Assistant Professor
in Physics Education Research
University of Georgia
/ Department of Physics and Astronomy
The
Department of Physics and Astronomy at the University of Georgia invites
applications for a tenure-track assistant professor position in physics
education research, beginning August 1, 2023.
The successful candidate will use data science or artificial
intelligence methodologies (e.g., machine learning, data analytics, educational
data mining) to tackle pressing problems and opportunities in undergraduate
physics and/or data science education, and to generate foundational knowledge
in physics teaching and learning. The candidate will be expected to develop a vigorous, externally
funded research program in this area. The candidate will also contribute
to high-quality instruction and mentoring in the Department of Physics and
Astronomy. The Department has a strong commitment to
undergraduate and graduate education.
The successful candidate will be part of the Data Science
and Artificial Intelligence to Advance Teaching & Learning Cluster, a group
of six tenure-track faculty hired in the Franklin College of Arts &
Sciences and the Mary Frances Early College of Education. Scholarship conducted
by cluster faculty has the potential to enhance assessment and active learning
in classrooms; illuminate previously unseen inequities in classrooms and
educational systems; transform educational data into new insights that benefit
students, teachers, and administrators; and improve data science education in
K-12 and higher education. This cluster will strengthen and expand UGA’s
position as a national leader in discipline-based education research and build
on existing core strengths in data science and artificial intelligence for
teaching and learning. The candidate
will also join a growing community of 14+ discipline-based education
researchers in biology, physics, chemistry, and engineering. The cluster faculty will be able to work
closely with the Scientists Engaged in Education Research (SEER) Center, the
Artificial Intelligence for STEM Education (AI4STEM Education) Center, the
Digital Humanities Lab, and the Owens Institute for Behavioral Research.
Qualifications:
All candidates must have a Ph.D. degree (or equivalent) in
physics or a related discipline.
Preference will be given to applicants who have published their physics
education research, who have at least one year of postdoctoral experience in
education research or teaching, and who have at least one semester of teaching
experience at the undergraduate level. We also seek candidates who have
knowledge of and a record of employing inclusive and evidence-based
instruction, and who have demonstrated commitment to diversity, equity,
inclusion, and justice in science and education.
Application:
Candidates must apply through the UGA Human Resources
website at https://www.ugajobsearch.com/postings/294926.
Application materials will include: (1) a
brief cover letter summarizing the applicant’s scientific background,
strengths, plan, and teaching experience; (2) a complete curriculum vitae; (3)
a statement of physics education research plans that align with the cluster
(2-page maximum); (4) a teaching portfolio (8-page maximum); and (5) a
supporting document listing contact information for 3 references. The teaching portfolio may include evidence
of effective instruction, examples of the use of evidence-based and inclusive
teaching strategies, descriptions of efforts to develop and improve as a
teacher, and sample teaching materials (e.g., a syllabus or an assessment). As part of the teaching and research
materials, an explicit description of the applicant’s actions and experiences
as they relate to diversity, equity, inclusion and/or justice within their
scholarly and/or teaching activities is required. Applicants are strongly encouraged to arrange for the confidential
reference letters ASAP. Any other
correspondence should be addressed to the search committee chair, Craig Wiegert
(cwiegert@uga.edu). Applications received by January 11,
2023, will receive full consideration, but review will continue until the
position is filled.
The
Franklin College of Arts and Sciences, its many units, and the University of
Georgia are committed to increasing the diversity of its faculty and students
and to creating a work and learning environment that is inclusive. Women,
people from historically excluded groups, and people with disabilities are
encouraged to apply. The University of Georgia is an Equal Opportunity/Affirmative
Action employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for
employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin,
ethnicity, age, genetic information, disability, gender identity, sexual
orientation, or protected veteran status. Persons needing accommodations or
assistance with the accessibility of materials related to this search are
encouraged to contact Central HR (hrweb@uga.edu).
Please do not contact the Department or search
committee with such requests.
UGA is a land- and sea-grant institution located in Athens, Georgia, 65 miles
northeast of Atlanta, the state capital (www.visitathensga.com; www.uga.edu). Athens
is well known for its quality of life, with easy access to both outdoor and
urban activities (exploregeorgia.org).
