PER/DBER in Quantum Computing Postdoc, Texas Tech

 The Department of Physics and Astronomy at Texas Tech University (TTU) invites applications for a Postdoctoral Research Associate to join our team. This position will involve split time between the development of interdisciplinary Quantum Information Science and Engineering (QISE) curricula and Physics Education Research (PER) or other Discipline-based Education Research (DBER) related to Quantum Computing (QC) and/or Quantum Information Science (QIS). This is part of a TTU Quantum Computing Strategic Research Initiative which includes research and workforce development across disciplines.

The successful candidate will work closely with faculty and collaborators in Physics, Chemistry, Electrical Engineering (ECE) and Computer Science (CS) across the institution to design, implement, and evaluate innovative curricula, pedagogical approaches and course materials in undergraduate and graduate QISE courses. The candidate will also carry out PER or other DBER on QISE courses and curricula. This could be building on or related to our present and ongoing research on the effectiveness of evidence-based QC learning materials or workforce development or other QC/QISE related topics. The successful candidate will be able to work well with multiple faculty across different disciplines, be able to develop QISE course and curricular materials, working with faculty and graduate students in different fields, and be able to carry out PER or DBER projects in the context of QISE. 

 

The successful candidate should have a Ph.D. in Physics, Chemistry, ECE or CS with a focus on educational research. They should also have content knowledge in Quantum Computing and/or Quantum Information Science and pedagogical knowledge that can be applied to course and curriculum creation and development. Ideally, the candidate will have a PER or other DBER Ph.D. 

 

Each applicant should submit a CV, list of publications, statement of research interests and plans,

teaching philosophy and contact information for at least three references. 

Applications should be submitted online at http://jobs.texastech.edu, using requisition #43463BR. Inquiries should be sent to Professor Beth Thacker (beth.thacker@ttu.edu). Review of applications will begin on immediately. The position start date is March 1, 2026.

 

All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, age, disability, genetic information or status as a protected veteran.

Four-Year Fellowships for Female Postdocs, University of Vienna, Austria (EU)

 The University of Vienna is launching multiple Fellowships for female Postdocs to strengthen women’s participation in disciplines where they remain underrepresented, specifically within the fields of Physics, Chemistry and Earth Sciences, Geography and Astronomy (including Physics Education Research). The Fellowship programme offers up to 20 full-time 4-year positions with structured career development.

You will: 

- Conduct highly original and internationally competitive research in one of the designated fields. 

- Develop and execute an ambitious Research Plan (as submitted with the application). 

- Publish in high-impact, peer-reviewed journals and present at international conferences. 

- Build and maintain international research collaborations.

 

Find more details at:

https://jobs.univie.ac.at/job/Natural-Sciences-%28Physical-Sciences%29-Postdoc-Fellows-E-STEEM-Call-2026/1280187601/

 

Any questions to: Martin Hopf, martin.hopf@univie.ac.at

Two-Year Postdoc in PER, Stellenbosch University (South Africa)

 Postdoctoral Fellowship in Physics Education

Topic: AI in the Stellenbosch University Science Faculty

The Faculty of Science at Stellenbosch University invites applications for a two-year Postdoctoral Fellowship linked to a research project investigating the impact of artificial intelligence (AI) on teaching and learning in the sciences, particularly in physics.

 

Research Focus

The project explores how AI is reshaping teaching and learning in the Stellenbosch University Science Faculty, with three core aims:
• to analyse academics’ attitudes, practices, and reservations regarding AI use in teaching;
• to investigate how students currently use AI tools—formally and informally—and how this shapes their conceptual understanding and learning behaviours;
• to evaluate the pedagogical impact of structured AI integration through a controlled teaching intervention in physics education, comparing traditional instruction with guided AI-supported learning activities.

The study employs a mixed-methods approach, including faculty-wide surveys, interviews with academics and students, longitudinal tracking of student AI use, and a controlled first year physics teaching experiment assessing conceptual and problem-solving outcomes.

The research team includes three members of the Physics Department’s teaching staff, with whom the postdoctoral fellow will work closely.

 

Eligibility

• Applicants must have obtained their PhD no more than four (4) years prior to their application.
• Preference will be given to candidates who:

• demonstrate a strong publication record during their PhD and/or previous postdoctoral work.
• have studied physics at a Bachelor’s level as well as postgraduate studies in education.
• have had no association with Stellenbosch University for at least three (3) years prior to application

 

Funding

• Stipend: R300 000 per year (paid directly to the Fellow). Fellowships are awarded tax free, and do not include benefits
• Running Costs: R100 000 once-off, or R50 000 per year over two years.
• Duration: Two years (2026–2027).
• Continuation to Year 2 is contingent on the acceptance of at least one peer-reviewed DHET-accredited publication in 2026.

 

Application Deadline: 26 January 2025. (Decision will be made by the end of January. The fellowship must commence by 1 March 2026.)

 

Application procedure: Applicants may apply by email to Dr Philip Southey (southey@sun.ac.za) before the deadline. Submit a cover letter summarising your background and interests and how your skills match those required for the project. Include a detailed CV and academic and publication record, and the names of two contactable references.