Monday, December 9, 2013

Postdoc at Michigan State

Applications are invited for a post-doctoral researcher in Physics Education in CREATE4STEM and the Department of Physics and Astronomy at Michigan State University. The successful candidate for the current position will work to develop and refine instructional materials for a new calculus-based mechanics course taught around project-based inquiry, will collect data on student learning as well as faculty practice in the course, and will assist in the analysis of the collected data.

Responsibilities include working in coordination with physics and education faculty to:
* develop an integrated plan of course evaluation and innovation;
* identify specific learning goals that represent faculty-consensus;
* develop valid assessments of student learning in this course;
* participate in and supervise the development of instructional routines, materials, and practices for improving student learning in this course; and
* publish assessment tools and findings in Physics Education journals.
The candidate will collaborate with faculty, post-docs, and graduate students in Michigan State's CREATE4STEM Institute (http://www.create4stem.msu.edu/) and in the Physics Education Research Lab (http://www.create4stem.msu.edu/group/perl).

The appointment is initially for one year, with the possibility of a one year extension for a total of two years, based on performance and the availability of funding. The salary will be competitive and commensurate with experience. Appointment is contingent upon successfully completing a full background check.

Candidates are expected to hold a Ph.D. in STEM or STEM education. Candidates who hold a Ph.D. in physics, specifically in physics education is preferred. Additionally, candidates with curriculum development and project management experience, knowledge of mixed-methods research, and experience with computational modeling in the any programming language are highly preferred. Applicants should submit a CV, a statement of teaching philosophy and experiences, and a statement of research experience and interests to jobs.msu.edu (posting number 8794). In addition, applicants should arrange for three (3) letters of recommendation to be uploaded to the same posting.

Review of applications will begin on January 2, 2014 and will continue until the position is filled. Please inquire with Prof. Danny Caballero (caballero@pa.msu.edu) regarding status. The start date is negotiable but with a preference for May 2014 or sooner.

MSU is an Affirmative Action/Equal Opportunity Employer. MSU is committed to achieving excellence through cultural diversity. The university actively encourages applications and/or nominations of women, persons of color, veterans, and persons with disabilities.