The University of Utah seeks to fill a tenure-track position focused on STEM learning in museum contexts. This is a joint hire between the College of Education and the Natural History Museum of Utah (NHMU). Faculty appointment will be at the Assistant Professor level in the Department of Educational Psychology (Learning and Cognition Program). This position is part of a newly-established, interdisciplinary cluster that brings together domain scientists, visualization researchers, and learning scientists to engage in novel research and outreach related to scientific issues and concepts in biodiversity. For more information, see https://nhmu.utah.edu/sustaining-biodiversity.
As part of this cluster, the learning scientist will be expected to:
· Develop and maintain a program of high-quality research focused on understanding STEM learning processes and outcomes, particularly in a museum environment
· Collaborate with domain scientists and visualization faculty to develop meaningful research concerning how, when, and to what extent public audiences learn STEM concepts
· Work with NHMU to utilize the museum's educational spaces as an in situ learning lab to study learning processes and outcomes in the museum environment
· Translate learning research into action items and practical recommendations related to public learning in museum contexts and participate in museum public programming
· Teach relevant university courses and advise/supervise graduate students
· Develop research funding proposals to national agencies and foundations
· Participate in faculty governance at the department, college, and university levels
Review of applications will begin October 1, 2016, and continue until filled. Submit an application on-line [https://utah.peopleadmin.com/postings/56569] including a curriculum vitae, research samples, the names and email addresses of three references, and three statements: research, teaching, and programmatic interests (i.e., describe how you see your research and academic work potentially impacting and contributing to exhibits and public programs at the Museum, particularly in collaboration with biodiversity [or collections-based] scientists). Candidates must have a completed Ph.D. by time of appointment. Questions may be directed to the Museum’s Executive Director, Sarah George (sgeorge@nhmu.utah.edu).
The University of Utah is an Equal Opportunity/Affirmative Action employer and educator. Minorities, women, veterans, and persons with disabilities are strongly encouraged to apply. Veterans’ preference is extended to qualified veterans. Reasonable disability accommodations will be provided with adequate notice. For additional information about the University’s commitment to equal opportunity and access see: http://www.utah.edu/nondiscrimination/
