Saturday, March 17, 2018

Boise State University: Institute for STEM and Diversity Initiatives Project Manager


The Institute for STEM and Diversity Project Manager at Boise State Universwill lead the implementation of programs, services and initiatives. This position will collaborate to 1) implement strategies for students and faculty to increase the academic success, self-efficacy, and retention of students in STEM majors and others interested in STEM opportunities, 2) transform the campus culture and climate for STEM education, and 3) network with K-12, higher education, and industry partners to address needs related to STEM student success.

Duties and Responsibilities:
Provide leadership for management of STEM initiatives and programs:
  • Create, implement, and assess STEM initiatives intended to increase the STEM student access and success, and contribute to the knowledge-base of STEM education.
  • Potentially supervise employees involved with STEM program activities and support their professional development.
  • Serve as liaison to and collaborate with, campus divisions/units, faculty, student service areas, and grant advisory committees as related to STEM activities for the enhanced student access and success in STEM fields. 
  • Author or co-author publications related to the STEM education programs and results.
  • Actively assist in the pursuit of funding opportunities that sustain the STEM Program and enhance STEM student success and education.
Collaborate, coordinate and implement programs and services that support STEM students through successful transitions to and within their degree (e.g. recruitment and outreach programs, gateway courses, research/industry experience and self-efficacy), inclusive of partnerships with K-12 and industry partners as appropriate. This includes:
  • Work with Advising and Academic Support, STEM and related departments, and college student support offices to coordinate and increase awareness of academic support programs for STEM students and courses.
  • Work with Institutional Research, other staff, and external evaluators in developing and implementing assessment program objectives and evaluation of the STEM education programs.
  • Collaborate and coordinate with relevant grant funded student success programs (LSAMP, S-STEM, NOYCE, B2B, etc.) to increase effectiveness.
  • Serve as a clearing house of resources and advocate for: undergraduate research and internship opportunities, grants, academic support, evidence-based instructional practices, and information of general interest for the STEM education community.
  • Serve on university committees and work groups involving STEM education or student success.
  • Help lead the dissemination plan of STEM education activities, publications, and communications and web materials.
  • Connect and collaborate with the College of Western Idaho, University of Idaho, Idaho State University, and other relevant education institutions collaborating on research and programs.

About Boise State: 
Boise State University is committed to increasing the diversity of its faculty, staff, students, and academic program offerings and to strengthening sensitivity to diversity throughout the institution. Boise State University is an affirmative action/equal opportunity employer, and applications from members of historically underrepresented groups are especially encouraged to apply. We are a welcoming campus that supports diversity and inclusion.

https://boisestate.taleo.net/careersection/ex/jobdetail.ftl?job=180302&tz=GMT-06%3A00 

Thursday, March 15, 2018

PER postdoc position at the University of Colorado

Applications are invited for a Postdoctoral Researcher in Physics Education in the Department of Physics at the University of Colorado Boulder. The postdoc will work on an NSF-funded project titled “Developing and Supporting Student Projects in Upper-division Physics Lab Courses.” Using a Design-Based Implementation Research approach, this work will culminate in a compendium of research-based effective practices for multiweek projects in upper-division physics lab courses. These effective practices will inform three major aspects of projects: (1) goals and framing of projects; (2) guidelines for the structure of projects, including authentic field-tested exemplars; and (3) guidelines for choosing appropriate assessments and interpreting their results. In particular, these effective practices will be developed to promote students’ model-based reasoning skills, troubleshooting skills, documentation practices, and a sense of ownership over their projects. The postdoc will work in the group of Heather Lewandowski and collaborate with faculty, postdocs, and graduate students in Colorado's Physics Education Research Group.

Candidates must have a Ph.D. in physics, physics education research, or closely related field. Prior experience with experimental physics research or physics education research is preferred. Preference will be given to candidates with experience in both areas. The project involves partnerships with faculty members and students at multiple institutions across the United States, and the successful candidate will maintain those partnerships through appropriate interpersonal communication and teamwork.

To apply for the position please send the following materials to lewandoh@colorado.edu.

1. Cover letter that addresses the required and preferred qualifications described above, describes the applicant’s interest in joining the project, and answers the following questions:

1.A) In what ways do your previous research, teaching, or outreach experiences inform your vision for improving undergraduate physics lab courses?
1.B) How do your previous experiences prepare you to work cooperatively and productively with colleagues, students, and supervisors from diverse backgrounds?
1.C) In this postdoctoral research position, you will gain significant skills in physics education research. How do you envision those skills will be useful to you later in your career?

2. CV with references listed.

The University of Colorado is an Equal Opportunity Employer committed to building a diverse workforce. We encourage applications from women, racial and ethnic minorities, individuals with disabilities and veterans. Alternative formats of this ad can be provided upon request for individuals with disabilities by contacting the ADA Coordinator at hr-ada@colorado.edu.

Wednesday, March 14, 2018

STEM Education Research Director, AAAS

https://workforcenow.adp.com/mdf/recruitment/recruitment.html?cid=83df0560-f4bf-4f7b-88d6-b30c64368c76&sid=QUFBU2NpZW5jZQ%3D%3D&cid=83df0560-f4bf-4f7b-88d6-b30c64368c76&ccId=19000101_000001&jobId=145307&lang=en_US&source=CC4&utm_source=64&utm_medium=social&utm_campaign=AAAS-(@aaas)&utm_term=SciPak&utm_content=AAAS

Work With Us

We have an exciting full-time opportunity for a Program Director, Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics Education Research in our Washington, DC office. This individual will work with the Education and Human Resources team to develop resources and online tools for a community of preservice STEM education researchers and practitioners.

Essential Duties and Responsibilities 

  • Develop and write website content and regularly publish newsletters highlighting research at minority-serving institutions and STEM workforce skills development 
  • Search, review, summarize and analyze literature and production of annotated bibliographies related to STEM and pre-service teacher education
  • Write research briefs and policy papers and/or reports
  • Publish in referred journals and other scholarly outlets, and communicate research in professional and public outlets
  • Perform administrative functions primarily connected with the project’s area of research and content
  • Attend meetings associated with the project and attend other meetings as appropriate
  • Co-manage conference – including facilitating reviews of conference papers and abstracts with Program Officers and reviewers
  • Co-manage small workshops and meetings, including setting-up online registration, travel and travel awards for conferences and serves as liaison, including maintaining databases, coordinating with the AAAS travel agency, responding to questions, and developing FAQs
  • Additional duties as assigned

Key Requirements

  • Minimum of a PhD in Science/Mathematics/Technology/Engineering, STEM Education, or Education related field  
  • Seven to ten years’ experience in critical analysis, literature search and review in STEM education research and practice
  • Demonstrated experience working with leading science and education organizations and STEM education experts, nationally and internationally
  • Experience with publishing conference products (summaries, program books etc.)
  • Strong interpersonal, writing, and communication skills
  • Strong computer skills, including databases and uploading online content to websites
  • Ability to work independently with minimal supervision 
  • Ability to manage diverse sets of data
  • Ability to work effectively and conduct collaborative research as a member of an interdisciplinary team

PER Postdoc at Michigan State

Position: Post-doctoral research associate

Location: Michigan State University

Project: Characterizing the national landscape of informal physics programs

Details: The appointment is initially for one year, with the possibility of a one year extension, 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.

Description
A new NSF-funded project, led by Prof. Katie Hinko (hinko@msu.edu) at Michigan State University, seeks to characterize the landscape of informal physics programming (commonly called physics outreach) across the United States. (This project is also in collaboration with Dr. Noah Finkelstein at 
the University of Colorado Boulder.) A postdoc is sought to help develop a survey of informal efforts, construct a taxonomy of those programs, and study “successful” and “failed” programs to determine the culture and resources needed to support such programs. Results from this project will have significant impact on the physics community as well as the broader scientific community, and it will have the power to impact change in informal physics programming nationwide and beyond. 

The postdoc will be responsible for managing all aspects of this project along with Drs. Hinko and Finkelstein, such as determining a data collection scheme, connecting with informal physics practitioners and conducting interviews, and traveling to perform site visits to programs around 
the US.  This person will be responsible for analyzing multiple data sources and synthesizing findings. The post-doc will also present and publish the findings of this project in national venues for both researchers and practitioners. Additionally, this person will be expected to supervise 
graduate and undergraduate students on the project, assist with grant proposals, and contribute to the efforts of the broader PER group at Michigan State University. 

The Physics Education Research Lab at Michigan State University (PERL@MSU) is a growing and vibrant community of faculty, graduate students, and post-docs. An opportune place to develop skills in mentoring, leadership, teaching, and outreach in physics, PERL@MSU collaborates with various universities across the world as well as with researchers at MSU working in CREATE for 
STEM, the college of education, and the learning sciences.

Candidates are expected to hold a Ph.D. in physics, physics education, science education, museum studies, science communication, or a related field.

A successful candidate will demonstrate:
* Extensive experience working in informal STEM learning environments 
* Significant research experience with qualitative methodology and data analysis, including interviews and observations
* Excellent professional research skills including communication, mentoring, project management, and the publication process

An exceptional candidate will demonstrate one or more of the following:
* Significant experience with physicists and the physics community 
* Successful history of physics education research or research in informal STEM environments
* Ability to work with university science students, faculty, and administrators at academic institutions
* Coordination of large scale data collection across multiple sites
* Experience with quantitative methodology and/or survey design
* Working on a multi/interdisciplinary team and/or
* Interest and experience in issues surrounding (in)equity in STEM education

Applicants should submit a CV, a statement of research interests, and a statement of educational philosophy and experiences to careers.msu.edu (#492011). In addition, applicants should arrange for three (3) letters of recommendation to be submitted to the same posting.

Review of applications will begin on April 15, 2018 and will continue until the position has been filled. Start date is negotiable with a preference toward candidates that are available in early summer 2018. Questions regarding the position may be directed to Prof. Katie Hinko (hinko@msu.edu), the research advisor for this project.

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.

Monday, March 12, 2018

Postdoc or Early Career Researcher with PhET Interactive Simulations at CU Boulder

Professional Research Associate (Postdoc or Early Researcher) in Inclusive Simulation Research in STEM Education with the PhET Interactive Simulations Project at the University of Colorado Boulder
The PhET Interactive Simulations Project (http://phet.colorado.edu) at the University of Colorado Boulder has an opening for a full-time Research Associate (postdoc or early researcher) position with a focus on research involving accessible simulation features and their use by students with and without disabilities. The PhET Team designs and develops interactive simulations for teaching and learning science and mathematics with supporting professional development materials, and makes all of these resources available for free to educators and students around the world. Research at the K-12 and college levels is a major component of the PhET project, and focuses on understanding aspects of design and use that lead to increases in student engagement and learning. This particular position is part of PhET’s initiative to increase the accessibility of the interactive simulations for students with disabilities.
Job Description
The successful applicant will join the vibrant and productive PhET team. Their responsibilities will grow as the applicant becomes familiar with the project, to include:

  • Designing accessibility features (as part of a 3- to 5-person team) into existing PhET HTML5 simulations. (Software programming is not required, though knowledge of basic coding principles is a plus – see description of desirable qualifications below. The PhET project has a team of professional software developers that will implement accessibility features in the simulations).
  • Conducting user-testing of simulation use through interviews of students with and without disabilities
  • Leading simulation design, development, and research efforts - e.g. analyzing data, conducting interview and classroom-based research studies (including developing connections and collaborations with school administrators and teachers, and conducting classroom observations), etc.
  • Serving as a PhET project liaison to the accessibility, accessible technology, education research, and STEM and Special Education teacher communities
  • Assisting with dissemination of the PhET project’s resources to the accessibility and teacher communities: developing and representing PhET in online forums and resources; running exhibit booths at national and local conferences; and assisting with teacher workshops.

The successful candidate will work at the University of Colorado Boulder which is a national leader in STEM education with over 50 campus programs addressing STEM education and the Center for Science Learning. The candidate will join the PhET Interactive Simulation project's growing team of 20+ full and part-time faculty, researchers, teachers, software developers, and staff. More information on PhET can be found at: http://phet.colorado.edu.
Start Date:
The start date is flexible. We will consider start dates as early as May 1, 2018 and as late as Aug 1, 2018, with a preference for a start date of June 1, 2018 or earlier.
The University of Colorado is an Equal Opportunity Employer committed to building a diverse workforce. We encourage applications from women, racial and ethnic minorities, individuals with disabilities, and veterans. Alternative formats of this ad can be provided upon request for individuals with disabilities by contacting the ADA Coordinator at hr-ada@colorado.edu.
The University of Colorado conducts background checks on all final applicants being considered for employment. 
Required Minimum Qualifications:
We will consider applicants who:

  • Have completed a:
    • Ph.D. in Physics, Physics Education, Chemistry, Chemistry Education or a closely related field, with a strong interest and background in science education
    • Ed.D (with a strong science background) in Science Education or Special Education or closely related field, or a
    • Ph.D. in Educational Psychology or a closely related field
    • Ph.D. in Human Computer Interaction, Human-centered Computing or a closely related field

by June 30, 2018 (minimally, all degree requirements must be met if the degree has not yet been conferred by the deadline).
  • Have experience conducting research in K-12 classrooms
  • Are highly organized, and very attentive to details
  • Are proficient with common workplace software (e.g., spreadsheets and word processing)
  • Have excellent technical writing and presentation skills
  • Have excellent professional and workplace communication skills (e.g., email)
  • Is highly capable of advancing multiple projects with overlapping deadlines, and able to complete projects in a timely manner.
  • Can, with reasonable accuracy, estimate time to complete tasks (e.g., drafting a manuscript, designing an interview protocol, etc.) 
Highly Desirable Qualifications
While not required, any of the following qualifications are highly desirable:

  • Experience conducting research involving students with disabilities, and/or their teachers
  • Experience with assistive technology (e.g., alternative input devices, screen reader software, etc.)
  • Knowledge of the semantic use of HTML and the main principles of the Web Content Accessibility Guidelines by the World Wide Web Consortium
  • An undergraduate degree in a STEM discipline (e.g., physics, computer science, etc.)
  • Familiarity with PhET simulations and their use in the classroom
  • Demonstrated interest in language (e.g., multilingual, linguistics, natural language processing, etc.), and/or sound (e.g., playing an instrument, sonification, etc.)

To apply:

Sunday, March 11, 2018

Pre-Engineering Program Coordinator, Edgewood College, WI

https://www.edgewood.edu/about/employment/pre-engineering-program-coordinator

Pre-Engineering Program Coordinator

DESCRIPTION OF JOB

The incumbent will coordinate our pre-engineering programs, build a Fab Lab (fabrication laboratory) from the ground up, and teach introductory physics and pre-engineering courses. Prior experience working in a Fab Lab environment with students is preferred. The ideal candidate will also have experience teaching at either the secondary or college level, and be willing to work on program development and assessment.
Currently, Edgewood College has “pre-engineering” concentrations within three majors: Physics, Chemistry, and Mathematics. Additionally, we have a partnership agreement with Madison College that allows students to take programs in Civil Engineering Technology, Electrical Engineering Technology, and Renewable Energy. This position will be housed in the Department of Chemistry, Geoscience, & Physics (CGP). This will be a 10 month, academic year position. This is a three-year appointment, with possibility of renewable.

Responsibilities:

  • Manage the “Fab Lab” facility
    • Work within a budget to select and order equipment for a new Fab Lab facility
    • Supervise student projects
    • Coordinate use of the facility for faculty, staff, and students from outside of the department
    • Maintain Fab Lab and Physics laboratory equipment
  • Teaching
    • Develop an “Intro to Engineering” course
    • Develop new courses related to teaching students to use the Fab Lab equipment
    • Assist in teaching introductory physics courses, as needed by the department
    • Help faculty develop ways to integrate use of Fab Lab into existing courses
  • Coordinate Pre-engineering Programs
    • Promote pre-engineering programs to recruit prospective students, both new freshman and transfer students
    • Advise students interested in pre-engineering majors and/or engineering careers
    • Maintain and expand on Edgewood’s existing Pre-Engineering programs
    • Maintain and build partnerships with other colleges and universities
    • Assessment of pre-engineering and related programs

JOB QUALIFICATIONS

Necessary Education or Work Experience:

  • Master’s or PhD degree in Physics or related field of Engineering
  • Prior experience working in a fabrication laboratory environment with students preferred
  • Experience teaching physics and/or engineering courses at either the secondary or college level
  • Willingness to work on program development and assessment

Required Knowledge and Skills:

  • Experience programming for fabrication laboratory equipment (e.g. 3-D printers, CNC machines)
  • Experience using and maintaining shop equipment (e.g drill press, band saw)

Specialized Technology Skills:

  • Experience with software required to use 3-D Printers and other equipment (AutoCAD or similar)

Other Qualifications:

Edgewood College, an Equal Opportunity Employer, is committed to academic excellence through diversity in its faculty, staff, and students. Candidates must demonstrate multicultural competence – the awareness, knowledge, and skills needed to work with others who are culturally different from self in meaningful, relevant, and productive ways. Applicants from traditionally underrepresented populations including women and racial and ethnic minorities are especially encouraged to apply. The selected candidate must actively support the mission of the College by working with faculty, staff and students to share in our core values — truth, compassion, justice, partnership, and community.
To apply: Send a cover letter, resume, and references to:
Edgewood College
Human Resources – PEPC
1000 Edgewood College Drive
Madison, WI 53711
E-mail: humanresources@edgewood.edu
Equal Opportunity Employer

Friday, March 9, 2018

NTT at Pennsylvania State University-Harrisburg

Assistant Teaching Professor in Physics

The Pennsylvania State University at Harrisburg, School of Science, Engineering and Technology, invites applications for a full-time, non-tenure track position, Assistant Teaching Professor position in Physics, effective Fall semester 2018. The successful candidate is expected to teach a broad range of undergraduate courses/labs in Physics, and possibly introductory courses in Astronomy and/or Earth Science. In addition, all full-time faculty are expected to engage in scholarly activities, participate in University/College/Program and professional service, assist with ABET accreditation processes, and advise undergraduate students. The minimum qualification is a Ph.D. in Physics or a closely related discipline plus relevant experience. Preference will be given to individuals who have demonstrated commitment to excellence in college teaching. Information about the College can be found at http://harrisburg.psu.edu/science-engineering-technology.

Review of applications will begin on March 26, 2018 and continue until the position is filled. To apply, please submit a cover letter, curriculum vitae, statement of teaching philosophy and the names and contact information of three references.

Apply online at https://psu.jobs/job/77278

CAMPUS SECURITY CRIME STATISTICS: For more about safety at Penn State, and to review the Annual Security Report which contains information about crime statistics and other safety and security matters, please go to http://www.police.psu.edu/clery/, which will also provide you with detail on how to request a hard copy of the Annual Security Report.

Penn State is an equal opportunity, affirmative action employer, and is committed to providing employment opportunities to all qualified applicants without regard to race, color, religion, age, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability or protected veteran status.

TT at Truman State University

Position: A tenure-track faculty position is available in the Department of Physics at Truman State University, a top-ranked public liberal arts and sciences university. The successful candidate will be able to teach the full spectrum of undergraduate introductory and advanced physics courses. The particular area of research is flexible, but the successful candidate will be expected to provide high-quality research experiences involving undergraduates. Service to the department, school and university are expected. This assignment will begin in August of 2018. This position requires a Ph.D. (completed by August 13, 2018) in physics, astronomy, or a related field.
Applicants will be evaluated on academic qualifications; support for the liberal arts and sciences mission of the University; teaching philosophy and experience; evidence of teaching effectiveness or evidence of potential teaching effectiveness in teaching Physics courses; evidence of effective communication and interpersonal skills; research interests and research plans with the potential for involving undergraduates; and compatibility with the department's needs. Rank and salary will be commensurate with qualifications and experience.
Program: The Department of Physics is part of the School of Science and Mathematics at Truman State University. The Department is a vibrant community consisting of 7 faculty members and approximately 70 undergraduate majors. There are active student communities organized around the Society of Physics Students, Women in Physics, and Stargazers groups. We also have a chapter of Sigma Pi Sigma. The department is housed in Magruder Hall and has several physics educational and research laboratories. The Truman State Observatory is located at a semi-rural location on the University farm, about 2 miles southwest of the main campus. It houses a 14-inch Meade telescope and a 17-inch Planewave telescope used for research, education, and outreach.
The physics department offers BS and BA degrees in Physics, and minors in Physics and Astronomy. The Department also offers a pre-engineering program including a dual-degree option. Beyond our major's curriculum, the discipline offers courses in Truman's Liberal Studies Program (LSP); opportunities for faculty members to pursue interdisciplinary teaching and research occur both within the School and as part of the LSP. For more information about the Physics Department, please visit physics.truman.edu.
The University: Truman State University is home to a vibrant educational community. The approximately 6,000 students who make up its student body are well prepared for the academic rigors of a highly selective university. More than 20 percent of Truman students engage in significant undergraduate research and creative projects. Most gain leadership experience and nearly half go on to graduate or professional school within a year of earning a degree.
Founded in 1867, Truman is known for its focus on student learning and outcomes and places an emphasis on high-impact experiences such as internships, research, and study abroad opportunities. Truman has the highest overall graduation rate among the state's public colleges and universities. For more than two decades, Truman has been recognized as the No. 1 public university in the Midwest regional category by U.S. News & World Report. Washington Monthly has included Truman in the top five of its master's university rankings in each of the past five years. For more information regarding additional rankings and acknowledgements, visit truman.edu/about.
The Community: Located in Northeast Missouri, Kirksville is a cultural and economic hub in the region. In addition to Truman, Kirksville is the birthplace of osteopathic medicine and has a medical school, dental school, and community college. The Kirksville School District is consistently recognized for academic excellence, and the community takes pride in several annual events including the Red Barn Arts and Crafts Festival, the NEMO Triathlon, and the Red, White, and Blue Festival. Just a few minutes outside of town is beautiful Thousand Hills State Park with hiking and biking opportunities surrounding the 700-acre Forrest Lake. Kirksville offers easy access by car to Kansas City, St. Louis, Chicago and Des Moines. Daily flights from Kirksville Regional Airport to St. Louis provide quick access to one of the Midwest's major metropolitan areas. More information about Kirksville can be found at kirksvillechamber.com.
Application: The application process is handled by the School of Science and Mathematics. Electronic submission of applications is required and must be completed at http://employment.truman.edu. Completed applications must include a cover letter, a statement of teaching philosophy and interests, a statement of research interests and goals, CV, undergraduate and graduate transcripts, and three letters of reference.
Review of applications will begin on April 20, 2018 and continue until the position is filled. If hired, applicant must provide proof of eligibility to work in the United States, official graduate transcripts, or documentation of degrees if transcripts are not available.
Questions about this position may be directed to Ian Lindevald, Physics Department Chair, lindy@truman.edu.