Wednesday, January 6, 2021

PER Postdoc, University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign

University of Illinois - Postdoctoral Research Associate in Physics Education Research


Applications are invited for a postdoctoral research associate in Physics Education Research

(PER) at the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign (U of I). The work of the University of

Illinois PER Group bridges fundamental principles of physics cognition, learning, and

understanding with large-scale, classroom implementation.


The primary duties of this position will be to work on a collaborative team that manages and

conducts research on the Illinois Physics and Secondary Schools (IPaSS) Partnership program

(https://ipass.physics.illinois.edu/). The IPaSS program is an NSF-funded project that brings

together high school physics teachers with U of I personnel to develop and implement high-

quality, high school physics instruction. The research project investigates three strands: (1)

program impact on teacher professional development and practice, (2) program impact on

student learning and post-secondary pursuit of STEM careers, and (3) adaptation of university

physics curricula to high school physics settings. The IPaSS team consists of Tim Stelzer (PI),

Eric Kuo, Maggie Mahmood, Morten Lundsgaard, and Rebecca Wiltfong.


The preferred start date is Summer 2021. The position is a full-time, 12-month appointment

that may be extended up to a maximum of three years. Candidates are expected to have

earned or be close to earning a Ph.D. in Physics Education Research, Science Education,

Learning Sciences, or a related field.


Duties:

 Help shape the development of project research strands

 Collaborate on project data collection and analysis

 Co-develop and support professional development program activities

 Present research through conference presentations and journal articles

 There are also opportunities to get involved on other projects in the U of I PER group.


Desired qualifications:

 Knowledge of science teacher professional development models and current trends

 Experience with quantitative research methods, including experimental or within-

subjects designs

 Experience with qualitative research methods, including video analysis in STEM

classroom/teacher professional development settings or interviewing

 Experience working in collaborative teams on projects with high logistical demands

 Strong writing, communication, and/or presentation skills

 Capacity and interest in supporting undergraduate and graduate student research.


Applications should be submitted electronically

at https://my.physics.illinois.edu/submit/go.asp?id=1552 and should include a cover letter,

CV, research statement, and three letters of recommendation. Please direct questions about

the position to PI Tim Stelzer (tstelzer@illinois.edu) or Eric Kuo (ekuo@illinois.edu). Review of

applications will begin on February 28, 2021 and will continue until the position is filled.

Any offer for this position is contingent upon the successful completion of a criminal

background check process in accordance with the University of Illinois Background Check

Policy.


The University of Illinois is an Affirmative Action/Equal Opportunity employer and all qualified

applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, religion, color,

national origin, sex, age, status as a protected veteran, or status as a qualified individual with

a disability. Illinois welcomes individuals with diverse backgrounds, experiences, and ideas

who embrace and value diversity and inclusivity. For more information,

visit https://inclusiveillinois.illinois.edu.