Research Associate MIT: Physics Education Research - Prof. Pritchard

 

RELATE.MIT.edu group, Prof. Dave Pritchard

The REsearch on Learning Assessing and Tutoring Effectively group is studying and improving assessment and learning in novel ways. Using psychometrics and machine learning we’ve learned to analyze concept tests to discover student misconceptions and are currently working to find the degree to which each student and class harbors each misconception.  Our goal is to provide students and teachers formative assessments with resolution of the ~ 15 misconceptions that we have (so far) discovered.  (We find misconceptions as weighted clusters of particular wrong answers possessing obvious intellectual coherence that are selected by an associated group of students.)

RELATE is involved in rewriting the OpenStax University Physics textbook, including short questions and longer problems to accompany this.

Additionally, the PI is starting an informal month-long “Puzzles and Paradoxes of Physics” and needs a co-teacher and co-keeper of the associated discussion fora.

This job will include helping set the research agenda for our new analysis tools, carrying out the research, and writing papers.   RELATE has expertise in educational data mining, psychometrics including multi-dimensional item response theory, and experience in designing online experiments. (see http://RELATE.mit.edu)  Our postdocs collaborate in the physics department teaching and online education development group.

 

Requisite Knowledge and Skills:

 

Programming ability with Python and Statistics/data analysis skills, r

Knowledge of Physics (esp. mechanics and E&M) and education research literature

Being an insightful physicist

Writing novel and clear questions and research articles

 

A Ph.D or Ed.D in physics data analysis, PER, AI, machine learning, statistics and data mining, or cognitive science etc. is desired, but applicants with excellent qualifications for our top projects will be considered.  Applicant must be comfortable working both alone and with others.  All former RELATE alumni have obtained positions in academia or education companies. Inquiries and applications (cover letter, CV, first author paper, and list of at least three references) should be sent to relateMIT@gmail.com (please include “postdoc application” in subject line). Salary $71k.  Review of applications will begin immediately; starting date June to Fall 2025. 

 

MIT is an Affirmative Action/Equal Opportunity employer. For more information check https://relate.mit.edu/job-searches/.

 

Prof. David E. Pritchard  dpritch@mit.edu

Room 26-241 Dept. of Physics, MIT

77 Massachusetts Ave. , Cambridge, MA 02139.

Postdoc, Cal Poly Pomona

Post-Doctoral Fellow Position Announcement

The Department of Physics and Astronomy at California State Polytechnic University, Pomona invites applications for a postdoctoral research fellow. The successful candidate will work with Associate Prof. Homeyra Sadaghiani on a broad array of topics related to the NSF-funded (#1626482) collaborative research projects titled: Collaborative Research: Research as a base to develop adaptable curricula bridging instructional paradigms in Quantum Mechanics.

The primary responsibilities of the postdoctoral fellow include: contribute to research in understanding student learning of quantum mechanism, develop and analyze assessment data; contribute to the development of curriculum and assessment material; conduct semi-structured interviews; analyze qualitative data and student work; participate in collaborative project meetings of the team members; present research at conferences; and draft manuscripts for peer reviewed publication. This position may include a possible teaching opportunity in Modern Physics and/or undergraduate Quantum Mechanics for one 10-week quarter course per year. The successful candidate will develop their teaching portfolio with the guidance and support of department faculty, who are dedicated to excellence in teaching and learning.

The project leadership includes Gina Passante (CSU Fullerton), Steve Pollock (University of Colorado Boulder), and Homeyra Sadaghiani (Cal Poly Pomona). The postdoctoral fellow will be located in California, but will work closely with all members of the project team. The postdoc will be housed at Cal Poly Pomona the first year, and with suitable progress it is expected that the successful candidate will continue for a second year appointment at Cal State University Fullerton.

Required experience: Ph.D. in Physics or Physics Education Research- familiarity with Discipline-based education research methodologies. A demonstrated ability to work/collaborate with others and work independently.

Desired experience: Demonstrated experience with one or more of the following: Physics Education research in upper division undergraduate courses, using qualitative and/or quantitative research methods; analyzing qualitative and/or quantitative data; instrument development and assessment; developing interview protocols; strong oral and written communication skills.

Salary: $50,000 to $55,000 depending on experience. Benefits package includes: medical, dental, vision, life, and a retirement program currently offered through CalPERS.

Start date: Between January 2018 and August 2018. (Exact date will be negotiated with the successful candidate.)

Term: One year at Cal Poly Pomona and with suitable progress a second year at Cal State Fullerton.

How to apply: Applicants should submit letter of interest, current CV including a list of publications; Statement of Teaching Philosophy; a Statement of Research Interests describing the candidate's relevant background and interest in physics education research; and contact information for three professional references to Dr. Homeyra Sadaghiani at hrsadaghiani@cpp.edu. The review of the applications will start on November 1, 2017, and the position will remain open till it is filled.

Included Benefits:
Benefits package includes: medical, dental, vision, life, and a retirement program currently offered through CalPERS.

California State Polytechnic University, Pomona and the Foundation are Equal Opportunity, Affirmative Action Employers committed to building a diverse workforce. We encourage applications from women, racial and ethnic minorities, individuals with disabilities and veterans.

Postdoctoral project coordinator at RIT

Requisition Number 2774BR
Position Title Post Doctoral Project Coordinator
College/Division College of Science
Organization COS School of Chemistry and Materials Science
Staff Job Function Research and Grants Administration
Employment Category Fulltime
Detailed Job Description

The Post Doctoral Project Coordinator will be working on NSF Award DGE-1633275 with RIT and the American Physical Society.  The project is titled "Collaborative Research: NRT-IGE: Deploying Holistic Admissions and Critical Support Structures to Increase Diversity and Retention of US Citizens in Physics Graduate Programs."

This project will pilot targeted interventions in US graduate physics programs to increase the access to, and retention of, women and underrepresented minorities in PhD physics programs.  The project coordinator will develop workshop and training materials, conduct workshops, interact with project partners, and conduct research around diversity and inclusion in PhD physics programs.  The project coordinator will also create and administer interview protocols and surveys to understand faculty and student attitudes toward admissions and retention; analyze qualitative and quantitative data from interviews and surveys; and communicate results to others in higher education and STEM education and diversity research through published papers and conference presentations.

Required Minimum Qualifications
PhD in Physics, Physics Education Research, Higher Education Research, or related field
Ability to write formal papers and present talks at conferences
Good interpersonal communication skills
Required Minimum Education Level PhD
Preferred Qualifications

Preference is given to candidates with previous experience in or with any of the following:
In the physical science community
With qualitative research methods in education, including use of standard tools like NVivo, conducting interviews, or developing surveys
With quantitative research methods in education, including use of standard statistical software tools like SPSS, SPSS-Amos, or R

Required Application Documents Curriculum Vitae or Resume
List of References

How To Apply
In order to be considered for this position, you must apply for it at: http://careers.rit.edu/staff. Click the link for search openings and in the keyword search field, enter the title of the position or the BR number.

Additional Details

The hiring process for this position may require a criminal background check and/or motor vehicle records check. Any verbal or written offer made is contingent on satisfactory results, as determined by Human Resources. RIT does not discriminate. RIT promotes and values diversity, pluralism and inclusion in the work place. RIT provides equal opportunity to all qualified individuals and does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, creed, age, marital status, sex, gender, religion, sexual orientation, gender identity, gender expression, national origin, veteran status or disability in its hiring, admissions, educational programs and activities. RIT provides reasonable accommodations to applicants with disabilities under the Rehabilitation Act, the Americans with Disabilities Act, the New York Human Rights Law, or similar applicable law. If you need reasonable accommodation for any part of the application and hiring process, and you wish to discuss potential accommodations related to your application for employment at RIT, please contact the Human Resources office at 585-475-2424 or email your request to Careers@rit.edu.

Quantitative Associate, Bank of America, NY

Quantitative Associate sought by Bank of America. Reqs: MS & 1 yr exp; & exp w/advncd Math, such as linear algbra, stochastic calc, stats Statistical mdlng & in/out smpl prfrmnc testing fixed income prdcts & respective pricing mdls; Kwldg of Mrtg Backed Scrty, & assoc mdlng such as prepymnt mdl, home price apprec mdl, or unempl rate mdl; C++ dvlpmnt in objct-oriented fashion; Python dvlpmnt in funct prgrmng style; Automated src code testing frmwrks such as unit test, regress test, & prfrmnc test SQL scrptng & rltnl DB; Intex CMO subrtns in C lang; Excel/VBA prgrmng skills; Perl//Linux/Unix shell scrptng; GUI (Grphcl User Intrfc) dvlpmnt; Src cntrl tools (CVS, SVN & Perforce). Job site: New York, NY. Ref # 8RRQ3C & submit resume to Bank of America NY1-050-03-01, 50 Rockefeller Plaza, New York, NY 10020. No phone calls or e-mails. Must be legally authorized to work in the U.S. w/o sponsorship. EOE.

Postdoc at Harvard [Extended to April 1, 2016]

Job Description
The Post-Doctoral Fellow will analyze existing datasets and co-author research publications pertaining to several large empirical research projects. Two of the projects investigate the predictors of persistence in MOOC (Massive Open Online Course) participation, in a computer science and an astronomy MOOC, respectively. The third project is a national survey study that examines the factors leading to students' success in introductory computer science courses at the college level. The fellow’s responsibilities include conducting literature searches and reviews, developing testable hypotheses, conducting statistical data analyses to test these hypotheses, and writing up the results in publishable form, under the guidance of, and in co-authorship with, senior members of the research team. The fellow will use techniques such as survival analysis, hierarchical linear modeling, propensity weighting, and factor analysis.

Requirements
Doctoral degree in a social science, education, computer science, science/math education, or engineering education.  Evidence of publication productivity in peer-reviewed journals. Strong literature review and statistical skills.

Duration
One year; full-time.

Contact
Please send cover letter and CV to Gerhard Sonnert at SEDPostdoc@cfa.harvard.edu. Submission deadline is on or before Friday, April 1, 2016.

Quantitative Analyst, Google, NY

Interested candidates send resume to: Google Inc., PO Box 26184 San Francisco, CA 94126 Attn: A. Bakhtiar. Please reference job # below: Quantitative Analyst (New York, NY) Research methods for improving Google technology. #1615.18897  Exp Incl: R or SPlus; Bayesian methods; longitudinal analysis; experimental dsgn; generalized linear models; & data visualization.

Quantitative Modeler (2 positions), University of Canberra AU

Quantitative Modeller & Quantitative Scenario Modeller

Job Reference: 00021 & 00022

We are seeking two highly motivated, experienced quantitative modellers to contribute to a project funded by the Australian Research Council. Australia's biodiversity is under pressure from the combined effects of a rapidly growing human population, accelerating per capita natural resource use, and climate change. The work will use a combination of retrospective analyses of time series of existing data sets from around the world, and detailed models to project change until at least 2050 under a range of future scenarios.
The Quantitative Modeller will be a skilled person with experience in quantitative modelling, preferably but not essentially in ecological or environmental applications. Enquiries from persons who have worked in allied data-rich areas such as GIS programming, geosciences, and applied physics also are encouraged. The Quantitative Scenario Modeller will be experienced in the methods and tools for quantitative scenario development. Experience in agricultural or economic futures research also would be welcomed.
To be considered for this position your application must include your resume and responses to the selection criteria. More information regarding how to apply is available on the University of Canberra website.
Please note applications that do not provide a written response addressing your claims against the selection criteria will be considered incomplete and will not be assessed.
Please note these two positions have two separate position descriptions and selection criteria. Please quote the specific position number when applying for the position.
For job specific questions please contact Ralph Mac Nally on 02 6201 5152, or email Ralph.macnally@canberra.edu.au
For recruitment and application questions, please contact the Managed Recruitment team on 02 6180 8000 or email recruitment@managedrecruitment.com.au quoting ref No:
00021 - Quantitative Modeller;
00022 - Quantitative Scenario Modeller.
Closing Date: 22 July 2014

Postdoc at Georgetown University

Georgetown University’s Center for New Designs in Learning and Scholarship (CNDLS) invites applications for a full-time, one-year postdoctoral research position to focus on higher education learning assessment and learning analytics. This position will support an institution-wide research project, entitled Formation by Design, on formational education (“education of the whole person”) and integrative learning in the shifting landscape of higher education. We will begin reviewing applications immediately, and will consider applications until the position is filled.

This position will work closely with, and receive guidance from, the CNDLS assessment and evaluation team, Faculty Research Directors and the Integrative Learning Analytics group, who will collectively be responsible for shaping the research agenda of the Formation by Design project. The postdoctoral researcher will be a full participant in shaping this intellectual research agenda and will support it by:

1. researching and drafting a comprehensive profile of learning analytics practices related to the full spectrum of development including social learning and dispositional analytics;
2. assembling, evaluating and organizing a repository of assessment instruments and protocols that focus on assessing important and elusive aspects of formation, such as ethical and reflective judgment, critical empathy, leadership, resilience, risk-taking and integrative thinking;
3. documenting and integrating the work of the research team into the larger project.

The postdoctoral researcher can expect professional development in a collaborative environment and significant opportunity for co-authoring publications. He or she will have the opportunity to work with a wide range of academic and institutional departments.

The successful candidate must have a Ph.D. and demonstrated qualitative and quantitative research and analysis skills. Background and strengths should include one or more of the following: learning sciences, higher education educational measurement, psychometrics, statistics, discipline-based education research, learning analytics, and program assessment and evaluation. The successful candidate will also have excellent writing, communication, and organizational skills as well as the ability to work well independently and collaboratively.

Those interested in the position should submit a CV, a letter of application, and names and contact information of three references to Mindy McWilliams, CNDLS Assistant Director for Assessment at mcwillie@georgetown.edu.

Informal Science Ed postdoc at Univ of New Hampshire

Informal Science Education and Research Postdoctoral Research Associate for 2013/2014

The SPIRALS program, Supporting and Promoting Rural and Indigenous Adolescents’ Learning of Science, at the University of New Hampshire (UNH) and funded by a National Science Foundation Informal Science Education (ISE) Award invites applications for a postdoctoral research associate in Informal Science Education and Adolescent Research. The position is renewable for up to 2 years and may begin as early as October 2013.

SPIRALS is focused on the impacts of contextualization on science learning, motivation and attitudes toward science.  The project uses a systematic approach that incorporates mixed methods of data collection and analysis to examine how culture and community impact STEM learning.  The project team has a community-based participatory research orientation; therefore, local community group members provide expertise that contributes to the design of the curriculum and the research as well as the interpretation of the findings.  The project will contribute to what we know about how underserved and underrepresented youth engage in STEM learning in relation to their world views.

The postdoctoral research associate will be instrumental in creating and implementing a curriculum with a diverse group of community members to support community-based youth groups in New England explore a local sustainable practice.  In addition, the researcher will be responsible for implementing the project research plan.

Required and Preferred Qualifications

Required qualifications are:  a Ph.D. in science education or educational psychology; a strong expertise in quantitative methodologies including multilevel modeling; and  the abilities to prioritize tasks, to engage in long- and short-term planning, and to handle a variety of demands simultaneously are critical.

The following attributes, experiences and knowledge are preferred:   working directly with culturally diverse populations at many levels; formal or informal teaching experience; experience with databases, quantitative and qualitative analysis skills; an understanding of adolescent development; and knowledge of sustainability and systems thinking. 

Candidates must be willing and able to work a flexible schedule, including occasional travel, weekends, and extend hours during periods of intense activity.  We seek self-motivated, creative individuals who have excellent interpersonal, written and public speaking skills, and who can work both independently and as part of a team effort.

Salary and Appointment

This Postdoctoral Research Associate position is full-timed, salaried, and benefited position at the University of New Hampshire.  The position is annually renewable, depending on performance and anticipated continuing grant funding.  Salary is competitive and commensurate with professional experience and qualifications of the candidate.  The University of New Hampshire offers a competitive benefits package.

Application Procedure

To apply for the SPIRALS Postdoctoral Research Associate position, please submit the following to the Lisa Wilder via email:  lisa.wilder@unh.edu:

1.      a letter of interest in the position, including your career goals (no more than two pages),
2.      a current curriculum vitae,
3.      statement of teaching and research philosophy (no more than 2 pages), and
4.      the names of three professional references, including current position, relationship to the applicant, and phone and email contact information.

Application Review Timeline

Review of applications will begin on Monday, August 5^th, 2013, and will continue until the position is filled.

Questions?

Questions about the position should be directed to the SPIRALS Principal Investigators:

Dr. Eleanor Abrams, Professor, Department of Education, Morrill Hall, University of New Hampshire, Durham, NH; email:  eleanor.abrams@unh.edu

Dr. Michael Middleton, Associate Professor, Department of Education, Morrill Hall, University of New Hampshire, Durham, NH; email:  michael.middleton@unh.edu

Please reference the NSF SPIRALS program in all communications.

The University of New Hampshire is an Equal Opportunity/Equal Access/Affirmative Action institution. The university seeks excellence through diversity among its administrators, faculty, staff, and students. The university prohibits discrimination on the basis of race, color, religion, sex, age, national origin, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, disability, veteran status, or marital status. Application by members of all underrepresented groups is encouraged.