Thursday, December 28, 2023

Chicago-Based STEM Departmental Change Postdoc (online work negotiable), Multi-Institutional Team

 We are recruiting a postdoctoral researcher to join our new project charting the landscape of STEM departmental change projects and supporting the networking of departmental change agents. The postdoc will be primarily mentored by Dr. Jaclyn Rivard at National Louis University. There are options to work on campus, remote, or hybrid. We anticipate they will start between February 1 and April 1, 2024. The priority deadline for applying is February 1; applications will continue to be reviewed after that date until a hire is made. Please see here for the additional information and to apply. People with STEM education backgrounds (regardless of discipline) are encouraged to apply!

Tuesday, December 19, 2023

Teaching Assistant Professor, Colorado School of Mines

 https://mines.wd1.myworkdayjobs.com/en-US/Mines_Careers/details/Teaching-Assistant-Professor--Department-of-Physics_JR103313-1


The Opportunity

The Physics Department at the Colorado School of Mines (Mines) invites applications for a teaching assistant professor to participate in the delivery of our introductory sequence and core curriculum. The Department of Physics offers an ABET-accredited undergraduate degree in Engineering Physics, as well as MS and PhD degrees. The program typically graduates between 50 and 70 majors per year. The department encourages and supports innovation in teaching and learning and has developed effective methods of instruction at the introductory and advanced levels. The successful candidate will become part of the departmental faculty team, which currently consists of seven full-time teaching faculty and seventeen tenure/tenure-track faculty. The teaching faculty team has primary responsibility for delivering the two-semester introductory calculus-based physics sequence using a hybrid-studio approach, and is also invited to deliver courses in the undergraduate and graduate physics core curricula. We are looking for the successful candidate to start in August 2024. Appointment at a higher rank (Teaching Associate Professor or Teaching Professor) may be possible for an exceptionally qualified individual.
 

Responsibilities

In the introductory studio, faculty work with graduate and undergraduate teaching assistants to coach students through a combination of hands-on activities, problem-solving practice, and other computer-assisted lessons. In addition, the successful candidate will contribute to other parts of the Engineering Physics undergraduate and (Applied) Physics graduate core curriculum. Other responsibilities include training and supervising teaching assistants, departmental and campus committee service, and advising.
 

Minimum Qualifications

  • A doctoral degree in physics or a related field earned by August 2024.

  • Strong commitment to undergraduate education, excellent communication skills, and the ability to work effectively as a member of a teaching team.

  • A thorough understanding of modern, research-based educational practices.

Preferred Qualifications

  • Demonstrated experience with the delivery of physics courses in the introductory sequence and in the core curriculum at the undergraduate and graduate levels using modern, research-vetted teaching practices.

  • Demonstrated potential for and interest in teaching upper-division undergraduate lab courses.

About Mines and The Department

Colorado School of Mines is located in Golden, Colorado, in the foothills of the Rockies, 15 miles west of Denver and 20 miles south of Boulder. Mines is proud to have recently earned Carnegie Classification R1 “Very High Research Activity.” 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 that are available to apply interactive and innovative teaching techniques. The physics faculty are extremely research-active with national and international reputation. The teaching faculty team is known for driving innovation in teaching throughout campus and beyond, and their strong dedication to provide the Mines students with unique signature experiences. More information can be found at http://physics.mines.edu.
 

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

Mines is offering an academic year salary rate of:

Teaching Assistant Professor: $72,500 - $80,000
Teaching Associate Professor: $86,500 - $92,750
Teaching Professor: $95,500 - $108,000

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. As a State of Colorado institution, Mines is exempt from Social Security. Additionally, Mines employees are eligible for tuition benefits (for employees and dependents), generous paid holidays and leaves and discount programs. Mines’ leadership and innovation brings proximity and access to several research centers, consortia, agencies, labs and leading-edge technology. For more information, visit Mines benefits.
 

How to Apply

Apply by January 20th for full consideration. Applicants will be asked to complete an online application (personal information, demographic information, references, veteran status) and upload a CV and cover letter (required). References will not be contacted until later in the selection process and you will be informed before that contact is made. Applications must specify in the application package to which rank they are applying. Applicants will notice on the application form there is one location to upload all required materials. Further, once submitted, you will not be able to edit your application. Applicants may submit their application as one combined document or as separate documents.
 

Applicants must submit:

  • A letter of application,

  • A statement of teaching and/or design experience and interests with a description of any experience you have in education (face-to-face and online, emphasizing hands-on content where applicable) (maximum of 2 pages),

  • A statement on contributions to diversity and inclusion, describing your past experiences and proposed activities to advance access, inclusion and diversity at Mines (maximum of 2 pages), and

  • A curriculum vitae.
     

Teaching Statement:

Mines is committed to high quality, hands-on and project-based learning. Additionally, Mines is growing its online MS non-thesis degree programs. Candidates should cover their in-person and hands-on teaching pedagogy and be prepared to describe any experience they have in online education.
 

Diversity & Inclusion Statement:

Candidates should submit a statement on Contributions to Diversity and Inclusion. Mines is committed to access, inclusion, and diversity and is actively developing a strategic plan to advance Diversity, Inclusion and Access (for more information visit https://www.mines.edu/about/diversity). The diversity and inclusion statement should describe your past experience and proposed activities to advance access, inclusion, and diversity at Mines.
 

Please contact Kathleen Feighny, Human Resources, at kfeighny@mines.edu with any questions.

Friday, December 15, 2023

Six-Year Postdoc, University of Graz, Austria

 https://jobs.uni-graz.at/en/jobs/4d12386f-38d9-377c-f332-655f73bcfcd7

Friday, December 8, 2023

TT in PER / AER, Texas A&M Commerce

  https://tamus.wd1.myworkdayjobs.com/en-US/TAMUC_External/details/Assistant-Professor---Physics---Astronomy_R-068654

The Department of Physics and Astronomy at Texas A&M University-Commerce invites applications for a tenure-track Assistant Professor position in Physics Education Research or Astronomy Education Research. The position will begin Fall 2024, and is contingent upon the availability of funds. A PhD in Physics, Astronomy, or a closely related field is required. The successful applicant should have a strong interest or demonstrated experience in teacher preparation. The new faculty member will be expected to: carry out a vigorous, externally-funded research program with a primary emphasis on physics education research or astronomy education research, advise undergraduate and graduate students, and participate fully in the teaching program of the department.

We are home to a unique, completely online MS program in physics primarily targeted at in-service high school physics teachers, and an undergraduate physics teacher education program. We are a legacy PhysTEC comprehensive site and leaders of the Texas PhysTEC Regional Network. We work on teacher preparation across STEM through the Noyce program. The successful applicant will be involved in the continued development and expansion of these programs. Our department encourages adoption of innovative teaching strategies. Several courses are taught in studio mode, and even more employ Learning Assistants. Our department recently took part in the APS Departmental Action Leadership Institute.

Our department and university are dedicated to supporting students and creating a welcoming environment for all students. As a department, we practice caring mentoring of our students and the employment of pedagogical practices and classroom environments that benefit all students.

The Physics and Astronomy Department has 11 full-time faculty members. A&M-Commerce is a growing regional university Located just 1 hour outside of Dallas, the university offers 130 affordable degree programs and is becoming the school of choice for urban and rural Northeast Texas. Embracing a mission to transform lives, A&M-Commerce has seen a 7% increase in overall enrollment compared to the same time last year, with 11,983 students enrolled for Fall 2023, including over 8,200 undergraduates and 3,740 graduate students. The university has a commitment to providing high-quality educational opportunities that prepare students for success, including those from low-income and first-generation backgrounds.

Visit our website at http://www.tamuc.edu/physics for further information about the University and our department. Phone or e-mail inquiries can be directed to Dr. Kurtis Williams, Interim Department Head of Physics and Astronomy at (903) 886-5488, or kurtis.williams@tamuc.edu.

DUTIES & RESPONSIBILITIES:

  • Teach undergraduate and graduate courses
  • Develop and maintain funded physics education research program
  • Advise and mentor both graduate and undergraduate students
  • Develop curriculum
  • Work collaborative with faculty, staff, and students to implement departmental programs
  • Provide service to the department, college, university, public schools, and community

MINIMUM REQUIREMENTS:

  • Education: Ph.D. in Physics or Astronomy or a closely related field from an accredited institution.
  • Experience / Knowledge / Skills: Demonstrated experience conducting physics education research and/or astronomy education research; Excellent written and oral communication skills; Commitment to high quality teaching.
  • Ability to: Work collaboratively with a team of professionals.
  • Licensing/Professional Certifications: None

PREFERRED EDUCATION / SKILLS/ EXPERIENCE:

  • Postdoctoral research experience
  • A record of publications related to physics and/or astronomy related research in peer-reviewed journals
  • Experience in writing competitive funding proposals
  • Experience or high potential in physics teacher preparation and/or professional development
  • Experience or high potential in teaching in an active learning environment and with innovative teaching strategies
  • Experience or high potential in developing and maintaining a funded research program
  • Experience or high potential in mentoring and advising undergraduate and graduate students
  • Experience or high potential in fostering a sense of belonging for all students, including traditionally underserved populations such as those in the northeast Texas region
  • Experience or high potential in recruitment and/or retention of undergraduate and/or graduate students
  • Drive to excel in teaching, research, and service in rural northeast Texas
  • Collegiality, humility, and welcoming of feedback

All positions are security-sensitive. Applicants are subject to a criminal history investigation, and employment is contingent upon the institution’s verification of credentials and/or other information required by the institution’s procedures, including the completion of the criminal history check.

Equal Opportunity/Affirmative Action/Veterans/Disability Employer.

Fixed-term Assistant Professor Positions (teaching+computational research), Michigan State

 

Fixed-term Assistant Professor Positions
MSU Dept. of Computational Mathematics, Science and Engineering

Position Summary: The Michigan State University Department of Computational Mathematics, Science and Engineering (CMSE) invites applications for several Fixed-term Assistant Professor positions with a starting date of August 15, 2024. These positions provide a postdoctoral research experience in an interdisciplinary environment that focuses on the development of algorithms for computational modeling and data science and their application to a wide variety of scientific and engineering applications, as well as experience teaching in innovative ways in that environment and professional development related to faculty careers. Instructional courses taught in CMSE focus on computational modeling and/or data science. Successful candidates will receive training in research-based teaching pedagogy, will have the opportunity to perform research in collaboration with CMSE faculty members, contribute to the writing of grant proposals, and mentor students, as well as participate in related training opportunities. These positions are potentially renewable on an annual basis for three years, contingent upon satisfactory performance and availability of funding.

Fixed-term Assistant Professor positions will teach two course sections per semester (four total per year) in CMSE’s multi-section service courses in computational modeling, data analysis, data science, and linear algebra. Successful candidates will be paired with one or more faculty mentors with whom they have compatible research interests and will engage in CMSE’s instructional training and mentoring program. Applicants are encouraged to reach out to potential faculty collaborators prior to the deadline to discuss research opportunities - a directory of CMSE faculty members can be found at this link. Candidates will be evaluated on their potential to excel in teaching and research and in their ability to contribute to a diverse departmental environment. In the event that a research collaboration is established with a faculty member, additional financial support may be negotiated, including course buyouts (to a minimum of 1 course/semester). The base salary for this position is $69,911, and the position also includes the full complement of benefits available to MSU academic staff, including a retirement plan (with MSU match) and a variety of health care options that are primarily paid for by MSU.

Minimum Qualifications: Candidates are required to have a Ph.D. in any STEM, curriculum development, or discipline-based education research-related field by August 15, 2024, as well as have substantial overlap in research interests with at least one member of the CMSE faculty (which may include computational science, data science, the development of numerical algorithms or their application to a particular field of study, or computing education research). Applicants are expected to have a demonstrated interest in teaching and/or a commitment to excellence in teaching, as well as commitment to promoting diversity, equity, and inclusion in supporting populations that are historically under-represented in their disciplines. Applicants are also expected to be able to program using Python, R, or a sufficiently similar language.

Desired qualifications: Previous teaching experience (either as a TA or instructor) is desired, as is knowledge of or experience with research-based teaching methods.


How to apply: The position is listed as job #913334 at https://careers.msu.edu/ (direct link). Required materials include a cover letter of up to two pages in length summarizing qualifications, a CV, two separate vision statements for teaching and research (of roughly 2-3 pages in length), and contact information for three people who can provide letters of reference. The cover letter and research statement should address the candidate’s overlap of research interests with members of the department and identify faculty members with whom the applicant might collaborate. Applicants are encouraged to reach out to faculty prior to and during the application process to discuss possible areas of research collaboration. The cover letter and teaching statement should address the candidate’s teaching and/or mentoring experiences, teaching-related training (particularly as it applies to research-informed teaching methods), and interests relating to future teaching opportunities. In addition, in both the teaching and research statements the candidate should explain how their efforts in teaching and research have supported the success of students from backgrounds that are historically marginalized in their academic fields. Applicants who have not yet had the opportunity for such experience should explain how their future efforts could further MSU’s commitment to diversity, equity, and inclusion. Positions include standard MSU benefits, which includes medical insurance. A background check is required for employment.

Review of applications will begin on January 17, 2024. Applications will be reviewed on a continuing basis thereafter until the position is filled. Nominations or questions are welcome by contacting the search committee chair, Brian O’Shea, via email at oshea@msu.edu. The positions will start August 15, 2024.


 

Wednesday, December 6, 2023

TWO Teaching FT, Ole Miss

 https://careers.olemiss.edu/job/University-Instructional-Assistant-Professor-of-Physics-and-Astronomy-MS-38677/1104509600

Instructional Assistant Professor of Physics and Astronomy

Location:  

University, MS, US, 38677

Department:  Physics & Astronomy (10000887)
Employee Designation:  Regular Full-time (Benefits Eligible)

Note for Current UM Employees

Current employees must apply internally via connectU > connectu.olemiss.edu

Position Description

The Department of Physics and Astronomy invites applications for two Instructional Assistant Professor (IAP) appointments starting in August 2024. A Ph.D. in Physics, Astronomy, or a closely related field will be required by the start of employment. The department is committed to effective undergraduate teaching. Experience in evidence-based approaches to teaching physics and/or astronomy at the college level is required.

 

Teaching duties include up to three courses per semester. Both IAPs will teach introductory courses with opportunities to teach upper-division courses if desired. Responsibilities will also include some coordination of the associated labs and supervision of lab TAs.

 

• The successful candidate for the IAP Physics position will teach primarily physics courses.

• The successful candidate for the IAP Astronomy position will teach primarily astronomy courses.

 

Please indicate in your cover letter whether you are interested in applying for the IAP Physics, IAP Astronomy, or both positions.

Position Details

Appointment: 9 Month

Assignment Type: Non-Tenure Track

Minimum Qualifications

A Ph.D. in Physics, Astronomy, or a closely related field will be required by the start of employment. The department is committed to effective undergraduate teaching. Experience in evidence-based approaches to teaching physics and/or astronomy at the college level is required.

Application Procedures

Please indicate in your cover letter whether you are interested in applying for the IAP Physics, IAP Astronomy, or both positions.

 

The successful applicant is expected to be an integral part of the department and participate in service to the department, university, and the wider community. Service opportunities include outreach activities, mentoring graduate teaching assistants, and building student community through undergraduate advising, mentorship, and student clubs. Professional development opportunities include facilitating and attending Center for Excellence in Teaching and Learning (CETL) workshops, applying for university and/or external grants to redesign courses and their labs, and attending regional and national conferences and workshops focused on teaching.

Interested parties should apply online at https://careers.olemiss.edu. The application should include a curriculum vitae, cover letter, and teaching statement. The teaching statement should describe a plan for implementing effective techniques in undergraduate teaching and promoting the success of students from all backgrounds. Two letters of recommendation are required for each applicant. Consideration of applications will begin on January 16, 2024. Applications will be accepted until an adequate applicant pool is established or until the position is filled. Applications from underrepresented groups in physics are strongly encouraged. The department is committed to increasing diversity in the field.

About the University of MS & Oxford, MS

Founded in 1848, the University of Mississippi (UM), affectionately known to alumni, students and friends as Ole Miss, is Mississippi's flagship university. Included in the elite group of R-1: Doctoral Universities - Highest Research Activity by the Carnegie Classification, it has a long history of producing leaders in public service, academics and business. The University of Mississippi, consistently named by The Chronicle of Higher Education as a “Great College to Work For,” is located in Oxford, MS, which is ranked one of the “Top 10 Best College Towns.” With more than 24,000 students, UM is the state's largest university and is ranked among the nation's fastest-growing institutions. The University of Mississippi, which has aggressively implemented many health and wellness initiatives for its more than 2,900 employees, has consistently been named one of Mississippi’s Healthiest Workplaces.

 

Touted as the “Cultural Mecca of the South”, creativity abounds in Oxford as musicians, artists and writers alike find inspiration in Oxford’s rich history, small town charm and creative community. Oxford is a one-hour drive south of Memphis, TN and is known as the home of Nobel Prize winning author William Faulkner. Over the years Oxford has also been known for offering exceptional culinary experiences and as the home of the University of Mississippi and the Ole Miss Rebels, there is always something here to immerse yourself in. Oxford has also been featured as a literary and arts destination in such publications as The New York Times, Southern Living, Condé Nast Traveler, and GQ. Among other cultural activities, annual events include the Oxford Film Festival, a thriving local music scene, and the Ford Center Performing Arts Series. Oxford is a vibrant university town, filled with unique shops and galleries, eclectic restaurants and clubs, historic landmarks, and comfortable inns.

Background Check Statement

The University of Mississippi is committed to providing a safe campus community. UM conducts background investigations for applicants being considered for employment. Background investigations include a criminal history record check, and when appropriate, a financial (credit) report or driving history check.

 

Interview Requirements: Any candidate who is called for an interview must notify the Department of Equal Opportunity/Regulatory Compliance in writing of any reasonable accommodation needed prior to the date of the interview.

EEO Statement

The University of Mississippi provides equal opportunity in any employment practice, education program, or education activity to all qualified persons. The University complies with all applicable laws regarding equal opportunity and affirmative action and does not unlawfully discriminate against any employee or applicant for employment based upon race, color, gender, sex, pregnancy, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, religion, citizenship, national origin, age, disability, veteran status, or genetic information.


Nearest Major Market: Oxford Mississippi

Wednesday, November 22, 2023

THREE Year PER Postdoc, Uppsala University, Sweden

 https://www.jobb.uu.se/details/?positionId=677573


Postdoctoral position in Physics Education Research (PER)

Published: 2023-11-16

Are you interested in working with physics education research, supported by competent and friendly colleagues in an international environment? Do you want an employer that focuses on sustainable employeeship and offers secure, favorable working conditions? Welcome to apply for a postdoctoral position at Uppsala University.

The TekNat faculty at Uppsala University includes the Department of Physics and Astronomy, which currently has 11 research divisions. The Division of Physics Education Research is one of these, with currently 7 employees and administrative staff. The division is unique in its kind in the country as it focuses on research in teaching and learning in physics and astronomy at university level based on a particular theoretical framework: social semiotics.
PER (Physics Education Research) is a research area that studies teaching and learning in physics. It does not refer to subject studies in physics, but to the challenges that students and their teachers face in learning or teaching physics. PER thus explores issues such as how knowledge can be communicated and developed in more productive ways, as well as the effects of social and cultural practices on learning and how these are conveyed.

Research in physics education at Uppsala University focuses on the study of learning processes through the disciplinary communication between students and teachers, which is mediated by all the semiotic resources used in the disciplines - theoretically described by social semiotics. Of particular interest to our research are representations of all kinds, the use of assistive technology and AI, embodied experiences, and multidimensional visualizations, and how all these can affect learning and teaching processes. Of particular interest are studies of students'/teachers' perceptions and understanding of space and time (spacetime) at large and small scales.

The division is in an expanding phase and the work environment is inclusive and flexible, which promotes job satisfaction. Read more at www.physics.uu.se

Duties
You will mainly work with physics education research projects based on social semiotics, primarily concerning university students' understanding of and communication about space-time scales - large and small - in the research project SCALE, but also be able to work with your own projects where social semiotics is the supporting theoretical framework. You will also teach physics and physics education courses at undergraduate, graduate and doctoral level up to 20% of your full-time position, where supervision of doctoral students and degree projects may occur. It may also include collaboration with schools and their teachers, as well as the surrounding community.

Requirements
Doctoral degree in PER or physics with specialization in PER or a foreign degree deemed equivalent to a doctoral degree in PER. The degree must be fulfilled at the latest at the time the employment decision is made. Preference should be given to those who have completed the degree no more than three years ago. When calculating the three-year timeframe, the starting point is the last date of application. If there are special reasons, such a degree may have been obtained earlier. Special reasons refer to leave due to illness, parental leave, positions of trust in trade unions, etc.

We are looking for someone who is creative, independent, shows personal maturity, takes initiative and is self-driven, flexible but also stable, performance-oriented and persistent. You have high analytical and cooperation skills, are empathetic and loyal, very good at oral and written communication, and have a cultural awareness of the equal value of all people.

You also meet the following requirements:

  • Extensive published research in PER in international physics education journals (peer-reviewed).
  • Very good knowledge of English, both spoken and written.
  • Experience of teaching at university level.

Additional qualifications

  • Basic knowledge of Swedish.

About the employment
The employment is a temporary position of three years according to central collective agreement. Full time position. Starting date 1 February 2024 or as agreed. Placement: Uppsala, Sweden

For further information about the position, please contact: Prof. Urban Eriksson, +46 18-471 35 29, urban.eriksson@physics.uu.se.

Please submit your application by 6 December 2023, UFV-PA 2023/4292.

Are you considering moving to Sweden to work at Uppsala University? Find out more about what it´s like to work and live in Sweden.

Uppsala University is a broad research university with a strong international position. The ultimate goal is to conduct education and research of the highest quality and relevance to make a difference in society. Our most important asset is all of our 7,500 employees and 54,000 students who, with curiosity and commitment, make Uppsala University one of Sweden’s most exciting workplaces.

Read more about our benefits and what it is like to work at Uppsala University
https://uu.se/om-uu/jobba-hos-oss/

Please do not send offers of recruitment or advertising services.

Submit your application through Uppsala University's recruitment system.

Placement: Department of Physics and Astronomy

Type of employment: Full time , Temporary position

Pay: Individual salary

Number of positions: 1

Working hours: 100%

Town: Uppsala

County: Uppsala län

Country: Sweden

Union representative: Seko Universitetsklubben seko@uadm.uu.se
ST/TCO tco@fackorg.uu.se
Saco-rådet saco@uadm.uu.se

Number of reference: UFV-PA 2023/4292

Last application date: 2023-12-06