Postdoc at Michigan State

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 support an NSF-funded faculty professional development project that aims to build a community around computational modeling instruction, will collect data on faculty's use and perceptions of computational modeling materials (including observations and interviews), and will assist in the analysis of the collected data

Responsibilities include working in coordination with the project team to: develop an annual, interactive, week-long instructional program in computational modeling in physics, make use of action research to iteratively improve upon subsequent offerings of the program, collect observational data during the program, and interview data between program offerings, analyze and coordinate data sources to understand participants' use and perceptions of computational modeling instruction, and publish findings in Physics Education journals. The candidate will collaborate primarily 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/). Additional collaborations will include colleagues at Bradley University, Francis Marion University, the University of St. Thomas, Yale University, and the American Association of Physics Teachers. 

The appointment is initially for one year, with the possibility of extension (up to 3 additional years), 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, physics education, or a related discipline with preference to candidates with graduate or postdoctoral experience in physics education research, particularly in the area of computational physics education and/or faculty professional 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, graduate 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 1972). In addition, applicants should arrange for three (3) letters of recommendation to be submitted to the same posting.

Review of applications will begin on Dec 1, 2015 and will continue until the position has been filled. Questions regarding the position may be directed to Prof. Danny Caballero, Co-direction 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.