Wednesday, July 30, 2008

Lab manager at Stanford

The Physics Department in the School of Humanities & Sciences seeks applicants for the position of Physics Education Specialist. The incumbent in this position will be responsible for providing a wide range of direction, support and input in developing and implementing new approaches to introductory courses being taught in the Physics Department. This includes collaborating with our Department Chair, other Physics faculty, graduate teaching assistants, undergraduate students and academic staff on the development of curriculum changes to Stanford’s Introductory Physics lab courses. The Education Specialist will take the lead in identifying, developing and adapting new course and lab materials for both non-calculus- and calculus-based course sequences. This position is central in helping to create and facilitate the revamping, modernization, and overall effectiveness of introductory Physics courses. The incumbent will be responsible for analyzing, researching and designing new course-specific lecture and lab materials (e.g., interactive lecture demonstrations, laboratory exercises) and determine suitability for different courses. This position requires a creative, imaginative and proactive individual with demonstrated ability to understand the teaching context and to motivate and support change. The candidate must be able to make independent decisions and judgments regarding the adaptability of new tools and strategies, balancing budget constraints with the goal of improving the teaching process. This is a two-year, fixed-term appointment that reports directly to the Chair of Physics.


Requirements
MS or PhD in Physics or Physics Education required. Experience in teaching Introductory Physics at the post-secondary level and/or secondary level preferred. The successful candidate must be creative, organized and self motivated, with an ability to work both independently and collaboratively. The ability to analyze teaching materials is essential, as is the ability to exercise sound judgment and take initiative within the context of a group effort. Excellent written and oral communication skills and strong interpersonal skills are required, along with the ability to manage budget and purchasing processes.

To assure your application information is captured in our official files and that the hiring department also has immediate access to your resume, you must apply to http://jobs.stanford.edu/, Job#31445.

Stanford University is an affirmative action, equal opportunity employer.

Tuesday, July 29, 2008

Postdoc at TELS

Technology-Enhanced Learning in Science (TELS)

The TELS project seeks a Postdoctoral Scholar to participate in a multidisciplinary collaboration funded by the National Science Foundation to explore Technology-Enhanced Learning in Science and related issues. The research program involves creating customizable technology-enhanced curriculum materials, knowledge integration assessments, and targeted professional development, and is researching leverage points for technology in science learning in middle schools.

He/she will work with leaders in education, technology, and the science disciplines and will contribute to the research program and conduct their own research in a supportive, exciting environment with input from leaders at Berkeley (Marcia C. Linn and Hee Sun Lee), Concord Consortium (Robert Tinker and Paul Horwitz), University of Toronto (Jim Slotta), and ETS (Lydia Liu). The Scholar will learn about advances in technology, learning sciences, instruction and assessment and will jointly contribute to research that identifies leverage points for technology, explores the role of modeling, simulation, and real time data collection, and investigates longitudinal impacts of these experiences. The work will contribute to a theory of instruction.

The Postdoctoral Scholar will join a multidisciplinary team of researchers who are creating new technologies, developing innovative instructional materials, designing professional development programs, exploring partnerships with educational organizations including school districts, designing assessments, and researching their impacts. The group builds on previously successful uses of technology such as the Web-based Inquiry Science Environment (WISE),Technology Enhanced Learning in Science (TELS) and Pedagogica. The work both draws on current research on teaching and learning and contributes to a framework to guide future designers.

Qualifications

Candidates should have a background in mathematics, the natural sciences, engineering, or computer science and a Ph. D. in education, psychology, mathematics, natural science, engineering, computer science, or a related discipline. Ideal candidates will have research experience in the science disciplines, technology-enhanced learning environments, science teaching, and/or assessment of science learning in complex settings. Applicants should demonstrate ability to work on a team, interest in working in partnerships to develop science curriculum, and ability to succeed in a school setting. Experience in working with teachers in a school or professional development setting is a plus.

Applicants should be available to start in Fall 2008. The position, which has an annual salary of $49,452, is for one year with possible renewal for a second year.

Post-doc at U Minnesota

The Physics Education Research group at the University of Minnesota, whose work concentrates on effecting systemic reform in higher education physics classes with a focus on problem solving, has a two- to three-year post-doctoral position available. The group is currently working on developing and testing computer software to coach students in problem solving and developing a generic assessment of problem solving skills. More information on the group can be found at http://groups.physics.umn.edu/physed.

Eligibility:
PhD graduates with a specialization in physics education research are especially encouraged to apply. Physics or science education graduates who are interested in working in physics education research will also be considered. The University of Minnesota is committed to diversity and equality in education and employment.

Application deadline:
Review of applications will continue until the position is filled.

Application Procedure:
Please contact Leon Hsu at lhsu@umn.edu for more information.


Questions can be directed to Leon Hsu (lhsu@umn.edu) and/or Ken Heller (heller@physics.umn.edu).

Tenure-track, UW-Stout

Physics: Beginning August 2009, (possible start date of January 2009, if available). The University of Wisconsin-Stout, Wisconsin's Polytechnic University, invites applications for a tenure-track position for Assistant Professor beginning August 2009, with a possible start date of January 2009, if available. A Ph.D. in Physics, Physics Education, Geology, Geoscience Education, Geotechnical Engineering, or a closely related field is required when contract starts. Applicants should have a strong potential and commitment to undergraduate teaching. Duties will include teaching introductory physics and geology courses. Seeking external funding for professional activities is desirable. UW-Stout is a laptop campus and willingness to use instructional technology in the classroom is required. Construction of a new science building is underway. Additional information can be found at: http://physics.uwstout.edu. Applicants should send, via postal mail, a letter of application (with contact information for three references), vita, one page teaching statement and all undergraduate and graduate transcripts (unofficial acceptable) to: Dr. Jo Hopp, Search Chair, 103D Science Wing, Jarvis Hall, UW-Stout, Menomonie, Wisconsin 54751. No e-mail applications will be accepted. Complete applications must be postmarked by September 15, 2008. The University of Wisconsin-Stout values diversity and strives to attract qualified women and minority candidates. EO/AA.

Tenure-track at NC-State

Physics Education Research

The Department of Physics at NC State University has hired eleven new faculty members over the last six years and continues to seek highly qualified applicants in all areas for tenure-track and tenured positions. We are especially interested to receive applications from candidates to fill open positions in the area of physics education research. Successful applicants will be expected to establish vigorous research programs, and will have strong commitments to excellence in teaching. The Department has active and internationally recognized groups in astrophysics; biological physics; computational physics; nanoscale science; polymer, surface, optical and materials physics; nuclear and particle physics; and physics education research. We plan to hire primarily at the assistant professor level, but will also consider particularly qualified senior applicants. NC State University is one of the vertices of the Research Triangle, home to many industrial research campuses and federal and state research organizations.

Minimum qualifications include an earned Ph.D. degree in physics or a physics-related area. To receive full consideration, applications for the fall 2009 academic year should be received by November 30, 2008. Review of applicants will begin immediately but no final decision will be made prior to this date.

To apply, please visit the NC State University Employment website and designate position number 07-52-0807. You will be required to attach a curriculum vitae, a brief summary of research and teaching goals, and a list of at least three references.

The College of Physical and Mathematical Sciences welcomes the opportunity to work with candidates to identify suitable employment opportunities for spouses or partners.

AA/EOE. In addition, NC State University welcomes all persons without regard to sexual orientation. ADA Accommodations: Rebecca Savage, rebecca_savage@ncsu.edu, 919.515.2521, Fax 919.515.6538

NC State University is an Equal Opportunity and Affirmative Action Employer.

Postdocs at Georgia State and U Georgia

The Georgia Measurement and Assessment Training - Postdoctoral Program, a collaborative between the Colleges of Education at the Georgia State University and the University of Georgia seeks qualified candidates for a two-year, postdoctoral training program, which is funded by the US Department of Education, Institute of Education Sciences (IES). The postdoctoral program provides opportunities for Fellows to participate in a program of study linked directly to on-going research activities, supported by individualized learning opportunities including advanced statistical and methodological training, and culminating in individualized programs of applied academic and/or social behavior research. Postdoctoral fellows will collaborate with scientists at both institutions to acquire advanced applied assessment and measurement methodology competencies by working on current and future research programs in the areas of applied educational and psychological assessment, test development, analysis of score patterns that characterize groups taking high stakes educational tests, research on testing accommodations and alternate assessments, early intervention oriented assessment and intervention programs for children with behavioral and emotional problems that impede learning, classification methods for child behavioral and emotional problems, and advanced measurement science methodologies. Postdoctoral fellows will be provided with travel and professional development stipends to support their work.

Minimum Qualifications: Qualified applicants must have a completed Ph.D. with a major emphasis in educational statistics or measurement, school psychology, special education, educational psychology or a related field by August, 2008.

Preferred Qualifications: Preference will be given to candidates with previous documented experience and interest in conducting research related to applied, theoretical, or methodological aspects of child assessment, statistics, measurement, psychometric theory, and related fields.

Although the training program presumes a two year appointment, due to university regulations, this is a one year, end date position, which requires renewal for a second year pending performance.

Candidates should submit a cover letter describing (a) professional research interests, (b) research experience, (c) methodological and statistical training, and (d) professional development and research goals to be pursued during the fellowship, in addition to complete vita and three letters of recommendation. Application materials should be submitted to Post Doctoral Research Fellowship, c/o, Elisa Tate, Office of the Dean, College of Education, Georgia State University, Atlanta, GA, 30302 or electronically at eduemt@langate.gsu.edu. Applicants must be either U.S. Citizens or permanent residents. Review of applications will begin 1 August, 2008, and continue until positions are filled. The start date is negotiable but may be no later than October, 2009. Questions may be directed to Professors Randy Kamphaus at rkamphaus@gsu.edu or Allan Cohen at acohen@uga.edu.

Thursday, July 24, 2008

Lecturer at Embry-Riddle Aeronautical U

The Department of Physics has an immediate opening for a one-year visiting assistant professorship for the 2008-2009 academic year. Furthermore, the successful candidate for this position can also be considered for an upcoming tenure-track assistant/associate professorship starting in Fall 2009 depending upon experience and qualifications. In 2003 the department established an undergraduate Space Physics degree program with specialization tracks in astrophysics, particle physics & cosmology, exotic (non-chemical) space propulsion, and remote sensing. Applicants must demonstrate a commitment to quality undergraduate education. Duties will include instruction of 3-4 introductory and/or advanced physics courses per semester. Class sizes are typically 10-40 students.


Requirements
The ideal candidate will possess a Ph.D. in Physics, although some flexibility is possible. US Residents Only. Employer will assist with relocation costs. Application packets should include a CV, unofficial transcripts, a brief description of teaching interests and philosophy, publication list, and contact information for three references. Applications should be sent electronically to Dr. Darrel Smith, Chair of the Physics Department at smith@erau.edu by August 1, 2008.

Wednesday, July 23, 2008

Welcome Readers!

Hello readers! The PER Jobs blog is meant to collect job postings and rumors of interest to the Physics Education Research Community.

We post jobs adverts when we see them, but we can't see them all! If your institution is running a search for a PER-friendly job (research, teaching, outreach, or otherwise), please let us know. If you know of jobs that aren't posted here, even if they're not for your institution, please send them to us.

I'm at the AAPT conference right now, and I hope to have a large handful of jobs to post when I get back.

Lecturer, RIT

The Rochester Institute of Technology Department of Physics invites
applications for one or more faculty positions at the rank of Lecturer
beginning August 21, 2008. The position is a 9.5 month, non-tenure track
appointment. Although the initial appointment is for 9.5 months,
continuing appointment may be possible. The primary responsibility is
teaching introductory physics in an activity-based, workshop format. The
minimum qualifications are a PhD in physics or astronomy, experience
teaching introductory physics, and strong communication skills.
Candidates must be legally eligible to work in the United States from
August 21, 2008 to June 7, 2009. Familiarity with current trends in
undergraduate physics education is desirable. Research interests
compatible with the Department's current research activities are also
desirable. Opportunities for summer teaching may be available.

Candidates should submit a curriculum vita that includes details of
teaching experience and evidence of teaching effectiveness. All
applications must be submitted online at https://mycareer.rit.edu
(search for IRC23398). Applicants should
also arrange to have three current references send letters of support
directly to Chair, Physics Lecturer Search Committee, Department of
Physics, Rochester Institute of Technology, 54 Lomb Memorial Drive,
Rochester, NY 14623-5604. The deadline for receipt of all application
materials is August 5, 2008. General inquiries should be addressed to
pacsps@rit.edu. The Department of Physics web page is located at
http://www.rit.edu/cos/physics/.

The Rochester Institute of Technology is an equal opportunity/ affirmative action employer. Members of protected classes and individuals with the ability to contribute in meaningful ways to the university's continuing commitment to cultural diversity, pluralism, and individual differences are encouraged to apply.