Assistant/Associate Professor of Science Education
Mallinson Institute for Science Education
College of Arts and Sciences
Western Michigan University invites applications for the position of
Assistant or Associate professor of Science Education. This will be a joint
appointment between the Mallinson Institute for Science Education (primary
department) and one of the following five science departments: Biological
Sciences; Chemistry; Environment, Geography, and Sustainability; Geological and
Environmental Sciences; or Physics. The successful candidate will conduct
research on equity in college-level science education.
Title: Assistant or Associate Professor, Tenure track
Major Responsibilities:
-Conduct research on equity in college-level science education.
-Publish in peer-reviewed journals.
-Secure external funding to support research.
-Teach graduate courses in science education.
-Chair and serve on thesis and dissertation committees for PhD students
in science education.
-Teach undergraduate courses in one of the five science departments.
-Provide service at the department, college, and/or university level.
Minimum Qualifications:
-A PhD in Science Education, one of the five science disciplines, or a
related field awarded by August 2025.
-Evidence of commitment to diversity, inclusion, and equity through
publications, teaching, and/or service.
Desired Qualification:
-Research experience in the area of science education, particularly
related to equity at the college level.
-Scholarly publications in the area of science education.
-Experience supervising or mentoring undergraduate or graduate level
projects, theses, or dissertation.
-Experience teaching and/or designing introductory science courses.
-Experience teaching and/or designing graduate-level courses in science
education.
-Experience applying for and/or receiving research funding.
The University: Western Michigan University (WMU), located in Southwest Michigan,
is a vibrant, nationally recognized student-centered research
institution with an enrollment of nearly 18,000. WMU delivers high-quality
undergraduate instruction, has a strong graduate division, and fosters
significant research activities. The Carnegie Foundation for the Advancement of
Teaching classifies WMU as a doctoral university and one of just 185 public
universities in the nation conducting research at a high level.
Aligned with Western Michigan University’s Mission, as “an
access-oriented institution that provides an impactful and inclusive education
that integrates discovery and fosters holistic growth and well-being "so
that all may learn,”” and our WMU Strategic Plan 2022-32 centering Diversity,
Equity, and Inclusion Objectives that are responsive to our campus, regional,
and national demographics, this opportunity is a reflection of our commitment
to advancing systemic equity, inclusion, and justice, and therefore WMU seeks
candidates that will reflect this alignment and commitment.
The College: The College of Arts and Sciences represents the foundation of learning
and the academic heart of WMU. As articulated in the College of Arts and
Sciences strategic plan, we are committed to fostering a community of diverse,
inclusive, equitable, and globally engaged scholars, learners, and leaders. We
favor candidates who can contribute to the College’s distinctive educational
objectives, which promote interdisciplinary perspectives, intercultural
understanding, and concern with social responsibility and the ethical
implications of knowledge and action. With 23 departments and interdisciplinary
schools and institutes, WMU’s largest college offers a broad range of learning
opportunities and career paths for its students. CAS students are among the
very top students in the country, having received very competitive awards
including Goldwater Fellowships, Udall Scholarships, Boren Fellowships, and
Fulbright awards, among others.
The Mallinson Institute for
Science Education: The
interdisciplinary Mallinson Institute for Science Education (MISE) exists to
advance knowledge through research to improve the teaching and learning of
science, in and out of the classroom. We prepare science-focused graduate
students from all over the world to be reflective and engaged scholars of
science education. MISE functions like an academic department in the WMU
organizational structure. Most faculty are jointly appointed between MISE and
one of five science departments. MISE runs a PhD program in science education,
with over 40 enrolled students, that can be completed in person or completely
online. It is one of only a small number of PhD programs in science education
that operate within a college of arts and sciences (as opposed to a college of
education). MISE faculty are recognized as expert scholars within their
disciplines (e.g., chemistry education research, physics education research)
and also collaborate on interdisciplinary science education projects. MISE
faculty have research expertise in equity in STEM, college science teaching,
evaluation and assessment, educational change, and history and philosophy of
science. We are interested in expanding our expertise to include informal
science education and service learning.
Kalamazoo: Kalamazoo is located only two and a half hours by car from Chicago and
Detroit and only 45 minutes from the beaches of Lake Michigan. It is located in
one of Michigan’s designated research corridors, maintaining a strong life
sciences/biotech presence and supporting two leading medical centers. With
263,000 people in the greater Kalamazoo area, the community offers an array of
cultural events, entertainment, and all-season recreation. The city supports a
nationally recognized symphony and has earned a reputation for a vibrant
community theater and visual arts scene. Relatedly, Kalamazoo is committed to
social justice, community development, and the elimination of generational
poverty through its Shared Prosperity Kalamazoo initiative, with structural budgetary support provided by the City of
Kalamazoo’s Foundation for Excellence program. Kalamazoo also is the home of
the Kalamazoo Promise, a scholarship program offered to all Kalamazoo Public
School students that covers up to 100%
of tuition and mandatory fees to all Michigan public (and many private)
institutions of higher learning.
Salary: Competitive and commensurate
with qualifications and experience, with an excellent benefits package.
Expected Start Date: August 15, 2025
Questions: Contact Dr. Charles Henderson, Director, Mallinson Institute for
Science Education charles.henderson@wmich.edu
Application Deadline: Review of applications will begin October 31,2024 and continue until
the position is filled.
To apply for the position, go to the WMU jobs site
https://www.wmujobs.org/postings/search
This is posting #F200P, or search for Position Title =
“Assistant/Associate Professor of Science Education - Tenure Track (Faculty)”
