University of Illinois - Postdoctoral Research Associate in Physics Education Research
Applications are invited for a postdoctoral research associate in Physics Education Research
(PER) at the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign (U of I). The work of the University of
Illinois PER Group bridges fundamental principles of physics cognition, learning, and
understanding with large-scale, classroom implementation.
The primary duties of this position will be to work on a collaborative team that manages and
conducts research on the Illinois Physics and Secondary Schools (IPaSS) Partnership program
(https://ipass.physics.illinois.edu/). The IPaSS program is an NSF-funded project that brings
together high school physics teachers with U of I personnel to develop and implement high-
quality, high school physics instruction. The research project investigates three strands: (1)
program impact on teacher professional development and practice, (2) program impact on
student learning and post-secondary pursuit of STEM careers, and (3) adaptation of university
physics curricula to high school physics settings. The IPaSS team consists of Tim Stelzer (PI),
Eric Kuo, Maggie Mahmood, Morten Lundsgaard, and Rebecca Wiltfong.
The preferred start date is Summer 2021. The position is a full-time, 12-month appointment
that may be extended up to a maximum of three years. Candidates are expected to have
earned or be close to earning a Ph.D. in Physics Education Research, Science Education,
Learning Sciences, or a related field.
Duties:
Help shape the development of project research strands
Collaborate on project data collection and analysis
Co-develop and support professional development program activities
Present research through conference presentations and journal articles
There are also opportunities to get involved on other projects in the U of I PER group.
Desired qualifications:
Knowledge of science teacher professional development models and current trends
Experience with quantitative research methods, including experimental or within-
subjects designs
Experience with qualitative research methods, including video analysis in STEM
classroom/teacher professional development settings or interviewing
Experience working in collaborative teams on projects with high logistical demands
Strong writing, communication, and/or presentation skills
Capacity and interest in supporting undergraduate and graduate student research.
Applications should be submitted electronically
at https://my.physics.illinois.edu/submit/go.asp?id=1552 and should include a cover letter,
CV, research statement, and three letters of recommendation. Please direct questions about
the position to PI Tim Stelzer (tstelzer@illinois.edu) or Eric Kuo (ekuo@illinois.edu). Review of
applications will begin on February 28, 2021 and will continue until the position is filled.
Any offer for this position is contingent upon the successful completion of a criminal
background check process in accordance with the University of Illinois Background Check
Policy.
The University of Illinois is an Affirmative Action/Equal Opportunity employer and all qualified
applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, religion, color,
national origin, sex, age, status as a protected veteran, or status as a qualified individual with
a disability. Illinois welcomes individuals with diverse backgrounds, experiences, and ideas
who embrace and value diversity and inclusivity. For more information,
visit https://inclusiveillinois.illinois.edu.
