Postdoctoral Research Fellow: STEM Education
Overview: A NSF-funded project (2015-2020) welcomes applicants with interest and expertise in both STEM and education. The project brings together researchers from Duke and the University of Minnesota as well as the University of Michigan to: (1) Investigate how STEM faculty use Writing-to-Learn (WTL) pedagogies to promote learning and disciplinary epistemic beliefs; (2) Determine how WTL pedagogies promote deep conceptual learning and critical thinking by diverse students across STEM disciplines (i.e.,what are the mechanisms of effect?); and (3) Develop a nation-wide "WTL in STEM" Faculty Network. This project is a collaboration of the University of Michigan's Department of Chemistry and the Sweetland Center for Writing, both within the College of Literature, Science and the Arts.
Job Requirements: Ph.D. in a STEM field with academic work or considerable experience in education OR Ph.D in education with considerable academic work in a STEM field. Background in the theory and research of writing-to-learn pedagogies is desired but not required. Candidates with a Ph.D. in chemistry and an interest in teaching will have the option of participating in the Department of Chemistrys Dual Mentorship Research and Teaching Postdoctoral Program.
Major Areas of Responsibility:
- In collaboration with other project staff develop writing prompts for participating STEM courses, specifically introductory courses in physics, chemistry, biology, and statistics
- In collaboration with other project staff collect, manage, and archive data including student surveys, faculty writing practices survey, student writing samples, academic and demographic data for students, and faculty network in order to conduct research that could lead to peer-reviewed publications
- In collaboration with other project staff oversee implementation of automated peer review system
- Participate in key aspects of cross-university collaboration, including monthly conference calls, annual project assessments, research meetings, and summer institutes
- Organize, synthesize, and analyze project data, and write co-authored papers with project PIs for peer-reviewed articles
How to Apply: A cover letter is required for consideration for this position and should be included as the first page of your CV. The cover letter should outline your specific interest in the position and outline skills and experience that directly relates to this position. Please apply online at https://umjobs.org/, job opening number 117192.
The University of Michigan is an equal opportunity/affirmative action employer.
Terms:
Application Deadline: November 20, 2015
Projected Start date: January 1, 2016 (could be extended)
Employment: Full-time, 12 months
Salary: $45,000
