Thursday, May 15, 2008

Visiting prof at Arkansas Tech

Arkansas Tech University, a state-supported institution of about 7,500 students dedicated to excellence in teaching, seeks applications to fulfill a recent vacancy and are looking for a Visiting Assistant Professor to begin August 2008. The department will be advertising for a tenure-track position for 2009. Candidates must hold a PhD in physics or closely related field. Teaching duties include 12 credit hours/semester including undergraduate physics courses, general education physical science courses and laboratories.

Send letter of application including curriculum vita, official transcripts, and three letters of reference to Dr. Richard Cohoon, Dean, School of Physical and Life Sciences, Arkansas Tech University, 1701 N. Boulder Ave., Russellville, AR 72801-2222. We would also be interested in research plans that involve undergraduates. Closing date is June 13, 2008 or until filled. Details at http://pls.atu.edu/physci/ AA/EOE.

Wednesday, May 7, 2008

Postdoc at Cal State Uni - San Marcos

Post-Doctoral Research Associate in Physics Education Research
California State University San Marcos

California State University, San Marcos has an opening for a postdoctoral researcher in physics education research with an anticipated start date of August 2008. Our group is interested in the impact of technology on the classroom environment. This work includes studies of how tools mediate group interactions, students’ use of representations, and student learning. Responsibilities will include developing data collection protocols; taking and analyzing data; and preparing manuscripts and reports. Candidates must have a Ph.D. or equivalent in physics, physics education research, or science education. The campus is located in Northern San Diego County.

If interested, please complete the online application at as well as attaching a letter of application, curriculum vitae, and one-page statement of research interests. Applicants also should arrange for three letters of reference to be sent to: Postdoc Search Committee, Department of Physics, California State University, San Marcos, CA 92096-0001. To assure full consideration, all application materials should be submitted/postmarked on or before 06/15/2008; however, applications will be accepted until a suitable candidate is found.

Funding and employment of this position is through the Cal State San Marcos Foundation. This is a benefited, full-time, exempt position not eligible for overtime. Benefits include medical, dental, vision and life insurance, contributory retirement plan and other benefits. This is not a state position and continuation of this position is contingent on satisfactory performance and project funding. The CSUSM Foundation is an Equal Opportunity Employer and operates a Drug Free Workplace. For questions or if you experience any difficulties with the online application process, please contact Human Resources at (760) 750-4700.

Monday, May 5, 2008

Postdoc at the University of Calgary

Postdoctoral Fellowship
Physics Education
University of Calgary
Department of Physics and Astronomy

Applications are invited for a Postdoctoral Fellow position in Physics Education Research in the Department of Physics and Astronomy at the University of Calgary in Calgary, Alberta, Canada (www.ucalgary.ca). This is a two-year position and is available immediately, although start dates no later than September 1st 2008 will be considered. The position will be focused on the development, implementation, and efficacy evaluation of labatorial exercises in 1st year service courses in Mechanics, Electromagnetism, and Thermodynamics. Labatorials are the University of Calgary implementation of some of the ideas commonly associated with Studio Physics. These
two hour weekly small group sessions utilize mini-laboratories, computational exercises, and demonstration-based tutorials to complement student learning in clicker-based, large-section, lecture sessions. The candidate selected for this position is expected to be involved in the instruction of these courses, as well as working with other faculty and graduate students on labatorial development and assessment, including publication of the results of these pedagogical implementations.

Applicants must have teaching experience and an interest in physics education. Experience in the field of Physics Education Research would be an asset. The University of Calgary is locating in the City of Calgary, Alberta, Canada (www.tourismcalgary.com), a vibrant metropolis of a million people located in the foothills of the Canadian Rocky Mountains.

The University of Calgary is a broadly-based institution of 28000 students spread over 16 different faculties. The Department of Physics and Astronomy (www.ucalgary.ca/phas/) is a mid-sized Canadian physics department with nearly 30 faculty members, about 80 graduate students and roughly 130 undergraduate physics and astrophysics majors. Each year, the Department teaches over 3000 students in our physics and astronomy service courses. The Faculty of Science at the University of Calgary is home to the newly-formed RAISE (Research And Instruction in Science Education), a multi-disciplinary group of scholars committed to quality university education in the sciences.

Complete applications, including cover letter, curriculum vitae, teaching dossier, and the names and contact information (including e-mail address) for three references, should be sent to:

Dr. Robert I. Thompson, P.Phys.
Undergraduate Program Director and Assistant Head
Department of Physics and Astronomy
University of Calgary
2500 University Drive NW
Calgary, Alberta, Canada, T2N 1N4
email: thompson@phas.ucalgary.ca
tel. (403) 220-5407
fax: (403) 210-8974

Review of applications will begin May 15, 2008, and continue until the position has been filled.

Thursday, May 1, 2008

Science Ed at Purdue-Calumet

This is a joint appointment in the Dept. of Teacher Preparation and the Dept. of Chemistry & Physics at Purdue University Calumet. Successful candidates will hold a doctorate and teacher licensure in the area(s) of the physical science education or related field with at least 3 years of successful teaching experience at the secondary school level. For complete details, visit www.calumet.purdue.edu/hr/employment. Purdue University Calumet is an Equal Access, Equal Opportunity, Affirmative Action Employer that is committed to a diverse workforce.

Demo manager, UMd

The Department of Physics at the University of Maryland seeks candidates with a PhD in physics and a strong interest in innovation in science education to oversee its world renowned Lecture Demonstration Facility. The Physics Department at the University of Maryland is the largest in the country and is located in the Washington, DC metropolitan area. Our current online catalog (http://www.physics.umd.edu/deptinfo/facilities/lecdem/lecdem.htm) includes over 1600 demonstrations as well as archives of our "Question of the Week" for use in outreach activities and class engagement. The lecture demonstration facility is also central to the department's vibrant public outreach programs. We are looking for an individual with the vision to modernize this facility and maintain its acclaimed status well into the 21st century by using technology to bring the latest in interactive teaching methods into our classrooms, using computers and animations in instruction, revamping older demonstrations and assisting faculty in developing new ones. The successful applicant will oversee the lecture demonstration staff members, as well as part time student assistants and graduate assistants. The successful candidate is expected to also be a practitioner of these cutting edge teaching techniques, and will teach 2 or 3 one semester undergraduate physics courses per year. University level teaching experience preferred.