Informal Science Education and Research Postdoctoral Research Associate for 2013/2014
The SPIRALS program,
Supporting and Promoting Rural and Indigenous Adolescents’ Learning of Science,
at the University of New Hampshire (UNH) and funded by a National
Science Foundation Informal Science Education (ISE) Award invites
applications for a postdoctoral research
associate in Informal Science Education and Adolescent Research. The
position is renewable for up to 2 years and may begin as early as
October 2013.
SPIRALS
is focused on the impacts of contextualization
on science learning, motivation and attitudes toward science. The
project uses a systematic approach that incorporates mixed methods of
data collection and analysis to examine how culture and community impact
STEM learning. The project team has a community-based
participatory research orientation; therefore, local community group
members provide expertise that contributes to the design of the
curriculum and the research as well as the interpretation of the
findings. The project will contribute to what we know about
how underserved and underrepresented youth engage in STEM learning in
relation to their world views.
The
postdoctoral research associate will be instrumental in creating and
implementing a curriculum with a diverse group of community members to
support
community-based youth groups in New England explore a local sustainable
practice. In addition, the researcher will be responsible for
implementing the project research plan.
Required and Preferred Qualifications
Required
qualifications are: a Ph.D. in science education or educational
psychology; a strong expertise in quantitative methodologies including
multilevel
modeling; and the abilities to prioritize tasks, to engage in long-
and short-term planning, and to handle a variety of demands
simultaneously are critical.
The
following attributes, experiences and knowledge are preferred:
working directly with culturally diverse populations at many levels;
formal or informal
teaching experience; experience with databases, quantitative and
qualitative analysis skills; an understanding of adolescent development;
and knowledge of sustainability and systems thinking.
Candidates
must be willing and able to work a flexible schedule, including
occasional travel, weekends, and extend hours during periods of intense
activity.
We seek self-motivated, creative individuals who have excellent
interpersonal, written and public speaking skills, and who can work both
independently and as part of a team effort.
Salary and Appointment
This
Postdoctoral Research Associate position is full-timed, salaried, and
benefited position at the University of New Hampshire. The position is
annually
renewable, depending on performance and anticipated continuing grant
funding. Salary is competitive and commensurate with professional
experience and qualifications of the candidate. The University of New
Hampshire offers a competitive benefits package.
Application Procedure
To apply for the SPIRALS Postdoctoral Research Associate position, please submit the following to the Lisa Wilder via email:
lisa.wilder@unh.edu:
1.
a letter of interest in the position, including your career goals (no more than two pages),2. a current curriculum vitae,
3. statement of teaching and research philosophy (no more than 2 pages), and
4. the names of three professional references, including current position, relationship to the applicant, and phone and email contact information.
Application Review Timeline
Review of applications will begin on Monday, August 5th, 2013, and will continue until the position is filled.
Questions?
Questions about the position should be directed to the SPIRALS Principal Investigators:
Dr. Eleanor Abrams, Professor, Department of Education, Morrill Hall, University of New Hampshire, Durham, NH; email: eleanor.abrams@unh.edu
Dr. Michael Middleton, Associate Professor, Department of Education, Morrill Hall, University of New Hampshire, Durham, NH; email:
michael.middleton@unh.edu
Please reference the NSF SPIRALS program in all communications.
The
University of New Hampshire is an Equal Opportunity/Equal
Access/Affirmative Action institution. The university seeks excellence
through diversity
among its administrators, faculty, staff, and students. The university
prohibits discrimination on the basis of race, color, religion, sex,
age, national origin, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression,
disability, veteran status, or marital status.
Application by members of all underrepresented groups is encouraged.
