Postdoc, NSF-Funded, Cal State Fullerton

 https://www.schooljobs.com/careers/csufasc/jobs/5210838/postdoctoral-researcher-in-quantum-mechanics

We are seeking a highly motivated and collaborative postdoctoral research associate to join our team on an NSF-funded project titled “Scaling Engagement and Learning in Quantum Science Through PhET Interactive Simulations.” This project is a collaborative effort between California State University, Fullerton (CSUF) and the University of Colorado, Boulder (CU Boulder). The overarching goals of the project are to design new interactive simulations, redesign existing quantum mechanics simulations, and support faculty and students in their effective use. The postdoctoral researcher will be based at California State University, Fullerton (Fullerton, CA) and will lead research on student learning with the simulations, co-lead the development of educational materials to accompany the simulations, and collaborate closely with a multidisciplinary team, including Dr. Gina Passante (CSUF), Dr. Steven Pollock (CU Boulder), Dr. Noah Finklestein (CU Boulder), and the PhET team led by Dr. Kathy Perkins.

This position is anticipated to start as early as Summer 2026. 

*Please be aware that funding for this position is awarded through a Grant/Contract over a specified period. Employment for this position beyond current Grant/Contract funding is contingent upon continued funding or new Grant/Contract.

Essential Duties

• Participate in the design (and re-design) process for quantum simulations with the PhET design team and in the design of accompanying instructional materials.
• To establish and carry out research studying the effectiveness of PhET quantum simulations and associated materials.
• Communicate with project team members and with faculty piloting the PhET simulations and activities.
• Participate in project-wide meetings and workshops and present research results at conferences.
• Other duties as assigned.

Qualifications

• Demonstrated familiarity with physics education research methodologies and undergraduate quantum mechanics curriculum
• Experience publishing papers in physics education research journals
• Experience investigating student learning of physics topics

EDUCATION:

• Minimum Ph.D. in physics or a closely related field. The degree must be awarded by August 2026.

PHYSICAL DEMANDS:

Prolonged periods of sitting or standing at a desk while working on a computer. Ability to travel occasionally for conferences, workshops, or collaborative meetings. Regular verbal communication to present research findings and collaborate with team members. Light physical activity, such as carrying books, laptops, or small equipment (up to 30 pounds).

BENEFITS: 

Health, dental, vision, life, health care flex plan, LTD, vacation, sick leave, holiday, credit union, tuition reimbursement and retirement plan with company match.  All benefits will be administered according to policies and/or procedures.

APPLICATION PROCEDURE:

CSU Fullerton, Auxiliary Services Corporation (ASC) is an Equal Opportunity/Equal Opportunity employer.  All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, disability, protected Veteran Status, or any other characteristic protected by applicable federal, state, or local law.

If you are a qualified individual with a disability or a disabled veteran, you have the right to request an accommodation if you are unable or limited in your ability to use or access our career center as a result of your disability. To request an accommodation, contact a Human Resources Representative at (657) 278-4117.

A background check (including a criminal records check) must be completed satisfactorily before any candidate can be offered a position with the ASC. Failure to satisfactorily complete the background check may affect the application status of applicants or continued employment of current ASC employees who apply for the position.  

PER/DBER in Quantum Computing Postdoc, Texas Tech

 The Department of Physics and Astronomy at Texas Tech University (TTU) invites applications for a Postdoctoral Research Associate to join our team. This position will involve split time between the development of interdisciplinary Quantum Information Science and Engineering (QISE) curricula and Physics Education Research (PER) or other Discipline-based Education Research (DBER) related to Quantum Computing (QC) and/or Quantum Information Science (QIS). This is part of a TTU Quantum Computing Strategic Research Initiative which includes research and workforce development across disciplines.

The successful candidate will work closely with faculty and collaborators in Physics, Chemistry, Electrical Engineering (ECE) and Computer Science (CS) across the institution to design, implement, and evaluate innovative curricula, pedagogical approaches and course materials in undergraduate and graduate QISE courses. The candidate will also carry out PER or other DBER on QISE courses and curricula. This could be building on or related to our present and ongoing research on the effectiveness of evidence-based QC learning materials or workforce development or other QC/QISE related topics. The successful candidate will be able to work well with multiple faculty across different disciplines, be able to develop QISE course and curricular materials, working with faculty and graduate students in different fields, and be able to carry out PER or DBER projects in the context of QISE. 

 

The successful candidate should have a Ph.D. in Physics, Chemistry, ECE or CS with a focus on educational research. They should also have content knowledge in Quantum Computing and/or Quantum Information Science and pedagogical knowledge that can be applied to course and curriculum creation and development. Ideally, the candidate will have a PER or other DBER Ph.D. 

 

Each applicant should submit a CV, list of publications, statement of research interests and plans,

teaching philosophy and contact information for at least three references. 

Applications should be submitted online at http://jobs.texastech.edu, using requisition #43463BR. Inquiries should be sent to Professor Beth Thacker (beth.thacker@ttu.edu). Review of applications will begin on immediately. The position start date is March 1, 2026.

 

All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, age, disability, genetic information or status as a protected veteran.

Four-Year Fellowships for Female Postdocs, University of Vienna, Austria (EU)

 The University of Vienna is launching multiple Fellowships for female Postdocs to strengthen women’s participation in disciplines where they remain underrepresented, specifically within the fields of Physics, Chemistry and Earth Sciences, Geography and Astronomy (including Physics Education Research). The Fellowship programme offers up to 20 full-time 4-year positions with structured career development.

You will: 

- Conduct highly original and internationally competitive research in one of the designated fields. 

- Develop and execute an ambitious Research Plan (as submitted with the application). 

- Publish in high-impact, peer-reviewed journals and present at international conferences. 

- Build and maintain international research collaborations.

 

Find more details at:

https://jobs.univie.ac.at/job/Natural-Sciences-%28Physical-Sciences%29-Postdoc-Fellows-E-STEEM-Call-2026/1280187601/

 

Any questions to: Martin Hopf, martin.hopf@univie.ac.at

Two-Year Postdoc in PER, Stellenbosch University (South Africa)

 Postdoctoral Fellowship in Physics Education

Topic: AI in the Stellenbosch University Science Faculty

The Faculty of Science at Stellenbosch University invites applications for a two-year Postdoctoral Fellowship linked to a research project investigating the impact of artificial intelligence (AI) on teaching and learning in the sciences, particularly in physics.

 

Research Focus

The project explores how AI is reshaping teaching and learning in the Stellenbosch University Science Faculty, with three core aims:
• to analyse academics’ attitudes, practices, and reservations regarding AI use in teaching;
• to investigate how students currently use AI tools—formally and informally—and how this shapes their conceptual understanding and learning behaviours;
• to evaluate the pedagogical impact of structured AI integration through a controlled teaching intervention in physics education, comparing traditional instruction with guided AI-supported learning activities.

The study employs a mixed-methods approach, including faculty-wide surveys, interviews with academics and students, longitudinal tracking of student AI use, and a controlled first year physics teaching experiment assessing conceptual and problem-solving outcomes.

The research team includes three members of the Physics Department’s teaching staff, with whom the postdoctoral fellow will work closely.

 

Eligibility

• Applicants must have obtained their PhD no more than four (4) years prior to their application.
• Preference will be given to candidates who:

• demonstrate a strong publication record during their PhD and/or previous postdoctoral work.
• have studied physics at a Bachelor’s level as well as postgraduate studies in education.
• have had no association with Stellenbosch University for at least three (3) years prior to application

 

Funding

• Stipend: R300 000 per year (paid directly to the Fellow). Fellowships are awarded tax free, and do not include benefits
• Running Costs: R100 000 once-off, or R50 000 per year over two years.
• Duration: Two years (2026–2027).
• Continuation to Year 2 is contingent on the acceptance of at least one peer-reviewed DHET-accredited publication in 2026.

 

Application Deadline: 26 January 2025. (Decision will be made by the end of January. The fellowship must commence by 1 March 2026.)

 

Application procedure: Applicants may apply by email to Dr Philip Southey (southey@sun.ac.za) before the deadline. Submit a cover letter summarising your background and interests and how your skills match those required for the project. Include a detailed CV and academic and publication record, and the names of two contactable references.