Informal Science Education Postdoctoral Research Associate for 2014/2015
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 may be renewable for up to 2 years and may begin as early as May 2014.
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;
· 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 should 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 January 15th, 2014 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.
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.