Applications are invited for a post-doctoral researcher in Physics Education in the Department of Physics and Astronomy at Michigan State University. The successful candidate for the current position will work to develop and refine instructional materials for new introductory physics laboratories, will collect data on student learning as well as faculty practice in the course, and will assist in the analysis of the collected data.
Responsibilities include working in coordination with physics and education faculty to:
develop an integrated plan of course evaluation and innovation;
identify specific learning goals that represent faculty-consensus;
develop valid assessments of student learning in this course;
participate in and supervise the development of instructional routines, materials, and practices for improving student learning in this course; and
publish assessment tools and findings in Physics Education journals.
The candidate will collaborate with faculty, post-docs, and graduate students in the Physics Education Research Lab (http://perl.pa.msu.edu/) and in Michigan State's CREATE4STEM Institute (http://www.create4stem.msu.edu/).
The appointment is initially for one year, with the possibility of extension, based on performance and the availability of funding. The salary will be competitive and commensurate with experience. Appointment is contingent upon successfully completing a full background check. Candidates are expected to hold a Ph.D. in physics or physics education with preference to candidates with graduate or postdoctoral experience in physics education research, particularly in the area of introductory laboratory development. The successful candidate will demonstrate outstanding teaching and mentoring skills, strong content knowledge, excellent writing skills, and the ability to work with undergraduate students, grad students, faculty, and staff in a collaborative environment. Applicants should submit a CV, a statement of research interests, and a statement of teaching philosophy and experiences to jobs.msu.edu (posting number 0013). In addition, applicants should arrange for three (3) letters of recommendation to be submitted to the same posting.
Review of applications will begin on Oct 1st, 2014 and will continue until the position has been filled. Questions regarding the position may be directed to Prof. Danny Caballero, Faculty Advisor for the Physics Education Research Lab, caballero@pa.msu.edu.
MSU is an Affirmative Action/Equal Opportunity Employer. MSU is committed to achieving excellence through cultural diversity. The university actively encourages applications and/or nominations of women, persons of color, veterans, and persons with disabilities.
