Three-Year Postdoc in Astronomy Education, Frostburg State MD

 Astronomy Education Postdoctoral Fellow

Frostburg State University (FSU) is poised to become a regional leader in astronomy education and outreach with the reopening of its newly upgraded, state-of-the-art planetarium in Spring 2026. To support this growing vision, the Department of Physical & Environmental Sciences invites applications for a full-time, exempt Astronomy Education Postdoctoral Fellow, with an anticipated start date of July 1, 2027.

This three-year appointment is contingent on a successful first-year performance evaluation and grant funding. The position will be commensurate with qualifications and experience. The successful candidate will receive a comprehensive University System of Maryland benefits package - including annual, personal, and sick leave; holidays; tuition remission; health, dental, vision, and life insurance; and retirement plans - as well as a $2,000 annual research budget to be used for publications.

Responsibilities: 

The fellow will bring fresh expertise in both astronomy and science education, advancing FSU’s mission through innovative STEM outreach, high-quality teaching, and original research. The position will strengthen campus instruction and expand community engagement.

•     Planetarium Support (41%)

•     Research and Service (33%)

•     Teaching (26%)

Minimum Qualifications: 

•     Recent graduate or ABD with a PhD in Physics, Astronomy, or Education (with at least a Master’s in Science Teaching or extensive experience teaching science if PhD is in Education)

•     At least two years of teaching experience

•     Ability to develop an independent research program that includes undergraduate students

Preferred Qualifications: 

•     Demonstrated experience researching science curriculum, preferably astronomy 

•     Experience in informal STEM education (e.g., museums, planetariums, science centers)

•     Evidence of outreach and public engagement activities

About the University: 

A member institution of the University System of Maryland, Frostburg State University is a public, comprehensive, largely residential regional university offering programs in the sciences, education, business, the arts and humanities at both the undergraduate and graduate levels. FSU prides itself on being a dynamic, learning-centered institution that emphasizes teaching with opportunities for professional development and research. More than 4,000 students enroll yearly.

About the Area: 

FSU is located on a scenic 260-acre campus in the mountains of Western Maryland, a region rich in history, quaint shopping areas and eclectic cafes and food choices. The Western Maryland region is considered a four-season outdoor hub of recreational experiences offering activities such as hiking, mountain biking, water sports, snow skiing/boarding, golfing, climbing, etc. Frostburg offers a family-friendly college town feel with easy access to major cities like Pittsburgh, Washington, DC, and Baltimore. If you are looking for insightful colleagues, energetic students, and a great place to work and call home in a region with unlimited adventure seeking opportunities, FSU is for you!

To Apply: 

If you wish to apply, please visit https://marylandconnect.wd1.myworkdayjobs.com/FSU_Careers 

Along with your application, please provide the following: 1) CV; 2) a cover letter; 3) research statement; 4) teaching statement; 5) names and contact information for three professional references.

For assurance of full consideration, please submit materials by December 15, 2026.  This position is open until filled.

FSU is proud to be a diverse and inclusive multicultural university.

Frostburg State University welcomes and encourages women, veterans and minorities to apply and seeks to recruit 

and retain a diverse workforce.  FSU is an Equal Opportunity Employer.  Appropriate auxiliary aids and services for 

qualified individuals with disabilities will be provided upon request.  Please notify us in advance.  

WWW.FROSTBURG.EDU

Postdoc in quantum education research

 Position Highlights

The Physics Education Research group at RIT is seeking candidates for a postdoctoral researcher in quantum education who can support the goals of an NSF funded Quantum Leap Challenge Institute (QLCI): The Physics and Engineering of Practical Quantum Error Correction (Practiqal). The postdoctoral associate will assist Prof. Ben Zwickl with coordinating programmatic activities, developing curricula, and conducting education research related to quantum information science and engineering (QISE).  Primary goals of the project include increasing the accessibility of educational resources related to quantum error correction, emphasizing positive societal impacts of quantum technology within QISE education, and supporting education and training goals of the QLCI center.  A strong background in quantum mechanics and/or quantum information science and technology is required. The position will require coordinating with members across the center, so strong communication and organization skills are required. Prior experience in education research is strongly preferred. Experience with curriculum development is also preferred.

Essential Duties & Responsibilities

Independently conducts research including, but not limited to, constructing hypotheses, design and planning of research studies, data management, model development, conducting experiments or assessments, analysis and interpretation of results, and evaluation of research techniques

Collaborates with internal and external stakeholders

Ensure compliance with institutional, sponsor, and regulatory requirements

Disseminates and publishes research results in peer-reviewed journals, reports, meetings, workshops, and conferences

Assists in the writing of grant proposals

May assist in teaching classes

May mentor and assist undergraduate and/or graduate students

May assist in managing research laboratories

Other duties as assigned

Knowledge, Skills, & Abilities

Demonstrated ability to plan and execute research

Knowledge of applicable research methods and analytical procedures

Knowledge of research compliance and ethics

Knowledge of publishing/reporting requirements

Excellent teamwork and communication skills

Demonstrated potential for original or collaborative scholarship

Scientific writing skills demonstrated through peer-reviewed publications

Ability to acquire accurate, reproducible data

Critical eye towards consistency, reproducibility, and the scientific method in general

Excellent project and time management skills

Strong interpersonal and mentoring skills

Advocate for safety and ethics in the workplace

Ability to communicate findings and effectively work with sponsors and stakeholders

See the full posting and how to apply at 

https://rit.wd12.myworkdayjobs.com/careers/job/RIT-Main-Location/Postdoctoral-Associate_JR103301

Contact Ben Zwickl at ben.zwickl@rit.edu for questions about the position.

PER Postdoc, Penn State [Starts January 2027]

 The Department of Physics at Penn State invites applications for a postdoctoral scholar in physics education research, starting January 2027 with some flexibility.

The successful candidate will join a group that studies how to improve teaching and learning in physics and other STEM disciplines, from introductory courses through graduate education. Current projects include studies of an AI tutor developed and used in Penn State courses, measurement of tutoring quality and its effect on student learning, self-regulated learning, and assessment practices and change in undergraduate and graduate programs. The specific research agenda will be developed collaboratively, with opportunities to pursue new directions based on the candidate's interests and expertise. The postdoc will be jointly mentored by Eric Hudson and Louis Leblond.

Applicants should hold a PhD in physics, PER, learning sciences, educational psychology, or a related field by the start date.

Apply with a CV, a cover letter describing your research interests, and three references. Review begins November 16, 2026 and continues until the position is filled.

https://psu.wd1.myworkdayjobs.com/en-US/PSU_Academic/job/Penn-State-University-Park/Postdoctoral-Scholar-in-Physics-Education-Research_REQ_0000083751-1

Questions to Eric Hudson (ewh10@psu.edu) or Louis Leblond (lul29@psu.edu).

Multiple Engineering Education Research Postdocs, Cornell, NY

 https://academicjobsonline.org/ajo/Cornell/EN-DEAN/POSTDOC

The newly established Cornell University Duffield Engineering Education Research Institute is seeking multiple highly motivated scholars to join us as Postdoctoral Associates in Engineering Education Research across multiple projects. This is a unique opportunity to help shape a new, nationally visible Institute at a leading research university. 

The Institute and its core faculty advance theory-informed and practice-engaged research on how engineers learn, how engineering knowledge and identities are formed, how we assess and evaluate learning, and how educational systems can be designed and transformed to support meaningful and impactful learning experiences. A central focus of the Institute is translating research into sustained evidence-based practice across engineering classrooms, programs, and institutions. The postdoctoral associates will work on one or more Institute projects and/or PI-Specific projects. Below is information about each project. As you review the projects, please reach out to the specific faculty contacts for more information. 

(1) IMPACT Portal 

Researchers create many measurement instruments for studying teaching and learning, including surveys, rubrics, and other tools, but those tools often stay within the projects that produced them. The IMPACT Portal, an initiative of Cornell's David A. Duffield Engineering Education Research Institute, will make them easier for both instructors and researchers to find and use. An instructor could choose a measure that fits their course, use it to examine a classroom innovation, and draw on the results for local scholarship of teaching and learning. When participating institutions use shared measures and contribute data alongside information about their course contexts, those local efforts can also build a longitudinal national dataset that lets us examine trends and make more meaningful comparisons across courses and institutions. 

In this role, you will help lay the groundwork for building the portal in close collaboration with Drs. Alexandra Werth and Allison Godwin. You'll work with instructors, students, researchers, and administrators to understand what they need from it. You will gather existing instruments and help develop systematic ways to evaluate and communicate their validity evidence so users can choose measures that fit their contexts. You'll also help design a flexible system that supports finding and implementing measures, interpreting results locally, and conducting studies across sites, all within a sustainable infrastructure. 

Desired qualifications 

• A PhD (or near completion) in engineering education, educational measurement, educational or social psychology, or a related field 

• Experience developing or evaluating measurement instruments, grounded in contemporary validity frameworks such as the Standards for Educational and Psychological Testing or argument-based approaches to validation 

• Psychometric analysis skills, including confirmatory factor analysis, item response theory, and measurement invariance testing in R, Mplus, or similar software 

• Qualitative interviewing experience, including cognitive interviews or think-alouds for gathering response process evidence 

• Qualitative data analysis experience (e.g., thematic analysis, qualitative coding) 

• Human subjects research experience, including writing IRB protocols and consent materials 

• Sound data management practices, including documentation, de-identification, version control, and secure storage 

• Clear written and verbal communication with both researchers and practitioners 

(2) Postdoctoral Researcher in Quantum Education at MARQUIS 

Traditional undergraduate research opportunities reach only a fraction of the students who could benefit from them. Access is especially limited in quantum information science, where specialized research facilities are often concentrated at large, research-intensive institutions. MARQUIS, a National Science Foundation Quantum Leap Challenge Institute, is developing a Quantum Course-based Undergraduate Research Experience (QCURE) to broaden access to authentic research in quantum engineering. Students will use real fabrication and characterization datasets available through Q-VAULT to develop hypotheses, interpret evidence, and practice reproducible research. 

In this role, you will work closely with Dr. Alexandra Werth and the MARQUIS research team to develop and study the QCURE. You will help select datasets and research questions appropriate for students, translate technical research into learning activities, and develop instructional materials and assessments. You will also design, pilot, and analyze surveys and support assessment of MARQUIS’s broader education, training, and workforce development (ETWD) initiatives. This work will include identifying program goals, gathering evidence about participants’ experiences and learning, and using findings to improve programs and contribute to education research. 

We particularly welcome candidates with technical backgrounds who are interested in moving into education research, as well as candidates trained in engineering education or related fields who want to work in quantum education. 

Desired qualifications 

• A PhD (or near completion) in a relevant STEM field, engineering education, science education, or a related field. 

• Technical expertise in quantum information science, semiconductor research, materials science, applied physics, or engineering physics is particularly desirable. 

• Experience teaching, mentoring, or developing learning activities, with an interest in authentic research experiences and undergraduate STEM education. 

• Experience with survey design, educational assessment, or program evaluation, or a strong interest in developing these skills. 

• Quantitative data analysis skills in Python, R, MATLAB, or similar software, including clear documentation and reproducible workflows. 

• Experience with qualitative methods, such as interviews or analysis of student work, is welcome. 

• Ability to collaborate with technical researchers and explain complex ideas to students with different levels of preparation. 

• Clear written and verbal communication, careful data management, and willingness to develop expertise in human subjects research. 

(3) Postdoctoral Researcher in AI Integration in Engineering Education 

Generative AI is changing how engineers code, model, analyze data, and communicate technical work. Cornell Duffield Engineering is supporting a two-year experiment in which faculty reconsider what students need to learn and how they should learn it with, around, and sometimes without AI. Selected faculty will implement and study changes in their own courses or learning experiences, working with colleagues who are addressing related challenges. The initiative centers students’ critical thinking and engineering judgment while creating room to try new approaches to teaching and assessment. 

In this two-year postdoctoral role, you will serve as an embedded education researcher and facilitator for a faculty working group. You will help participants turn their teaching ideas into researchable questions, design feasible assessments, and coordinate data collection within their courses. You will facilitate regular discussions, help faculty interpret evidence and refine their approaches, and analyze findings across projects. Each instructor will retain ownership of their course design; you will help the group make meaningful comparisons across different disciplinary contexts. You will also work with college and university staff and collaborate with faculty on publications, presentations, and practical resources for other instructors. 

Desired qualifications 

• A PhD (or near completion) in engineering education, another discipline-based education research field, learning sciences, higher education, or a related field 

• Experience designing and conducting research on teaching and learning in undergraduate STEM settings 

• Experience with qualitative and quantitative methods and the ability to choose methods appropriate to a question and course context 

• Experience developing assessments of student learning, particularly reasoning, critical thinking, or engineering judgment 

• Experience facilitating groups or collaborating with faculty on teaching, curriculum development, or educational research 

• Familiarity with generative AI tools and an interest in examining how their use changes disciplinary work and learning 

• Ability to coordinate several course-based projects, including timelines, data collection, IRB materials, and documentation 

• Clear communication with researchers and instructors, including translating findings into useful teaching guidance 

(4) Postdoctoral Researcher in AI and Critical Thinking 

An NSF-funded project led by Drs. Alexandra Werth, Natasha Holmes, and Michelle Smith at Cornell investigates whether generative AI can support student reflection and the development of critical thinking across physics, biology, and engineering courses. The project centers on the Automated Critical Thinking Reflection (ACTR) tool, which uses generative AI to tailor reflection prompts to students and their course experiences. By studying students’ reflections alongside measures of critical thinking, the team will examine how the design and personalization of prompts affect reflection quality and whether those differences relate to students’ critical thinking. 

In this role, you will help design and conduct studies of AI-supported reflection, working closely with the research team and participating instructors. You will contribute to the development and evaluation of ACTR, including prompt design, connections between Qualtrics and AI systems, and reproducible workflows for processing and analyzing student responses. You will coordinate survey distribution and data collection, link reflection responses with other assessment data, and conduct qualitative and quantitative analyses. You will also help evaluate AI-assisted coding against human judgments and examine the accuracy and consistency of these methods. The role includes collaborating on publications and developing resources that help instructors and researchers use and study the tools at other institutions. 

Desired qualifications 

• A PhD (or near completion) in a STEM discipline, engineering or science education, learning sciences, educational psychology, or a related field 

• Experience with both qualitative and quantitative research methods, including analysis of written responses and statistical analysis of educational data 

• Strong programming and data analysis skills in Python, R, or similar languages, including building and documenting reproducible analysis workflows 

• Experience working with generative AI or large language models, including API integration, prompt design, and systematic evaluation of model outputs 

• Experience developing, distributing, and analyzing surveys, preferably in Qualtrics, including managing repeated administrations and linking responses across measures 

• Experience developing or applying qualitative codebooks and evaluating agreement among human or AI-assisted coders 

• Interest in student reflection, critical thinking, and the ways educational technology shapes learning 

• Human subjects research experience and sound practices for de-identification, secure data storage, and version control 

• Ability to work across disciplines and communicate research findings clearly through publications, presentations, and instructor resources 

ACROSS ALL POSITIONS 

The postdoctoral experience will include structured mentorship from Institute faculty, opportunities to lead collaborative projects, contribute as first authors on publications, and develop a research trajectory aligned with their long-term career goals. This position is designed to support successful transitions into academia, industry, or the public sector. 

The desired start date is March 2027. This is a one-year appointment, with the possibility of renewal based on performance. 

Application Procedure: 

1. A cover letter that describes which projects are of most interest and why, desired goals for the postdoc, alignment of the candidate’s expertise with position requirements, and anticipated start date. Please note which projects you want to be considered for within your cover letter. 

2. Candidate CV, including publication list and date of Ph.D. graduation, and listing the Ph.D. advisor’s name. If not yet graduated, please note the estimated date for graduation. Font size should be no smaller than 11pt. 

3. Names of 2-3 recommenders that may be contacted as a reference after initial screening. 

Applications received by November 15th, 2026 will be given a priority review. Applications will be accepted until the position is filled. 

Inquiries may be directed to the faculty leads for the individual projects: 

Dr. Allison Godwin, afg64@cornell.edu 

Dr. Alexandra Werth, amw438@cornell.edu 

Dr. Alexandra Coso Strong, acs386@cornell.edu 

Dr. Jessica Rush Leeker, jrl399@cornell.edu

Employment Assistance:

For specific questions about the position or application process, please contact the Recruiter listed in the job posting or for general questions email mycareer@cornell.edu.

If you require an accommodation for a disability in order to complete an employment application or to participate in the recruiting process, you are encouraged to contact Cornell Office of Civil Rights at voice (607) 255-2242, or email at accommodations@cornell.edu.

Applicants that do not have internet access are encouraged to visit your local library, or local Department of Labor. 

Please read the required Notice to Applicants statement by clicking here. This notice contains important information about applying for a position at Cornell as well as some of your rights and responsibilities as an applicant.

EEO Statement:

Cornell welcomes students, faculty, and staff with diverse backgrounds from across the globe to pursue world-class education and career opportunities, to further the founding principle of “... any person ... any study.” No person shall be denied employment on the basis of any legally protected status or subjected to prohibited discrimination involving, but not limited to, such factors as race, ethnic or national origin, citizenship and immigration status, color, sex, pregnancy or pregnancy-related conditions, age, creed, religion, actual or perceived disability (including persons associated with such a person), arrest and/or conviction record, military or veteran status, sexual orientation, gender expression and/or identity, an individual’s genetic information, domestic violence victim status, familial status, marital status, or any other characteristic protected by applicable federal, state, or local law. 

Cornell University embraces diversity in its workforce and seeks job candidates who will contribute to a climate that supports students, faculty, and staff of all identities and backgrounds. We hire based on merit, and encourage people from historically underrepresented and/or marginalized identities to apply. Consistent with federal law, Cornell engages in affirmative action in employment for qualified protected veterans as defined in the Vietnam Era Veterans’ Readjustment Assistance Act (VEVRRA) and qualified individuals with disabilities under Section 503 of the Rehabilitation Act. We also recognize a lawful preference in employment practices for Native Americans living on or near Indian reservations in accordance with applicable law.

Pay Ranges:

The hiring rate of pay for the successful candidate will be determined considering the following criteria:

• Prior relevant work or industry experience.
• Education level to the extent education is relevant to the position.
• Academic Discipline (faculty pay ranges reflects 9-month annual salary unless otherwise noted)
• Unique applicable skills.

Science Research Initiative Fellow, University of Utah

 https://employment.utah.edu/salt-lake-city-ut/sri-fellow/FB3762B7FB15467E8FF31B2C044F1E93/job/

Open Date 03/27/2026

Requisition Number PRN44579B

Job Title Post Doc Fellow w/Ret

Working Title SRI Fellow

Career Progression Track A00

Track Level

FLSA Code Administrative

Patient Sensitive Job Code? No

Standard Hours per Week 40

Full Time or Part Time? Full Time

Shift Day

Work Schedule Summary

VP Area Academic Affairs

Department 00113 - College of Science-Dean

Location Campus

City Salt Lake City, UT

Type of Recruitment External Posting

Pay Rate Range 63000.00

Close Date 06/30/2026

Priority Review Date (Note - Posting may close at any time) 04/13/2026

Job Summary

The College of Science at the University of Utah invites applications for SRI Fellow positions, postdoctoral-level roles that support undergraduate research through the Science Research Initiative ( SRI ) while advancing independent research.

The SRI is a unique program that immerses first- and second-year undergraduates in authentic research experiences within a world-class scientific community. SRI Fellows play a pivotal role by mentoring undergraduates in hands-on research while developing and leading their own research programs. More details about the program can be found here: https://science.utah.edu/sri

SRI Fellows hold a three-year, full-time position that includes:

Teaching and supporting a course that introduces undergraduates to active investigation in scientific and mathematical fields.

Mentoring undergraduate students through research projects that align with the Fellow’s expertise.

Pursuing their own independent research, leveraging the university’s extensive research infrastructure.

Engaging in professional development opportunities, including pedagogy training, research collaboration, and mentorship from academic professionals with various interests and roles.

We are particularly interested in interdisciplinary researchers working in molecular biology, biochemistry, neuroscience, or astronomy — including those employing AI tools to advance research in their field. We encourage applications from researchers across all scientific and mathematical disciplines who are excited to mentor undergraduates and contribute to the SRI’s mission.

The position has a salary of $63,000.00 per year, provides an annual research fund, and includes comprehensive benefits. Start date is negotiable, but preference will be given to candidates available by July 1, 2026.

Email questions to SRI@science.utah.edu .

Successful candidates will have:

A Ph.D. in biology, chemistry, environmental science, mathematics, physics & astronomy, or a related field by the start date.

A strong interest in undergraduate mentorship and hands-on research training.

A track record of collaborating effectively across disciplines and scientific communities.

Experience designing and leading complex research projects that can engage undergraduates in meaningful ways.

A commitment to creating an inclusive and supportive learning environment where students from diverse backgrounds can thrive.

This position is well-suited for candidates interested in careers at primarily undergraduate institutions (PUIs) and those pursuing research-focused paths. It offers opportunities to develop independent research programs, refine mentoring skills, and gain practical teaching experience.

Responsibilities

SRI Fellows will be responsible for designing research projects that will be implemented into research “streams” for new undergraduate students and teaching and supporting undergraduate courses associated with the SRI . This work includes teaching research method courses (both general and discipline-specific) and mentoring students through research projects. They may also assist faculty PIs with research streams related to their area of interest, train teaching assistants, help manage student placement into streams, and help evaluate overall program outcomes. Fellows will receive training and mentoring in support of their unique professional goals.

Fellows will be supported in their effort to establish their own research programs, acquire additional pedagogical training and experiences, and/or other professional development activities, depending on their specific career goals. Fellows will be provided research space and essential support infrastructure, in addition to yearly funds, to support research activities and scholarship when aligned with the broad objectives of the SRI .

Minimum Qualifications

Preferences

Type Benefited Staff

Special Instructions Summary

Applicants should submit the following:

Cover Letter (1 page)

Curriculum Vitae (CV)

Research Statement (2–3 pages)

Outline past accomplishments and future research plans.

Include 2–3 research project ideas that specifically describe how novice undergraduates will engage with and benefit from your research.

Teaching & Mentorship Statement (1 page) — Provide specific examples of how you create effective learning and mentorship experiences for students.

Institutional Fit Statement (1–2 paragraphs) — Describe how your research integrates with the broader research landscape at the University of Utah, including potential collaborations with research labs, groups, or initiatives. (Upload under “Applicant Document – Other”)

Three References — Contact information for three references who may be contacted following an initial review.

Applications will be reviewed on a rolling basis until the positions are filled. Priority will be given to applicants who submit materials on or before April 13, 2026.

Additional Information

The University is a participating employer with Utah Retirement Systems (“URS”). Eligible new hires with prior URS service, may elect to enroll in URS if they make the election before they become eligible for retirement (usually the first day of work). Contact Human Resources at (801) 581-7447 for information. Individuals who previously retired and are receiving monthly retirement benefits from URS are subject to URS’ post-retirement rules and restrictions. Please contact Utah Retirement Systems at (801) 366-7770 or (800) 695-4877 or University Human Resource Management at (801) 581-7447 if you have questions regarding the post-retirement rules.

This position may require the successful completion of a criminal background check and/or drug screen.

The University of Utah values candidates who have experience working in settings with students and patients from all backgrounds and possess a strong commitment to improving access to higher education and quality healthcare for all.

All qualified individuals are strongly encouraged to apply. Veterans’ preference is extended to qualified applicants, upon request and consistent with University policy and Utah state law. Upon request, reasonable accommodations in the application process will be provided to individuals with disabilities.

The University of Utah is an Affirmative Action/Equal Opportunity employer and does not discriminate based upon race, ethnicity, color, religion, national origin, age, disability, sex, sexual orientation, gender, gender identity, gender expression, pregnancy, pregnancy-related conditions, genetic information, or protected veteran’s status. The University does not discriminate on the basis of sex in the education program or activity that it operates, as required by Title IX and 34 CFR part 106. The requirement not to discriminate in education programs or activities extends to admission and employment. Inquiries about the application of Title IX and its regulations may be referred to the Title IX Coordinator, to the Department of Education, Office for Civil Rights, or both.

To request a reasonable accommodation for a disability or if you or someone you know has experienced discrimination or sexual misconduct including sexual harassment, you may contact the Director/Title IX Coordinator in the Office of Equal Opportunity and Affirmative Action ( OEO /AA). More information, including the Director/Title IX Coordinator’s office address, electronic mail address, and telephone number can be located at: https://www.utah.edu/nondiscrimination/

Online reports may be submitted at oeo.utah.edu

https://safety.utah.edu/safetyreport This report includes statistics about criminal offenses, hate crimes, arrests and referrals for disciplinary action, and Violence Against Women Act offenses. They also provide information about safety and security-related services offered by the University of Utah. A paper copy can be obtained by request at the Department of Public Safety located at 1658 East 500 South.

Informal Engineering Education Postdoc, Cornell NY

 https://academicjobsonline.org/ajo/jobs/31943

Postdoctoral Associate in Informal Engineering Education and Learning Sciences

Cornell University | School of Operations Research and Information Engineering

Location: Ithaca, NY

Duration: 2-year appointment with the possibility of renewal for a third year, contingent on funding and performance

Pay range: $62,232.00 - $88,745.00 + benefits (commensurate with Cornell postdoctoral guidelines)

Start Date: Fall 2026

Position Overview

Cornell University invites applications for a Postdoctoral Associate to support a National Science Foundation–funded research project, Engineering at Home: Designing and Studying Family-Centered Informal Engineering Learning Experiences, led by Dr. Jessica Rush Leeker. This project focuses on the design, study, and dissemination of informal engineering learning resources that support children (ages 6–10) in engaging with core engineering practices in home-based environments.

The postdoctoral researcher will play a central role in advancing a multi-phase research agenda that integrates learning sciences, engineering education, and informal STEM learning. This position is well-suited for candidates who enjoy both research and implementation, including coordinating participants, managing timelines, and translating ideas into practice.

Key Responsibilities

The postdoctoral researcher will:

Lead coordination of participant recruitment and communication with families and informal learning partners

Support the design and refinement of engineering learning modules and caregiver-facing materials

Develop and implement research instruments, including surveys, interview protocols, and observation tools

Conduct qualitative and mixed-methods data collection and analysis

Manage day-to-day project operations, timelines, and deliverables across multiple workstreams

Facilitate advisory board and consultant engagement and synthesize feedback into project design decisions

Contribute to the development of a digital platform for the dissemination of learning resources

Support preparation of research publications, conference presentations, and project reports

Assist in planning for scaling, dissemination, and future grant development

Required Qualifications

PhD in Engineering Education, Learning Sciences, Education, STEM Education, or a related field (by start date)

Experience with qualitative or mixed-methods research

Experience with human subjects research, including IRB protocols, consent processes, and participant recruitment

Strong organizational and project management skills, with the ability to manage multiple priorities independently

Excellent written and verbal communication skills

Preferred Qualifications

Experience working with families, youth, or informal learning environments

Experience with curriculum or learning design

Interest in informal STEM education and early engineering learning

Experience coordinating across teams or stakeholder groups

Professional Development Opportunities

This position offers substantial opportunities for professional growth, including:

Leading and co-authoring peer-reviewed publications

Presenting at national and international conferences

Contributing to NSF proposal development and future funding initiatives

Building expertise in design-based and informal STEM education research

Developing interdisciplinary collaborations across engineering and education

Receiving mentorship in academic and research career pathways

About the Project

Engineering at Home is an NSF-funded project that develops and studies accessible, family-centered engineering learning resources. The project combines curriculum design, learning sciences research, and digital dissemination to support early engagement with engineering practices and problem-solving. Findings will contribute to research on informal STEM learning and inform scalable approaches to engineering education beyond the classroom.

Application Instructions

Applicants should submit:

Curriculum vitae

Cover letter describing research interests and fit with the position

Writing sample (e.g., dissertation chapter or publication)

Contact information for 2–3 references

Employment Assistance:

For specific questions about the position or application process, please contact the Recruiter listed in the job posting or for general questions email mycareer@cornell.edu.

If you require an accommodation for a disability in order to complete an employment application or to participate in the recruiting process, you are encouraged to contact Cornell Office of Civil Rights at voice (607) 255-2242, or email at accommodations@cornell.edu.

Applicants that do not have internet access are encouraged to visit your local library, or local Department of Labor. 

Please read the required Notice to Applicants statement by clicking here. This notice contains important information about applying for a position at Cornell as well as some of your rights and responsibilities as an applicant.

EEO Statement:

Cornell welcomes students, faculty, and staff with diverse backgrounds from across the globe to pursue world-class education and career opportunities, to further the founding principle of “... any person ... any study.” No person shall be denied employment on the basis of any legally protected status or subjected to prohibited discrimination involving, but not limited to, such factors as race, ethnic or national origin, citizenship and immigration status, color, sex, pregnancy or pregnancy-related conditions, age, creed, religion, actual or perceived disability (including persons associated with such a person), arrest and/or conviction record, military or veteran status, sexual orientation, gender expression and/or identity, an individual’s genetic information, domestic violence victim status, familial status, marital status, or any other characteristic protected by applicable federal, state, or local law. 

Cornell University embraces diversity in its workforce and seeks job candidates who will contribute to a climate that supports students, faculty, and staff of all identities and backgrounds. We hire based on merit, and encourage people from historically underrepresented and/or marginalized identities to apply. Consistent with federal law, Cornell engages in affirmative action in employment for qualified protected veterans as defined in the Vietnam Era Veterans’ Readjustment Assistance Act (VEVRRA) and qualified individuals with disabilities under Section 503 of the Rehabilitation Act. We also recognize a lawful preference in employment practices for Native Americans living on or near Indian reservations in accordance with applicable law.

Pay Ranges:

The hiring rate of pay for the successful candidate will be determined considering the following criteria:

Prior relevant work or industry experience.

Education level to the extent education is relevant to the position.

Academic Discipline (faculty pay ranges reflects 9-month annual salary)

Unique applicable skills.

Application Materials Required:

Submit the following items online at this website to complete your application:

Cover letter

Curriculum Vitae

Doctoral Transcript

Writing sample

Three references (no actual letters, just names and email addresses help popup)

And anything else requested in the position description.

Further Info:

https://www.duffield.cornell.edu/orie/

PER Postdoc, Montana State

 Postdoctoral Research Associate — Cognitive Diagnostics in Introductory Physics & Calculus

Montana State University

Montana State University invites applications for a Postdoctoral Research Associate to work on a multi-institution collaboration developing cognitive diagnostic assessments for introductory physics and calculus. The successful candidate will contribute to large-scale assessment development, Bayesian and psychometric modeling, and mixed-methods STEM education research. 

Responsibilities include:

• Cognitive diagnostic modeling (e.g., DINA, IRT)
• Bayesian hierarchical modeling and quantitative analysis
• Development of item banks and assessments
• Mixed-methods research and collaboration across institutions

Salary: $60,000–$65,000
Review begins: May 1, 2026
Location: Montana State University, Bozeman, MT

More information and application:
https://jobs.montana.edu/postings/50946

Contact: jayson.nissen@montana.edu

[Rumor] Postdoc, Quantum Information Science and Technology education project, Cal State San Marcos

 Quantum Information Science and Technology postdoc wanted!

Thanks to some good news I received this week I am anticipating hiring a postdoctoral researcher in the near future to work on a Quantum Information Science and Technology education project. While we await the final grant paperwork I’d like to get started on identifying candidates. This is for a multi-year project developing hands-on QIST laboratory curriculum. This project aims to expand undergraduate access to meaningful QIST experimental experiences while minimizing institutional hardware burdens. The postdoc will play a central role in designing competencies, developing instructional modules, preparing experimental hardware, assessing pilot implementations, coordinating with partner institutions, and supporting dissemination.

We’re looking for candidates with a PhD in physics or related field with an ability to work effectively with collaborators. Ideal candidates will have experience with experimental quantum physics and/or physics education research. Funding for conference travel and opportunities to gain teaching experience in a diverse teaching environment are also available. Interested candidates are encouraged to contact Dr. Justin Perron jperron@csusm.edu with a C.V. (include a list of references) and a cover letter.

Some additional information on our campus and community:

California State University San Marcos is a beautiful campus in North County San Diego (~20-30 minutes from the beach) with a welcoming and supportive community. We are a predominantly undergraduate institution, a Hispanic serving institution (HSI), and this year we were ranked #1 in the nation for social mobility! The department of physics is small (<10 tenure track faculty, and ~10 graduates/year) with several active and well-funded research programs. My lab has active collaborations with multiple research groups in both experimental quantum information science and QIS education and workforce development. Finally, CSUSM also has a very active discipline-based education research community and is home to the Center for Research and Engagement in Science Education (CRESE).

There is an excellent benefits package at our institution (Outstanding low to no cost comprehensive medical, dental, and vision plans, life, and disability insurance plans, generous employer contributed 403(b) Retirement Plan with an 8% Employer Contribution – 100% immediate vesting) that you can learn more about here.

PER Postdoc, MIT

 

Research Associate MIT: Physics Education Research 

RELATE.MIT.edu group, Prof. Dave Pritchard

The REsearch on Learning Assessing and Tutoring Effectively group is studying and improving assessment and learning in novel and impactful ways. Using psychometrics and machine learning we’ve analyzed 180k administrations of the Force Concept Inventory (FCI) to discover student misconceptions and then find the degree to which each student or class harbors each misconception.  Our misconceptions are weighted clusters of wrong answers exhibiting an identifiable misconception that are preferentially selected by the subset students who hold this misconception. 

The postdoc will help set the research agenda for our powerful new analysis tools, carry out the research with the group, and write papers.   Research directions include characterizing the nature of misconceptions, studying the effects of various pedagogies on their remediation, and placing them in a cognitive context. An important short-time goal is a web site to analyze administrations of the FCI to inform students and teachers on how deeply they hold each of the ~ 25 misconceptions that we have discovered and (given pre- and post-tests) as well as the extent to which their instruction has reduced these levels.  We also plan to probe the universality of  misconceptions on the FCI by similarly analyzing the Force and Motion Conceptual Evaluation.  

RELATE has expertise in educational data mining, psychometrics including multi-dimensional item response theory, and experience in designing online experiments and learning environments (including MasteringPhysics.com).  

Our postdocs have collaborated in the physics department teaching and online education development group.  All former RELATE alumni have obtained jobs in academia (~ 7 at MIT) or education companies.

Additionally, the PI is restarting an informal month-long “Puzzles and Paradoxes of Physics” and the postdoc may serve as a co-teacher and co-keeper of the associated puzzles and paradoxes plus discussions.

 

Requisite Knowledge and Skills:

 

Thoughtful analysis skills for understanding data

Understand statistical packages and programming (Python helpful)

Writing impactful and clear research articles

Knowledge of education research literature and teaching experience

A Ph.D or Ed.D in physics involving data analysis, PER, AI, machine learning, statistics and data mining, or cognitive science is necessary.  Applicants must be comfortable working both alone and with others.  

 

Inquiries and applications (cover letter, CV, first author paper, and list of at least three references) should be sent to relateMIT@gmail.com (please include “postdoc application” in subject line). Salary $73k.  Review of applications will begin immediately; starting date Summer 2026. 

 

MIT is an Affirmative Action/Equal Opportunity employer, and this job has the standard MIT benefits.

 

Prof. David E. Pritchard  dpritch@mit.edu

Room 26-241 Dept. of Physics, MIT

77 Massachusetts Ave. , Cambridge, MA 02139.

PER Postdoc, University of Innsbruck, Austria

 PhD Position in Physics Education Research (Climate Education Focus)

University of Innsbruck, Austria

 

The Physics Education Research Group at the University of Innsbruck (Austria) is inviting applications for a fully funded PhD position in Physics Education Research.

Our group works on central questions in physics education, with a particular focus on climate education. Current research topics include:

 

• Teaching and learning of core physical concepts underlying the climate system
• Designing instruction that fosters informed action perspectives in the context of climate change
• Teacher professional development
• The potential of Bayesian statistics in science education research

 

The position is embedded in ongoing research projects and offers:

• Structured and reliable supervision
• Active support for publishing in international journals
• Support for participation in international conferences
• Integration into a collaborative, internationally well-connected research team

Depending on interest and fit, the position can be extended with additional project hours up to full-time (40 hours/week).

We welcome applicants with a strong background in physics, science education, or a related field, and an interest in rigorous empirical research.

 

Full details and the official job announcement can be found here:
https://lfuonline.uibk.ac.at/public/karriereportal.details?asg_id_in=15621

Postdoc, NSF-Funded, Cal State Fullerton

 https://www.schooljobs.com/careers/csufasc/jobs/5210838/postdoctoral-researcher-in-quantum-mechanics

We are seeking a highly motivated and collaborative postdoctoral research associate to join our team on an NSF-funded project titled “Scaling Engagement and Learning in Quantum Science Through PhET Interactive Simulations.” This project is a collaborative effort between California State University, Fullerton (CSUF) and the University of Colorado, Boulder (CU Boulder). The overarching goals of the project are to design new interactive simulations, redesign existing quantum mechanics simulations, and support faculty and students in their effective use. The postdoctoral researcher will be based at California State University, Fullerton (Fullerton, CA) and will lead research on student learning with the simulations, co-lead the development of educational materials to accompany the simulations, and collaborate closely with a multidisciplinary team, including Dr. Gina Passante (CSUF), Dr. Steven Pollock (CU Boulder), Dr. Noah Finklestein (CU Boulder), and the PhET team led by Dr. Kathy Perkins.

This position is anticipated to start as early as Summer 2026. 

*Please be aware that funding for this position is awarded through a Grant/Contract over a specified period. Employment for this position beyond current Grant/Contract funding is contingent upon continued funding or new Grant/Contract.

Essential Duties

• Participate in the design (and re-design) process for quantum simulations with the PhET design team and in the design of accompanying instructional materials.
• To establish and carry out research studying the effectiveness of PhET quantum simulations and associated materials.
• Communicate with project team members and with faculty piloting the PhET simulations and activities.
• Participate in project-wide meetings and workshops and present research results at conferences.
• Other duties as assigned.

Qualifications

• Demonstrated familiarity with physics education research methodologies and undergraduate quantum mechanics curriculum
• Experience publishing papers in physics education research journals
• Experience investigating student learning of physics topics

EDUCATION:

• Minimum Ph.D. in physics or a closely related field. The degree must be awarded by August 2026.

PHYSICAL DEMANDS:

Prolonged periods of sitting or standing at a desk while working on a computer. Ability to travel occasionally for conferences, workshops, or collaborative meetings. Regular verbal communication to present research findings and collaborate with team members. Light physical activity, such as carrying books, laptops, or small equipment (up to 30 pounds).

BENEFITS: 

Health, dental, vision, life, health care flex plan, LTD, vacation, sick leave, holiday, credit union, tuition reimbursement and retirement plan with company match.  All benefits will be administered according to policies and/or procedures.

APPLICATION PROCEDURE:

CSU Fullerton, Auxiliary Services Corporation (ASC) is an Equal Opportunity/Equal Opportunity employer.  All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, disability, protected Veteran Status, or any other characteristic protected by applicable federal, state, or local law.

If you are a qualified individual with a disability or a disabled veteran, you have the right to request an accommodation if you are unable or limited in your ability to use or access our career center as a result of your disability. To request an accommodation, contact a Human Resources Representative at (657) 278-4117.

A background check (including a criminal records check) must be completed satisfactorily before any candidate can be offered a position with the ASC. Failure to satisfactorily complete the background check may affect the application status of applicants or continued employment of current ASC employees who apply for the position.