Thursday, January 27, 2022

Research Assistant/ Instructor, Colorado School of Mines

 https://jobs.mines.edu/en-us/job/495434/research-assistant-instructor-get-the-facts-out


Position Title
Research Assistant- Get the Facts Out
The Opportunity

The Colorado School of Mines seeks a full-time research assistant and instructor to work with an NSF grant-funded project called Get the Facts Out: Changing the Conversation around STEM teaching and Teach@Mines. Get the Facts Out is an innovative partnership led by Mines that includes the American Physical Society, the American Association of Physics Teachers, the American Chemical Society, the Association of Mathematics Teacher Educators, behavior change researchers, teacher educators, and several colleges and universities which serve as study sites.

The grant aims to tackle misperceptions about the teaching profession with the goal of increasing the fraction of physics, chemistry, and math majors that choose to pursue middle and high school teaching as a career. The incumbent will also have the opportunity to teach mathematics or science methods courses to preservice teachers in the Teach@Mines program.

The research assistant will be part of a very collaborative, reliable, and geographically diverse group that meets weekly. The team works on a range of projects including a large-scale longitudinal research study of student and faculty perceptions of the teaching profession, ongoing development and testing of STEM teacher recruitment resources, and management and support of a national community of faculty who are working to share accurate information about the teaching profession with students. The group is led by Wendy Adams, Associate Professor of Physics at Mines and David May, GFO Project Manager.

Responsibilities

Research

  • Conduct research on perceptions of teaching as a profession, including longitudinal analyses of perceptions through surveys, site visits, interviews, and focus groups
  • Collaborate with other research assistants/consultants, and report findings through peer-reviewed publications
  • Assist with developing and submitting research grant proposals.

Teacher preparation

  • Teach mathematics or science methods courses to preservice teachers
  • Conduct teacher recruitment activities at Mines including presentations and advising
  • Assist with the application process for state approval of Mines’ teacher education program
Minimum Qualifications
  • Master’s degree in physics, chemistry, mathematics, science education, or math education by employment start date
  • Previous pedagogical experience, with a post-secondary degree in education research or demonstrated interest in education research
  • Excellent communications skills, strong quantitative skills, the ability to work collaboratively, the self-discipline to work independently, and multi-task
About Mines & Golden, CO
Mines is consistently ranked among the top engineering colleges in the United States and ranks number one as the best public school in the state for best value colleges. Mines is located in the heart of Golden, Colorado, a western suburb of Denver.  The campus location offers a small-town ambiance with close proximity to all that the Denver metropolitan area has to offer with an abundance of cultural events, museums, theaters and sporting venues. An arid climate and an average 300 days of sunshine per year make the area an ideal place to live, work and play. We seek individuals who value a diverse and inclusive community – offering different perspectives, experiences, and cultures that enrich the educational and work experience. 
 
The Department of Physics is housed in the new CoorsTek Center for Applied Science and Engineering building, which is at the center of campus and has several new classrooms designed for interactive and innovative teaching techniques.
Equal Opportunity

Colorado School of Mines is committed to equal opportunity for all persons.  Mines does not discriminate on the basis of age, sex, gender (including gender identity and gender expression), ancestry, creed, marital status, race, ethnicity, religion, national origin, disability, sexual orientation, genetic information, veteran status or current military service. Further, Mines does not retaliate against community members for filing complaints regarding or implicating any of these protected statuses.

Mines’ commitment to nondiscrimination, affirmative action, equal opportunity and equal access is reflected in the administration of its policies, procedures, programs and activities and in its efforts to achieve a diverse student body and workforce.

Through its policies, procedures and resources, Mines complies with federal law, Colorado state law, administrative regulations, executive orders and other legal requirements to prevent discrimination (including harassment or retaliation) within the Mines campus community and to address potential allegations of inequity or concerns for safety.

Pay Range

$55,000

Mines takes into consideration a combination of candidate’s education, training and experience as well as the position’s scope and complexity, the discretion and latitude required in the role, work location, and external market and internal value when determining a salary level for potential new employees.

Total Rewards
Mines is proud to provide exceptional benefits that include pay, health & wellness and work/life balance offerings.  Our portfolio of benefits includes medical, dental, vision, disability insurance, flexible spending accounts, life insurance, and retirement savings plans. Additionally, Mines employees are eligible for tuition benefits (for employees and dependents), generous paid holidays and leaves and discount programs.  For more information, visit Mines benefits.
How to Apply
Applicants will be asked to complete an online application (personal information, demographic information, veterans status) and upload a CV with references listed and a cover letter that addresses the qualifications described above, describes the applicant’s interest in joining the project, and answers the following questions:
  1. In what ways do your previous research, teaching, and/or outreach experiences inform your interest in recruiting new science and math teachers?
  2. What background experiences do you have that lead you to feel prepared for and interested in statistical analysis of large-scale data and conducting individual interviews?
  3. How do your previous experiences prepare you to work cooperatively and productively with colleagues, students, and supervisors from diverse backgrounds?
  4. In this postdoctoral research position, you will gain significant skills in physics education research, as well as skills related to the development and user-testing of recruitment resources. How do you envision those skills will be useful to you later in your career?
References will not be contacted until later in the selection process and you will be informed before that contact is made.
Background Investigation Required
Yes
COVID-19 Vaccine Requirement
This position will require documented proof of full COVID-19 vaccination. New employees will be required to provide attestation to their status with proof of vaccination upon hire. Religious and medical exemptions and reasonable accommodation shall be addressed as required by law pursuant to the Equal Employment Opportunity Commission’s vaccination guidance.

Advertised: Jan 21, 2022 Mountain Standard Time
Applications close: Open until filled

Postdoc, University of Pittsburgh

 Applications are invited for a postdoctoral position in the Learning Research and Development Center (LRDC) at the University of Pittsburgh. The postdoc will join Drs. Brian Galla (Applied Developmental Psychology, LRDC, Pitt), Timothy Nokes-Malach (Psychology, LRDC, Pitt), Melanie Good (Physics, Pitt), and Eric Kuo (Physics, Illinois) in a NSF-funded project that tests the effect of mindfulness training to reduce psychological threat and enhance motivation and learning in undergraduate introductory physics. The postdoc will be involved in all aspects of the project and will help lead efforts to publish results of the research. The position starts in summer 2022 and is for two years.

We are looking for candidates with a PhD in psychology, learning sciences, or a related field (e.g., STEM education). Those with a strong background and interest in one or more of the following areas will be highly competitive: mindfulness (e.g., stress reduction, emotion regulation), learning and cognition (e.g., metacognition, problem solving), and motivation (e.g., self-regulation, mindsets). Advanced training in experimental design, statistics (e.g., ANOVA, regression, multi-level models) and mixed methods (e.g., interviews, ecological momentary assessment) is preferred but not required.

The LRDC is a leading center for the study of learning and education. Our research team is collaborative and interdisciplinary and can provide many opportunities for furthering scholarly training in psychology and learning sciences. We value diversity, inclusion, and equity in our work and in our team. Candidates from underrepresented backgrounds and groups are especially encouraged to apply for this position.

Interested candidates can submit the following application materials to this website: (1) cover letter; (2) curriculum vitae; (3) research statement; (4) diversity statement; (5) one or two samples of published work; and (6) three letters of recommendation.

Review of applications begins February 25th, 2022 until the position is filled.

Please send any questions about the position to:

Brian Galla
Associate Professor, Applied Developmental Psychology
Research Scientist, LRDC
University of Pittsburgh
gallabri@pitt.edu
Lab Website

Timothy Nokes-Malach
Professor, Psychology
Senior Scientist, LRDC
University of Pittsburgh
nokes@pitt.edu
Lab Website

 

Tuesday, January 25, 2022

Two TT, University of Detroit - Mercy

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Tenure-Track Assistant Professor in Physics

The Physics Program in the College of Engineering & Science at the University of Detroit Mercy invites candidates to apply for two available full-time tenure track faculty positions. The hired candidates will start August 16, 2022. Detroit Mercy is dedicated to the goal of building a diverse and inclusive academic community, with an urban and community service focused approach. We strongly encourage applications from candidates who can demonstrate through their teaching, research, experience, and service that they can contribute to the Mission of the University and its commitment to diversity, equity, and inclusion.

As a primarily undergraduate institution (PUI), Detroit Mercy offers small classes and close collegial relationships. The College’s faculty forms a vibrant community of teaching scholars, with a strong focus on student-centered teaching, and academic mentorship of students. We are particularly interested in candidates who will contribute to our efforts to provide support and opportunities for historically minoritized students majoring in science and engineering disciplines. The Physics program is an integral part of the College of Engineering & Science’s National Institutes of Health - BUILD grant (https://eng-sci.udmercy.edu/research/rebuildetroit.php) that supports these efforts.

The Physics program at Detroit Mercy is a vibrant program whose full-time faculty teach courses required for students majoring in science and engineering disciplines, as well as for the university core curriculum; engage in interdisciplinary and collaborative teaching and research; and mentor students within the College of Engineering and Science. Physics faculty have opportunities to collaborate with faculty in other disciplines and at partner institutions through the BUILD grant and other exciting initiatives.

A successful candidate would be one that has a strong interest in implementing best practices in teaching pedagogy including evidence-based teaching and assessment strategies. In addition, we seek an educator who is also an enthusiastic teacher-scholar committed to supporting a diverse population of students, and who can enrich and contribute to the College’s multifaceted diversity.

Essential Duties & Responsibilities

Teaching responsibilities will include teaching introductory physics lectures and laboratory courses, as well as   other courses, based on the faculty member’s area of expertise and on the need to complement or expand current offerings in the program.

The candidate should have a proposed research agenda appropriate for a primarily undergraduate institution. Candidates are expected to demonstrate the ability and interest to pursue external funding and to disseminate results in peer-reviewed publications and conferences. Pedagogical research is encouraged.

Requirements

  • Ph.D. or terminal degree in Physics or closely related discipline by the time of appointment.
  • Experience teaching courses in college or relevant instructional experience
  • Experience with research and scholarly activity
  • A commitment to diversity, equity, and inclusion in the workplace

 

Preferred Qualifications

  • Commitment to evidence-based teaching strategies that meet course learning outcomes
  • Commitment to students’ holistic development, including encouraging students to reflect and engage with physics in a broader social context
  • Experience working collaboratively across disciplines
  • Evidence indicating promise of service to the department, college, university, and community in alignment with the mission of the university
  • Commitment to student-centered mentoring and advising

Candidates must apply by completing an application and uploading materials at https://recruiting.paylocity.com/Recruiting/Jobs/Details/845786. Materials must include: (1) a detailed cover letter describing the ways your background addresses the required and preferred qualifications; (2) a one-page teaching philosophy statement; (3) a one-page statement of your research plans that specifically addresses the inclusion of undergraduate students; (4) a one-page diversity statement describing your commitment to diversity, equity, inclusion, and justice, (5) a complete curriculum vitae, (6) the names and contact information of three professional references. Please do not include any letters of recommendation—they will be requested for all semi-finalists.

To ensure full consideration, applications should be received by January 31, 2022.  Applications will continue to be accepted and reviewed after the full consideration date until the positions are filled.

Salary/Pay Information

Commensurate with experience

Physical Requirements

Job may require lifting light weight objects (1 to 10 pounds) with no repetitive bending or stooping. Occasionally lift average weight objects (1 to 10 pounds).

Work Environment

Regular exposure to favorable conditions such as those found in a normal office.

Michigan's largest, most comprehensive private University, University of Detroit Mercy is an independent Catholic institution of higher education sponsored by the Sisters of Mercy and Society of Jesus. Detroit Mercy seeks qualified candidates who will contribute to the University's mission, diversity, and excellence of its academic community. University of Detroit Mercy is an Equal Opportunity Affirmative Action Employer with a diverse student body and welcomes persons of all backgrounds.

Monday, January 24, 2022

One-Year Physics Education VAP, CSU-Chico

 The Department of Science Education in the College of Natural Sciences invites applications for Visiting Assistant Professor in Physics Education effective August 2022. This is a full-time, one year appointment. The full announcement details can be found at: https://careers.pageuppeople.com/873/ch/en-us/job/509899 


This position carries responsibilities in the area of teaching to include SCED 141: Concepts in Physical Science. This course is designed for future middle science teachers, and elementary school teachers. Basic concepts of motion, force, energy, chemical change, and their interactions.

This position also carries responsibilities for teaching SCED 321W: Scientific Inquiry. This course engages students in inquiry into topics that span the scientific disciplines. Skills addressed include experimental design, modeling, representation, dissemination of results, and critique of peers' work. Content topics include light, color, and sound, from biological, chemical and physics perspectives. This is a full-time, one year appointment.

If anyone wants to know more about the position or institution, feel free to contact Professor Carolina Alvarado, calvaradoleyva@csuchico.edu

Thursday, January 20, 2022

STEM Education Postdoc, Texas State

 Postdoc in STEM Education at Texas State University

We are advertising a postdoctoral-level position associated with the NSF IUSE-HSI grant: “Building Capacity: Creating Faculty-Student Communities for Culturally Relevant Institutional Change” (NSF #1928696, PI Heather Galloway, Co-PIs Eleanor Close, Alice Olmstead, Cynthia Luxford, and Li Feng). The position will primarily focus on research and will involve synergistic programmatic activities.

During this five-year project, we aim to engage faculty and students across Texas State University's College of Science and Engineering in workshops, departmental self-assessments, redesign of lower-division gateway courses, and project-level decision making. Participating STEM departments are receiving intellectual, material, and logistical supports to empower faculty-student teams in developing sustainable communities of practice focused on culturally relevant instruction. The project also involves three research strands that focus on communities of practice among faculty and students, STEM student trajectories at Texas State, and student graduation rates and STEM workforce outcomes for Texas State and other Hispanic Serving Institutions. We are currently in year 3 of the project. More information is available on our website https://www.cose.txstate.edu/STEMCommunities.html

This position will be primarily focused on collecting and analyzing various kinds of student data before, during, and after course redesigns. The selected candidate will be expected to engage in research activities such as: conducting and synthesizing the results of focus groups with STEM students; gathering and analyzing institutional student data; working with STEM faculty to collect and analyze qualitative and quantitative student data using research-based assessments; amending materials for institutional review board approval; and disseminating results through publications and presentations. Exact activities will vary depending on the stage of the project. The selected candidate will be expected to co-mentor undergraduate research students as appropriate. The selected candidate will also be expected to help faculty and students interpret data, and to contribute to the implementation of workshops and summer institutes. Co-PI Luxford will be the primary advisor for this position.

Minimum qualifications are:

·         PhD in a STEM and/or Education field

Preferred qualifications are:

·         Knowledge of discipline-based education research

·         Commitment to and experience with counteracting systemic inequities in STEM

·         Experience designing and conducting quantitative research studies, including statistical analysis and programming (e.g., Stata, R)

·         Experience designing and conducting qualitative research studies, including data collection, analysis, and management

·         Motivation and ability to engage with diverse students, junior researchers, and STEM faculty.

 

Candidates who identify with underrepresented minority groups are particularly encouraged to apply.

The salary for this position is between $50,000-$55,000 per year. Review of applications will begin on February 14 and continue until the position is filled.  Preferred start dates are as soon as possible but preferably before July 31. Initial appointments will be for one year, renewable as funding remains available (2-3 years). Relocation to San Marcos is preferred when travel is no longer unsafe / restricted due to the COVID-19 pandemic.

Interested candidates should submit a 1-3 page cover letter and a CV to STEMEdPostdocs@txstate.edu. The cover letter should explain the candidate’s interest in the position and why they are a good fit for it, based on alignment with the required qualifications and any other desirable qualifications (e.g., past experience relevant to the job responsibilities). The cover letter should also specify a preferred start date and, if the candidate has not yet received their PhD, when they expect to receive it. The CV should include a list of professional experiences, publications, and contact information for three professional references. Shortlisted candidates may be asked to submit a writing sample in response to a job related prompt and three letters of recommendation.

ADDITIONAL JOB INFORMATION 

Texas State University is a large, diverse Hispanic Serving Institution in Central Texas, between Austin and San Antonio. The College of Science and Engineering includes seven STEM departments and a growing number of discipline-based education research faculty. Selected candidates will have regular opportunities to interact with faculty, students, and other postdocs who are engaged in education research (see, in particular, http://txstper.wp.txstate.edu and http://luxford.wp.txstate.edu/). Interactions and cross-project collaboration among postdocs working with the co-PIs will be encouraged, as well as participation in potential future grant-writing activities with the project team.

Please contact Cynthia Luxford (cluxford@txstate.edu) if you have questions about the position. Please email STEMEdPostdocs@txstate.edu to apply and if you have general questions about the application process.

Thursday, January 13, 2022

Science Research Initiative (SRI) Fellow, University of Utah

 https://employment.utah.edu/salt-lake-city-ut/science-research-initiative-sri-fellow/C65A253AAEB04495968D1631EB2A0000/job/


Job Summary

The College of Science at the University of Utah invites applications for a scientist or mathematician with a Ph.D. in astronomy, biology, chemistry, environmental science, mathematics, physics, or related fields to help support teaching and research in the Science Research Initiative ( SRI ). The SRI is a unique program that focuses on providing undergraduate students with authentic research experiences during their first and second year of college. For more information on the SRI please click here (https://science.utah.edu/sri/) .

The SRI Fellow position will provide three (3) years of funded training in mentorship and teaching, as well as the opportunity to develop high-impact undergraduate research experiences at an institution with a world-class research infrastructure and community.

Responsibilities

Unlike traditional postdocs, SRI Fellows will be responsible for developing an independent research program that will be implemented into research streams (see here (https://science.utah.edu/sri/research-streams/) for details on current research streams) that are designed exclusively for first year undergraduate students. Fellows will also be responsible for teaching and supporting undergraduate courses associated with the SRI . SRI fellows will be provided with: research space; access to shared equipment; research funds; and discipline- and pedagogy-specific mentorship. In addition, fellows will liaise with faculty PIs to manage and oversee other research streams related to their area of interest, train teaching assistants, help manage student placement into streams, and help evaluate overall program outcomes.

Minimum Qualifications

Preferences

An ideal candidate will have undergraduate teaching/mentoring experience; a demonstrated commitment to undergraduate mentorship; a demonstrated ability to collaborate constructively with faculty, students, and staff with diverse scientific interests; and experience conceiving and executing complex projects. Researchers interested in pursuing academic positions at primarily undergraduate institutions may be especially drawn to this position, as SRI fellows will have the opportunity to develop a robust plan for undergraduate teaching and research. The position is for three years, subject to review after one year, and can begin as early as July 1, 2022. SRI fellows will receive a competitive salary and funding for research.

Type Benefited Staff

Special Instructions Summary

Interested candidates should submit (1) a cover letter, (2) a CV, (3) a short description of research accomplishments/experience (1 page), (4) a short description of 2-3 proposed research streams including any specialized equipment needed to complete the research (2-3 pages), (5) a teaching/mentorship statement (1-2 pages), (6) a brief statement identifying 2-3 potential mentors (2-3 sentences for each) who you believe would be appropriate to advise on the proposed research streams and/or support your development, and (7) contact information for three references who will be contacted following initial review of applications.

All documents should be submitted in PDF format. For full consideration, applications must be received by February 20, 2022. E-mail questions to SRI@science.utah.edu .

FT Lectureship, University of North Texas

 https://jobs.untsystem.edu/postings/53564

The Department of Physics at the University of North Texas is seeking a Lecturer to serve in a continuing, full time position and to start in August 2022. The department serves students from across the University’s population, including physics majors. The Lecturer position is an important pedagogically oriented element of the department’s delivery of courses for freshman and sophomores from STEM and non-science areas. The Lecturer will be required to teach introductory Astronomy and physics courses and may be assigned to teach core undergraduate courses in physics depending on the departmental needs. The candidates are expected to teach 3-4 courses per semester with the potential for a course load reduction for other assignments such as assisting in recruiting, professional activities, undergraduate advising, course development, lab management, and service activities. The candidates are also expected to coordinate the lecturing and lab teaching with other instructors to ensure consistency in teaching. The department is looking for strong student focused candidates with interactive and engaged teaching methodology. Salary is competitive and commensurate with experience

An offer of employment for this position will be made dependent upon available funding.

Sunday, January 9, 2022

Postdoc, University of Utah

University of Utah

Department of Physics & Astronomy

School for Cultural and Social Transformation

Post-doctoral Scholar Investigating Gender & Queerness in STEM

 

The Physics Education Research Group at the University of Utah (PERU) and the School of Cultural and Social Transformation seek to hire a post-doctoral scholar to study gender and queerness in STEM and physics. This work will be split evenly between (1) analyzing longitudinal qualitative data on graduate women in physics and astronomy and data on LGBT physicist’s social networks and (2) supporting the writing and submission of an ADVANCE grant to support people from marginalized gender identities in STEM at the University of Utah. An intersectional focus on race within these areas will also be important. This position is a one-year contract with an additional one-year renewal depending on performance and funding. If the ADVANCE grant is successful, the post-doc may be asked to stay on to serve on the ADVANCE project. The position is open until filled with an immediate start date. The successful candidate will work in person at The University of Utah in Salt Lake City, UT. A PhD in a relevant field is required.

 

This a collaborative project: The post doc will report to (1) Dr. Ramón S. Barthelemy (Physics and Astronomy) and (2) Dr. Claudia Geist (Sociology and Gender Studies)

 

Total Compensation: $57,100 salary, ability to contribute to tax deferred retirement, and healthcare

Conference: Paid expenses to a conference annually

 

Required Skills:

-Can independently lead research

-Strong interpersonal skills

-Strong writing skills as demonstrated by peer reviewed publications or drafts

-Desire to learn grant writing, presentation design/style

-Strong research ethics and dedication to high quality work and analysis

-Attention to detail

-Autonomous, goal driven, and meets deadlines

 

Preferred Skills:

(We encourage applicants without these skills but are willing to learn)

            -Qualitative interviewing and coding skills

            -Previous work with Black, Hispanic, and LGBT communities

            -Successful grant writing

            -Experience presenting at national conferences and universities

            -Peer-reviewed publications

 

If you are interested in applying, send your letter of interest specifying your relevant skills, vita, list of publications and arrange to have two letters of recommendation sent to the email address listed here. For information about the research group (PERU), please go to www.PERUtah.com or contact PER@Physics.Utah.edu. Applications and letters of recommendation should be submitted via email to: Ramon.S.Barthelemy@Utah.edu

 

 

The University of Utah is an Affirmative Action/Equal Opportunity employer and does not discriminate based upon race, national origin, color, religion, sex, age, sexual orientation, gender identity/expression, status as a person with a disability, genetic information, or Protected Veteran status. Individuals from historically underrepresented groups, such as minorities, women, qualified persons with disabilities and protected veterans are encouraged to apply. Veterans’ preference is extended to qualified applicants, upon request and consistent with University policy and Utah state law. Upon request, reasonable accommodations in the application process will be provided to individuals with disabilities. To inquire about the University’s nondiscrimination or affirmative action policies or to request disability accommodation, please contact: Director, Office of Equal Opportunity and Affirmative Action, 201 S. Presidents Circle, Rm 135, (801) 581-8365.

 

The University of Utah values candidates who have experience working in settings with students from diverse backgrounds, and possess a strong commitment to improving access to higher education for historically underrepresented students.