The Howard Hughes Medical Institute (HHMI) is a major force in advancing biomedical research and science education. We have an exciting fellowship opportunity in HHMI’s Educational Resources Group (ERG) in the Science Education Department at the Institute’s headquarters in Chevy Chase, MD.
The Science Education Fellow will work as a member of the ERG team to produce a broad range of multimedia science education materials, including animations, short films, virtual laboratories, and classroom activities and lesson plans, designed primarily for high school and college audiences. The resources are available free of charge at BioInteractive.org, a website dedicated to providing supplemental teaching materials for the science classroom. In addition to developing science education content, the Science Education Fellow will play an active role in outreach and evaluation efforts, participating with the team in planning, implementing, and critiquing projects. Each year HHMI’s ERG produces dozens of educational resources and conducts professional development workshops involving over 3,000 high school science teachers each year. The tenure of the fellowship is for one year with a possibility for renewal of an additional year.
Candidates must have a strong science background and experience in science teaching and/or educational outreach. The ERG works in a fast moving, deadline-driven, collaborative environment. Candidates should have strong time-management skills and a proven track record of prioritizing and handling multiple projects.
Primary Responsibilities:
- Collaborate with a team of scientists, educators, graphic artists, programmers, and editors to produce a broad range of multimedia science education resources.
- Conduct background research for new topics and products, write proposals, and provide ideas for graphics and interactive modules.
- Collaborate with graphic artists to develop the highest quality graphics and animations with pedagogical effectiveness; tasks include writing accompanying text components, fact-checking information, and ensuring accuracy in an iterative review process.
- Revise resources based on teacher feedback.
- Contribute as part of a small team with multiple overlapping roles.
Additional Responsibilities:
- Represent the group at science education meetings and education sessions at scientific meetings.
- Present ERG’s resources at teacher focus groups and workshops.
- Assist in the development and direction of product evaluation projects, including organizing meetings, and preparing reports and publications.
- Contribute to ERG’s marketing efforts, including social media campaigns.
Desired Skills & Experience
- Advanced degree in biology, chemistry, biochemistry, physics, or environmental science
- A keen interest in all areas of science
- Demonstrated interest and/or experience in teaching science
- Experience developing curriculum for a high school or undergraduate audience a plus
- Excellent communication skills, written, verbal, and interpersonal
- Ability to explain difficult scientific concepts to a lay audience
- Ability and willingness to take on new tasks, responsibilities, and develop new skills
- Ability to work independently and collaboratively
- Desire to work in a mission-driven environment and passion for science education
- Knowledge of standard Microsoft Office programs
- Knowledge of graphic design and other multimedia development tools a plus
To Apply for this Position:
To apply, email the following tojobs@hhmi.org. Please include the job title in the subject line:
1) a letter of application that includes a short paragraph explaining the interest in this position and a description of past teaching or outreach experience
2) a resume or curriculum vitae;
3) a written assignment, as outlined below; and
4) three references.
Description of Written Assignment: As part of the application process, we are asking candidates to submit a list of 3 to 6 key concepts addressed by each of the following 3 animations on BioInteractive.org:
- The Molecular Cascade in Bacterial Quorum Sensing (http://www.hhmi.org/biointeractive/biodiversity/2009_QS_molecular_cascade.html)
- Natural Selection of Lactose Tolerance (http://www.hhmi.org/biointeractive/evolution/lactose_tolerance_selection.html)
- Differentiation and the Fate of Cells (http://www.hhmi.org/biointeractive/stemcells/differentiation.html)
The key concepts should be no more than two sentences each and be aimed at an advanced high school or introductory college biology student level.
Company Description
The Howard Hughes Medical Institute (HHMI), a nonprofit medical research organization that ranks as one of the nation’s largest philanthropies, plays a powerful role in advancing biomedical research and science education in the United States and abroad. HHMI is headquartered in Chevy Chase, MD.For more information, please visit us at www.hhmi.org
