Informal Science Ed postdoc at Univ of New Hampshire

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 15^th, 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.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.  

Director, Science & Engineering Education Center, U Texas Dallas

The University of Texas at Dallas is seeking applications for Director of its Science and Engineering Education Center (SEEC). The SEEC (www.utdallas.edu/seec) is a successful and growing Center devoted to developing and implementing science and engineering outreach programs in the community, with a focus on informal education (free-choice learning) and project-based learning (PBL). The Contact Science program brings hands-on, interactive science & engineering activities and exhibits to libraries and similar community venues. Educational robotics programs are a cornerstone of SEEC PBL, and include involvement with major competitions such as BEST, FLL, FTC. The successful applicant will have overall responsibility for these and other SEEC programs, building on present success to grow them in scope, reach, and effectiveness. The successful applicant will also serve as program lead for Contact Science. This position requires strong organizational, managerial, relationship building, and interpersonal skills, an understanding of science & engineering and educational methods, and experience with outreach programs. An advanced degree in science, engineering, and/or science & engineering education is highly preferred.

Minimum Qualifications:
Bachelor's degree from an accredited 4-yr college or university; 5 yrs exp in field of expertise; strong organizational & interpersonal skills; or equivalent combination of education & exp.

Preferred Qualifications:
Advanced degree in Science, Technology, Engineering, Mathematics and/or Education from an accredited college or university. Experience developing and managing outreach programs.

Minimum Responsibilities:
Direct all functions & activities of a department; establish & implement short- & long-range organizational goals, objectives, policies & operating procedures; monitor & evaluate operational effectiveness; effect changes required for improvement; develop & manage annual budgets for the organization; design, establish & maintain an organizational structure & staffing to effectively accomplish the organization's goals & objectives; perform miscellaneous job-related duties as assigned.

Additional Responsibilities:
Develop, implement and manage effective community programs and services that reflect the mission and goals of the SEEC.
Oversee the budgeting, strategic planning and goal setting of SEEC outreach programs.
Direct and/or carry out research to assess SEEC program effectiveness and determine ways to best serve the community through SEEC outreach programs.
Establish and cultivate partnerships with the leadership of community organizations to promote the Center and its programs and services.
Develop and provide guidance to departments, employees and students on program policies and procedures.
Lead fundraising efforts through community outreach and develop and utilize grant opportunities. Represent the SEEC at events, meetings, conferences; prepare and present information as a STEM outreach program thought leader as needed.
Develop relationships with peer higher education institutions; collaborate in the development of programs that meet mutual goals.
Serve as program lead for the SEEC Contact Science program.
Expansion of SEEC programs via relationship building and development of new activities and exhibits.

Please apply online at www.utdallasjobs.com. This is a security sensitive position. UTD is an EEO/AA employer.

The University of Texas at Dallas is an Equal Opportunity/Affirmative Action Employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, disability, age, citizenship status, Vietnam era or special disabled veteran's status, or sexual orientation.