Showing posts with label interdisciplinary. Show all posts
Showing posts with label interdisciplinary. Show all posts

Tuesday, December 3, 2013

Director of Center for Instructional Excellence and Innovation at NDSU

Senior Faculty Position
Director, Center for Instructional Excellence and Innovation
 

Associate/Full Professor (Tenure Eligible)

North Dakota State University invites inquiries, nominations, and applications for a 10-month tenure-eligible position to begin July 1, 2014 or as negotiated. We seek a senior faculty member with expertise and leadership capability to help establish a Center for Instructional Excellence and Innovation that will facilitate activities and programs focused on research-based instructional and pedagogical support across the NDSU campus.

RESPONSIBILITIES: The position is eligible for tenure. Responsibilities include: Establishing and directing a Center for Instructional Excellence and Innovation (CIEI), teaching courses, research, and service. The Director will provide leadership in the development and support of innovative and emerging pedagogies across the institution including use of virtual and immersive learning. The successful candidate will also direct the interdisciplinary STEM Education PhD program and provide leadership for the existing Center for Science and Mathematics Education at NDSU, which provides infrastructure to support multiple K-20 science, mathematics, and engineering education projects that are collaborative in nature. Women and traditionally underrepresented groups are encouraged to apply.

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS:
• Earned doctorate in an appropriate education, STEM or closely related field.
• A record of research, teaching, and service that warrants tenure and a rank of associate or full professor at NDSU.
• Success securing grants and external funding.
• Strong experience and leadership in research-based instructional support, including peer review of teaching, faculty mentorship, and/or similar pedagogical support.
• Demonstrated leadership at the collegiate level.
• A record of excellent collegiate teaching.
• Expertise in the instructional use of technology.
• Demonstrated expertise in the scholarship of teaching.
• Knowledge and interest in educational research methods.
• Evidence of effective oral and written communication and effective interpersonal skills.
• Ability to work collaboratively.
• Evidence of experience with STEM educational programs.

PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS:
• Demonstrated ability to work closely with and gain cooperation of university faculty from diverse disciplines.
• Successful experience leading collaborative projects.
• Knowledge and experience addressing issues of diversity and a desire to be involved in cultural diversity initiatives.
• A demonstrable commitment to promoting and enhancing diversity
• Experience with interdisciplinary university programs
• Experience promoting campus teaching excellence at the university level
• Experience with K-12 collaboration and educator professional development
For complete information: http://jobs.ndsu.edu/postings/4140

APPLICATION PROCEDURES:
Review of applications will begin after November 1, 2013 and will continue until position is filled. Salary is negotiable based on credentials and experience. Submit a letter detailing qualifications; a complete vita; official copies of all graduate transcripts; and the names, addresses, and contact information of four professional references to:

Dr. William Martin, Search Committee Chair
North Dakota State University, Dept. 2625
P.O. Box 6050, Fargo, ND 58108-6050
Telephone: 701-231-7104 Fax: 701-231-7416, email: william.martin@ndsu.edu

The search will be conducted in compliance with North Dakota open records laws. NDSU is an equal opportunity institution.

North Dakota State University is enjoying a remarkable period of growth and success. Located on the state’s eastern border in Fargo, North Dakota’s largest city, NDSU is the state’s Morrill Act land-grant institution. Recognized as an engaged university and considered a leader among its peers, NDSU has set numerous enrollment records in recent years. With more than 14,000 students, NDSU encompasses a broad spectrum of curricular offerings, scholarly activity, and service. The university strives to be an innovator in information systems, technology transfer, economic development and lifelong learning.

Innovative teaching and learning are conducted in nine academic units: the Colleges of Agriculture, Food Systems and Natural Resources; Arts, Humanities and Social Sciences; Business Administration; Engineering and Architecture; Human Development and Education; Pharmacy; Science and Mathematics; University Studies; and the Graduate School. NDSU has 41 doctoral and professional doctorate programs, 54 master’s degree programs, one specialist degree, one professional degree and 99 baccalaureate majors. NDSU researchers are leading major initiatives in such areas as nanotechnology, microelectronics, polymers, food safety and materials science.

NDSU employs almost 600 ranked faculty and lecturers, about 250 extension educators and experiment station researchers, and more than 700 graduate assistants and fellows. In total, the university has nearly 4,600 full-time and part-time employees across the state. NDSU, which is one of two major research universities in an 11-institution state university system, is striving to substantially increase the number of international students enrolled at the undergraduate and graduate levels. NDSU also serves people across the state through its continuing education and extension programs.

Located in the rich farmlands of the Red River Valley, the Fargo-Moorhead community has many qualities that contribute to this reputation, including highly-respected educational opportunities K-12 through college, advanced medical technology, a progressive business community, numerous cultural and arts opportunities, a clean environment and good-hearted, friendly people. With more than 160,000 people in the community and about 500,000 people in the service area, Fargo-Moorhead is among the largest metropolitan centers between Minneapolis and Seattle. To learn more about what national publications are writing about the community’s quality of life, visit www.fmchamber.com/community/qualityoflife.html.

Several examples of existing interdisciplinary initiatives can be found at the NDSU CSME (www.ndsu.edu/csme) and CIDER (www.ndsu.edu/cider) websites.

NDSU is an ADVANCE institution and Carnegie Very High Research Activity Institution.
North Dakota State University is an Equal Opportunity/Affirmative Action Employer.
This position is exempt from North Dakota Veterans’ Preference requirements.

Friday, November 8, 2013

PhET designer at CU Boulder

Specialist in Educational Simulation Design and Use for the PhET Interactive Simulations project at University of Colorado Boulder


The PhET Interactive Simulations Project (http://phet.colorado.edu) at the University of Colorado Boulder has an opening for a full- or part-time Professional Research Assistant position with a focus on simulation design and testing as well as teacher professional development around simulation use. The PhET Team designs and develops interactive simulations (sims) for teaching and learning science and math, creates activities that couple with the sims, and makes all of these resources freely available to educators and students on the web. Research - at both K12 and college levels - is a major component of the PhET Project, and focuses on understanding aspects of design and use that lead to increases in student learning and student engagement.

PhET is currently engaged in several initiatives: building and studying simulations for middle school math and science, advancing our teacher professional development resources and support system, branching into tablet and touch-compatible simulation design, and advancing the use of simulations in undergraduate chemistry.

The successful applicant will join the vibrant and productive PhET team. The responsibilities will grow as the applicant becomes familiar with the project, and will include:
  1. Redesigning (as part of a 3-5 person team) existing PhET simulations, incorporating new findings on effective sim design and adapting designs for use on touch-devices. (Software programming is NOT required. PhET has a team of in-house software developers).
  2. Designing new PhET simulations
  3. Conducting user-testing through interviews of students using simulations
  4. Supporting simulation design, development, and research efforts - e.g. analyzing data, supporting classroom research studies, searching for web resources, etc.
  5. Helping to liaison to and support the K12 community.
  6. Assisting with marketing and dissemination of PhET resources to teachers: develop and represent PhET in online teaching forums and resources; run exhibit booths at national and local conferences; assist with teacher workshops.
  7. Responding to inquiries to PhET about science/math questions and new simulation ideas
Part-time candidates must be able to work at least 20 hours per week.

The successful candidate will work at the University of Colorado Boulder which is a national leader in STEM education with over 50 campus programs addressing STEM education and a new Center for Science Learning launched in 2012. The candidate will join the PhET Interactive Simulation project's growing team of 19 full and part-time faculty, researchers, teachers, software developers, and staff.

More information on PhET can be found at: http://phet.colorado.edu

Start Date: There is some flexibility in the start date. We will consider start dates as early as January 1, 2014 and as late as July 1, 2014, with some preference for a start date of March 1 or earlier.

The University of Colorado is an Equal Opportunity Employer committed to building a diverse workforce. We encourage applications from women, racial and ethnic minorities, individuals with disabilities and veterans. Alternative formats of this ad can be provided upon request for individuals with disabilities by contacting the ADA Coordinator at hr-ada@colorado.edu.

The University of Colorado conducts background checks on all final applicants being considered for employment.

Qualifications:

We will consider applicants who have completed a Bachelor's degree or higher, majoring in science or math education, or in a science or math discipline with education courses and experience.
Applicant must be highly organized, attentive to detail, proficient with Excel, adaptive, capable of multi-tasking, and able to complete projects in a timely manner. Applicant must have experience in K12 science or math education, have excellent communication skills, be able to work effectively in a team environment, and be skilled in computer use, typing, and writing skills.
Experience working in or with K12 schools, teachers, and students is required. Experience teaching at any level is highly desirable. Familiarity with PhET and experience using PhET in teaching is desirable, but not required.

To apply:

All applicants must apply through JobsAtCU website:
https://www.jobsatcu.com/postings/72825
 
Applicants must complete "Design Task I" and "Data Task II" (see below), complete the Faculty/Exempt Professional and EEO Data (application) form, and upload a cover letter, a resume/curriculum vitae, and a statement describing your experience in science and/or math education along with your thoughts about teaching and learning - as 'Document 1'. In addition, a proof of degree (unofficial transcript) must be uploaded as 'a copy of diploma or unofficial transcripts', the Design Task must be uploaded as 'Research/Creative Work/Artist Statement', and the Data Task must be emailed. Finally, provide 3 references. We will solicit a letter of recommendation from one or more of these references.

Please visit the following link to complete the "Design Task I" and "Data Task II". Upload "Design Task I" as 'Research/Creative Work/Artist Statement' and email "Data Task II" to Oliver.Nix@colorado.edu: http://www.colorado.edu/sei/jobs/PhET_PRA_Oct2013.htm

Please email Oliver.Nix@colorado.edu with any questions about the application process.

Review of applications will begin on Nov. 15, 2013, and continue until the position is filled.

Wednesday, October 30, 2013

Science Educator-Scientist-Researcher with BSCS

Science Educators, Scientists, Researchers. BSCS (Biological Sciences Curriculum Study) has several full-time openings for individuals with different areas of strength. We describe the general qualifications first and then elaborate on specific qualities that are more specialized. All highly qualified people with a commitment to improving STEM education are encouraged to apply.

BSCS is a not-for-profit, tax exempt, 501(c) (3), educational research and development organization. BSCS, now in its 55th year, is the oldest continuously active research and development group focused on innovative programs to support teaching and learning in science. BSCS’s mission is to transform science teaching and learning through research and development that strengthens learning environments and inspires a global community of scientifically literate citizens. Our three primary lines of research focus on the Nature of Curriculum, Teacher Learning and Practice, and Leadership and Policy.

We are searching for candidates interested in contributing to the work of a dynamic curriculum study. The strongest applicants will demonstrate a passion for science education reform, the ability and interest in working across all lines of research, and an excitement about contributing to the overall mission of the organization. Candidates must be willing to relocate to the Colorado Springs, Colorado area.

Desired Education and Experience
A doctorate in science education, a science discipline, or related field is preferred; a masters degree is required. In addition, an interest in and/or experience with e-learning environments for students and teachers, a background in the learning sciences, or experience conducting educational research is highly desirable.

Essential Abilities and Characteristics
  • A strong commitment to improving science education for all students and teachers
  • Demonstrated ability to understand and manage complex projects
  • Willingness to think creatively
  • Strong writing ability
  • Ability to write convincingly for different audiences including students, teachers, and funders
  • Excellent oral communication skills in a variety of settings (e.g., academic conferences, meetings with school administrators and teachers, and staff meetings)
  • Successful experience working independently and in collaborative teams
  • Ability to regularly meet deadlines under pressure
  • Ability to tolerate ambiguity including ability to thrive in a soft money environment with all of the uncertainties and opportunities that come with such a setting
  • Willingness to travel regularly
  • Willingness to learn and understand the history of BSCS and the defining values of our work


Specific Desired Qualifications for Quantitative Research Emphasis
A competitive applicant with a quantitative research emphasis will have experience conducting research that uses quantitative methods. Preferred competencies include areas such as power analysis, multi-level modeling, structural equation modeling, Item-R Theory/Rasch Modeling, and inter-rater agreement. Although the focus of this position is quantitative research, applicants should also be comfortable with qualitative techniques, as many BSCS projects use a mixed methods approach.

Specific Desired Qualifications for the General Science Education Emphasis
A competitive applicant for the science education emphasis will have multiple years of K-12 science teaching experience, have conducted professional development in diverse settings, and have experience working in informal STEM education settings. Knowledge and experience in program evaluation is highly desirable.

Specific Desired Qualifications for Science Content Emphasis
A competitive applicant for the science content emphasis will have a scholarly track record within her/his scientific discipline and have worked with teachers and/or students in formal or informal STEM education settings. Applicants with a Ph.D. in geology, chemistry, or physics, or a Ph.D. in biology with an emphasis in evolution or ecology are preferred.  


Interested applicants should review the BSCS web site (www.bscs.org) thoroughly and then send a letter of interest, a curriculum vita, and two separate one-page statements -- one on your philosophy of science education and one describing your most interesting and/or rewarding research experience to job@bscs.org no later than 15 November 2013. Please put “Science Educator-Scientist-Researcher1” in the subject line. Top candidates may be asked to supply additional information or materials, including references.

Postdocs at MSU

Three Post-Doctoral Research Associates
STEM Education
Michigan State University
Posting # 8540

The Automated Analysis of Constructed Response (AACR) Research Group (www.msu.edu/~aacr ) at Michigan State University seeks three candidates to fill three one-year, 12 month (with possible additional years) Research Associate positions in college teaching and learning in the fields of science or engineering.  We are an interdisciplinary team of Discipline-Based Education Researchers (DBER) from Biology, Genetics, Chemistry, Engineering, Education, and Statistics who are investigating computerized analysis of students’ writing in large enrollment undergraduate Science Technology Engineering and Mathematics (STEM) courses to model students’ thinking.

We have received a 5 year NSF grant to expand our collaborations on these projects with STEM education researchers across the country. The selected Research Associates will participate in NSF-funded research projects in collaboration with MSU faculty in the Colleges of Engineering and Natural Science, and the MSU Center for the Integration of Research, Teaching, and Learning (CIRTL).  Our research group has a strong post-doc researcher mentoring program and an excellent placement record of our researchers.

Applicants should have completed a doctoral degree in a natural science, engineering, or STEM education. You should have a strong commitment to undergraduate STEM education and interest in working with a leading group of interdisciplinary STEM educators.  Successful candidates will have a mix of some set of the following skills, which will enable the Research Associates to make unique contributions to the project team:
•             disciplinary expertise in a STEM discipline
•             STEM education research
•             assessment of learning
•             faculty professional development for reformed teaching
•             computational linguistics / natural language processing
•             database management
•             web site development
•             multivariate statistics and computer modeling
•             experience with SPSS Modeler
•             qualitative research methods
•             experience publishing and presenting research findings
Excellent communication and organizational skills are required. You will be expected to participate in the mentoring of graduate and undergraduate research assistants. Women and minorities are strongly encouraged to apply.  The salary is commensurate with education and experience.

A complete application package consists of a cover letter, cv, copy of transcripts, two samples of scholarly writing and names and email addresses of three references. Review of application materials will begin November 8, 2013 and continue until the positions are filled.  Targeted position start date: January 6, 2014.

Apply online:
https://jobs.msu.edu     Search for position 8540

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.

Thursday, September 5, 2013

STEM Director at Oregon State University

Director, Center for Research on Lifelong STEM Learning

http://stem.science.oregonstate.edu/director-announcement

Oregon State University seeks a full-time Director to grow its university-wide Center for Research on Lifelong STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics) Learning.

This position provides a rare opportunity to broadly envision the future of STEM learning – learning that occurs across one’s lifespan, both in and out of school, supporting professional and personal interests and across all demographics. OSU seeks a skilled and visionary research leader who can, through this new Center, build a research foundation that brings OSU into a position of national prominence and influence. Building from OSU’s Research Agenda and Strategic Plan, the successful candidate will be charged with promoting innovation and improvement in STEM education through fundamental and applied research in lifelong STEM learning both within and beyond the OSU community. The Director will work with Center staff and OSU faculty to build infrastructure for attracting additional research funding and broadly sharing OSU research on the national and international stage.

The Center for Research on Lifelong STEM Learning was established in 2012 with a mission to conduct research and development that leads to enhanced understanding of the processes that underlie how individuals with diverse life circumstances and identities become lifelong STEM learners, STEM practitioners and STEM researchers as well as the structures and mechanisms that lead to achieving these outcomes.  The OSU Center is unique among STEM center counterparts in its focus on research and commitment to understanding learning across all settings (in and out of school) and across one’s lifespan. The ultimate role of the Director is to catalyze discovery and application of knowledge about STEM learning.

OSU is a regional, national, and international leader in the arena of lifelong STEM learning research. Many OSU faculty members are engaged in investigations ranging from STEM-related undergraduate and pre-college education to community-based investigations of STEM learning and public decision-making. The Center Director will lead efforts to significantly advance these capacities at OSU by initiating new, foundational lines of research, coordinating existing activities across disciplines, curricular levels and research areas and by providing a forum for the cross-pollination of ideas with a wider-base of expertise to address cross-cutting STEM-learning-related challenges.

The successful candidate must possess proven fund-raising experience and skills, particularly in areas relevant to the Center mission. A PhD. and superior skills in writing, listening, speaking, networking, collaboration, and substantial knowledge of the STEM learning/education policy landscape and current research literature, both in and outside of school, are required.

Qualified candidates must have credentials consistent with the expectations of a tenured faculty position in a tier one research university. The successful candidate can, at his or her discretion, negotiate a faculty position with an appropriate college and department prior to accepting the position; such a candidate will be subject to a full, but expedited, OSU tenure review. Achievement of tenure is not a requirement for the position.  

OSU is an equal opportunity employer. Programs exist to support dual career needs.

Position Duties
Leadership for Center Core Mission and Service: 25% 
Administration and Management: 20%
Fund Raising and Grant Writing: 25%
Scholarly work and other academic duties 30% 

Minimum Required Qualifications
  • PhD in a field relevant to STEM learning with 5 or more years conducting STEM relevant learning research in an academic setting.
  • Demonstrated success in facilitating transdisciplinary collaboration.
  • Experience with administrative leadership including budget development and strategic planning.
  • Demonstrated ability to raise funds from both public and private sources; particularly important will be evidence of ability to raise monies for efforts consistent with the goals of the Center.
  • A demonstrated commitment to promoting and enhancing diversity.
Preferred Qualifications
  • National reputation as a STEM learning researcher.
  • STEM education policy experience.
  • Supervisory experience.

Applicants with questions about their suitability for this position are encouraged to contact Dr. John H. Falk or Julie Risien.

The primary location for this position is the OSU main campus in Corvallis, OR.

To apply go to: http://oregonstate.edu/jobs/ and search for position number 0011233. Applicants will submit a cover letter, curriculum vitae, and a one page vision statement.  A vision statement should clearly articulates a set of short and long-term goals for the Center; one that builds upon your own personal interests and expertise, the mission of the Center and the strengths and interests of the broader OSU community.  The current short-term initiatives on the website provide just two examples of the kind of pursuits that the Center might want to embrace. 

For information about the OSU benefits go to: http://oregonstate.edu/admin/hr/sites/default/files/benefits/potentialhireacademic.pdf

For full consideration, apply by October 21, 2013.

Tuesday, September 3, 2013

STEM Education Postdoctoral Research Associate, Brown University

https://apply.interfolio.com/21903

Brown University is seeking a motivated, experienced postdoctoral fellow from a STEM discipline (science, technology, engineering, mathematics) to work with the Harriet W. Sheridan Center for Teaching and Learning, in collaboration with the Office of the Dean of the College.  Brown has been awarded a three-year grant from the Association of American Universities to develop and integrate new approaches in introductory level STEM courses through an institution-wide collaborative model.  The successful candidate will work closely with the Executive Director of the Sheridan Center, the Science Center Director, and faculty to integrate inquiry-based practices into introductory STEM courses that foster mathematical competency across STEM disciplines.  The postdoctoral fellow will also be responsible for training graduate and undergraduate teaching assistants (TAs) in collaborative peer learning facilitation skills.  He/she will develop an effective mentorship program for a cohort of graduate students that will be working with faculty to implement curricular innovations.  Ideally, the candidate should have interests and experience in course and curriculum development, evidence-based teaching and learning practices, and STEM education in the university context. Salary is commensurate with qualifications and experience.  To apply for this position, please forward (electronically) a cover letter and CV and the names and contact information of three references.  Applications will be reviewed as they are received until the position is filled.

Qualifications

The minimum requirements for this position include an earned doctorate in Science, Technology, Engineering, or Mathematics, and teaching experience in higher education.  The successful candidate must have excellent oral and written communication skills, be able to work independently, be able to multitask, and  collaborate across different disciplines.  Program coordination, experience facilitating workshops, and experience consulting with TAs or instructors in course development are extremely desirable.  Research experience in STEM education would also be desirable.  Additional desirable qualifications include knowledge and application of models and best practices in higher education teaching, learning, and assessment.

Salary Range or Pay Grade

Salary commensurate with experience