Postdoc at Michigan State (physics or chemistry education)

Michigan State University in East Lansing, MI invites applications for a post-doctoral researcher in Physics or Chemistry Education in the CREATE for STEM Institute and the Department of Physics and Astronomy for the fall of 2015. The successful candidate will work on a team developing an assessment to explore how students make connections across introductory physics, chemistry, and biology courses.

Responsibilities include working in coordination with physics, chemistry, biology, and education faculty to:
- develop and conduct interviews to examine the connections students make across the disciplines;
- code and analyze interviews with students from across the disciplines;
- utilize interview findings to inform assessment design and revision;
- publish interview findings in physics and other science education journals.

The successful 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 University's CREATE for STEM Institute (http://www.create4stem.msu.edu/). The Physics Education Research Lab at MSU is a dynamic community that includes 3 principal faculty, 5 research associates, 5 graduate students, and several undergraduate students.

The appointment is initially for one year, with the possibility of an extension, based on performance and the availability of funding. The salary will be competitive and commensurate with experience.

Candidates must have a Ph.D. in physics education, chemistry education, or a closely related field.  Preference will be given to candidates with graduate or postdoctoral experience in physics education research, particularly in the area of qualitative analysis. The successful candidate will demonstrate outstanding teaching and mentoring skills, strong content knowledge, excellent writing skills, and the ability to work with undergraduate students, graduate students, faculty, and staff in a collaborative environment.

This position is listed on the MSU Applicant Page, Posting # 1629.  Applications must be uploaded to MSU’s online job application site (https://jobs.msu.edu).  A complete application will include a CV, a statement of research interests, and a statement of teaching philosophy and experiences. In addition, three letters of recommendation addressing the candidate’s teaching experience and expertise must be sent electronically by the recommenders through the application system.

Review of applications will begin on July 17, 2015 and will continue until the position has been filled. Questions regarding the position may be directed to Dr. Vashti Sawtelle, co-director of the Physics Education Research Lab at MSU, vashtis@msu.edu.

MSU is an affirmative-action, equal-opportunity employer. MSU is committed to achieving excellence through a diverse workforce and inclusive culture that encourages all people to reach their full potential. The University actively encourages applications and/or nominations of women, persons of color, veterans and persons with disabilities.