, Oregon State University

[Update: applications will continue to be given full consideration until April 28th.]

Oregon State University seeks a full-time Director to lead and grow its university-wide Center for Research on Lifelong STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics) Learning.  The Center was established in 2012 with a mission to conduct research and development that leads to enhanced understanding of the processes that underlie how individuals become lifelong STEM learners and practitioners.  The Center is unique in its focus on learning research across disciplines, the lifespan and all settings (in and out of school).

A PhD. in a relevant field, a minimum of 5 years conducting STEM relevant learning research, and a demonstrated track record of successful grant writing and fund raising are required. The successful candidate will possess superior skills in writing, listening, speaking, fundraising, networking, collaboration, and substantial knowledge of the STEM learning/education policy landscape and current research literature.

For more information go to: http://stem.science.oregonstate.edu
For full consideration apply by April 14, 2013 at http://oregonstate.edu/jobs/ and search for position number 0010269.

More Details:
Oregon State University seeks a full-time Director to grow its university-wide Center for Research on Lifelong STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics) Learning. This is an administrative leadership role with an associated academic appointment. Tenure may be negotiated for qualified candidates.

This position provides a rare opportunity to broadly envision the future of STEM learning – learning that is lifelong and lifewide, occurs both in and out of school, supports the needs of professionals and the public from all demographics – and build a research foundation to support that vision. OSU seeks a skilled and visionary leader who can help grow this new Center into a position of national influence and prominence. Building from OSU’s Research Agenda and Strategic Plan, the successful candidate will be charged with promoting the importance of innovation and improvement in STEM education through fundamental and applied research in lifelong STEM learning both within and beyond the OSU community. The Director will oversee development of effective programs that provide real support to investigators and tangible mechanisms for bolstering existing research. The Director will work with Center staff to build infrastructure for attracting additional research funding and broadly sharing OSU research on the national and international stage.

The Center for Research on Lifelong STEM Learning was established in 2012 with a mission to conduct research and development that leads to enhanced understanding of the processes that underlie how individuals with diverse life circumstances and identities become lifelong STEM learners, STEM practitioners and STEM researchers as well as the structures and mechanisms that lead to achieving these outcomes. The Center is unique in its research focus encompassing learning across all settings (in and out of school), STEM disciplines and of all age groups (early childhood through older adult). The ultimate role of the Director is to catalyze discovery and application of new knowledge about STEM learning.

OSU is a regional, national, and international leader in the arena of lifelong STEM learning research. Many OSU faculty are engaged in investigations ranging from STEM-related undergraduate and pre-college education to community-based investigations of STEM learning and public decision-making. The Center Director will lead efforts to significantly advance these capacities at OSU by coordinating activities across disciplines, curricular levels and research areas and by providing an arena for the cross-pollination of ideas, a wider-base of expertise to address cross-cutting challenges and a forum for the development of new projects.

The successful candidate must possess proven fund-raising experience and skills, particularly in areas relevant to the strategic goals of the Center. A PhD. and superior skills in writing, listening, speaking, networking, collaboration, and substantial knowledge of the STEM learning/education policy landscape and current research  literature, both in and outside of school, are required.
OSU is an equal opportunity employer.