Applications are invited for a Postdoctoral Researcher in Physics
Education in the Department of Physics at the University of Colorado
Boulder. The postdoc will work on an NSF-funded project titled
“Developing and Supporting Student Projects in Upper-division Physics
Lab Courses.” Using a Design-Based Implementation Research approach,
this work will culminate in a compendium of research-based effective
practices for multiweek projects in upper-division physics lab courses.
These effective practices will inform three major aspects of projects:
(1) goals and framing of projects; (2) guidelines for the structure of
projects, including authentic field-tested exemplars; and (3) guidelines
for choosing appropriate assessments and interpreting their results. In
particular, these effective practices will be developed to promote
students’ model-based reasoning skills, troubleshooting skills,
documentation practices, and a sense of ownership over their projects.
The postdoc will work in the group of Heather Lewandowski and
collaborate with faculty, postdocs, and graduate students in Colorado's
Physics Education Research Group.
Candidates must have a Ph.D. in physics, physics education
research, or closely related field. Prior experience with experimental
physics research or physics education research is preferred. Preference
will be given to candidates with experience in both areas. The project
involves partnerships with faculty members and students at multiple
institutions across the United States, and the successful candidate will
maintain those partnerships through appropriate interpersonal
communication and teamwork.
To apply for the position please send the following materials to lewandoh@colorado.edu.
1. Cover letter that addresses the required and preferred
qualifications described above, describes the applicant’s interest in
joining the project, and answers the following questions:
1.A) In what ways do your previous research, teaching, or outreach
experiences inform your vision for improving undergraduate physics lab
courses?
1.B) How do your previous experiences prepare you to work
cooperatively and productively with colleagues, students, and
supervisors from diverse backgrounds?
1.C) In this postdoctoral research position, you will gain
significant skills in physics education research. How do you envision
those skills will be useful to you later in your career?
2. CV with references listed.
The University of Colorado is an Equal Opportunity Employer
committed to building a diverse workforce. We encourage applications
from women, racial and ethnic minorities, individuals with disabilities
and veterans. Alternative formats of this ad can be provided upon
request for individuals with disabilities by contacting the ADA
Coordinator at hr-ada@colorado.edu.
