Postdoc in Computational Science Education Research, Michigan State

Opening for Postdoctoral Research Associate in Computational Science Education Research

Applications are invited for a post-doctoral researcher in STEM education to join Michigan State’s Department of Computational Mathematics, Science, and Engineering (CMSE; http://cmse.msu.edu/) to study introductory computational science courses.  The courses focus on teaching computational modeling, data analysis, and programming. The researcher would work in CMSE on projects related to understanding student learning and engagement in these courses as well as be able to pursue their own research interests as they pertain to computational science education. The researcher will be supervised by Dr. Devin W. Silvia and will have the opportunity to collaborate with Dr. Danny Caballero, Dr. Brian O’Shea, and others both inside and outside of CMSE. There may also be opportunities to mentor undergraduate students in projects related to this work.

Responsibilities include working in coordination with faculty to:

• Gather and analyze data in classrooms of students working on computational activities,
• Interview students and teachers about computational usage and experiences,
• Conduct research using qualitative methods to determine how students approach their work on computational activities,
• Mentor junior researchers (e.g. graduate students and undergraduates) in computational science education research,
• Author articles for education research journals, and
• Present research results at professional conferences.

The candidate will also have the opportunity to collaborate with faculty, postdoctoral researchers, and graduate students in CMSE on projects that may extend beyond the direct responsibilities of this position.

The appointment is initially for one year, with the opportunity for a one-year extension based on performance. The salary will be competitive and commensurate with experience. Appointment is contingent upon successfully completing a full background check.

Candidates are expected to hold a Ph.D. in a STEM discipline. A successful candidate will demonstrate:

• Some form of computational experience in their academic experience, research, or both,
• A qualitative research background in some area (e.g., ethnography, case studies) using well-established qualitative methods (e.g., semi-structured interviews, video analysis), and
• Prior work collaborating with and organizing a team around some project (teaching, research, and/or service).

An exceptional candidate will demonstrate one or more of the following:

• Experience with computational science education research,
• Coordinating data collection across multiple sites including managing video data,
• Supervising junior collaborators on education research,
• Working on a multi/interdisciplinary team,
• A history of successful publications, and/or
• An interest in issues surrounding (in)equity in computational science education.

Applicants should submit a CV, a statement of research interests, and a statement of educational philosophy and experiences to careers.msu.edu (posting number #616041). In addition, applicants should provide the names of three (3) individuals from whom letters of recommendation can be requested.

Review of applications will begin on January 3, 2019, and will continue until the position has been filled. The starting date is negotiable with a preference toward candidates that are available in early 2020. Questions regarding the position may be directed to Dr. Devin Silvia (dsilvia@msu.edu), research advisor for this project.

We actively encourage applications from -- and welcome nominations of -- women, persons of color, veterans, and persons with disabilities. MSU is an affirmative-action, equal-opportunity employer and is committed to achieving excellence through diversity.