Applications are invited for a post-doctoral researcher in physics education in the Physics Department at Cornell University. The successful candidate will participate in the redesign and evaluation of the introductory physics labs supported by a Cornell University College of Arts and Sciences Active Learning Initiative grant held by the physics department.
Job description:
The successful candidate will take a leading role in the redesign and evaluation of the physics labs in two introductory calculus-based course sequences (engineering and honors). They will work with a faculty committee to develop and refine learning goals and associated lab activities. They will also work with Dr. Holmes and student researchers to assess the program through development, implementation, and analysis of surveys and other assessments, interviews, focus groups, and in-lab observations. They will participate in developing manuals and training materials for instructors and teaching assistants to be propagated between instructors over time.
The candidate will work with a team of faculty, post-docs, graduate students, and undergraduate researchers involved in the program. The candidate will also work with the new Cornell Physics Education Research Lab.
Logistics:
Employer: Cornell University
Location: Ithaca, NY
Start date: By Fall 2017
Time commitment: Prefer full-time, but will be flexible for the right candidate
Length of appointment: Annual contracts renewable up to 3 years
Preferred qualifications include any of the following:
- Ph.D. in physics, physics education research, or closely related field
- Experience with relevant literature and education research methods
- Experience with experimental physics also an asset
- Ability and desire to work collaboratively, mentor graduate and undergraduate students, and also to work independently
- Project leadership, time management, communication, and writing skills
- Experience with curriculum development, teaching assistant training, or faculty development
- Enthusiasm to learn (because this project will involve many moving pieces that require integrating and applying many different research areas, ability to grow surpasses extensive experience in any one of the above areas)
To apply:
Submit a CV, cover letter, a brief teaching and research statement including the candidate’s relevant background and interest in physics or science education research, and the names and email contacts of three professional references to Dr. Natasha Holmes at ngholmes@cornell.edu.
Please also contact Dr. Holmes with any questions.
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