PhET Postdoc at CU Boulder

The PhET Interactive Simulations Project at the University of Colorado Boulder has an opening for a Research Associate (postdoctoral researcher) position focusing on studying interactive simulations (sims) for learning science. The PhET Team develops interactive 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 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.

The primary responsibilities of the successful applicant will be to carry out and publish research on learning and engagement from sims, along with related issues on sim design and use. Of particular interest is the investigation of why PhET sims seem to be engaging and useful for students with extremely wide range of backgrounds and levels of education. The same sims are commonly used in middle school, high school, and several levels of college science classes. We wish to understand how effective the sims are at all these different levels and why, as well as exploring what this wide range of effectiveness can say more generally about how teaching methods and materials might be optimized for a diverse group of students. The work will be done with the guidance and collaboration of Carl Wieman of Stanford University who is doing research in a number of areas blending science disciplinary expertise and cognitive psychology. The successful candidate will likely be involved with collaborations with other members of Wieman’s research group, some members of Dan Schwartz’s cognitive psychology group at Stanford, and the other members of the PhET research team. Other responsibilities include training faculty on use of PhET sims through PhET workshops at local and national meetings, and collaborating with other members of the PhET team on design activities, as appropriate.

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. In addition, the candidate will also have an opportunity to participate and interact with the Physics Education Research group as well as the cross-disciplinary STEM Discipline-based Education Research Group.

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

Qualifications: We will consider graduates with a PhD in: any science who is interested in shifting their focus to science education research, a PhD in cognitive psychology with a strong interest in the hard sciences, or a PhD in physics education research. Prior experience teaching or working with students and teachers is a plus, along with knowledge of the science education literature.

Start Date: There is considerable flexibility in the start date. We will consider start dates as early as January 1, 2014 and as late as August 15, 2014.

To Apply:
All applicants must apply through JobsAtCU website: https://www.jobsatcu.com/postings/75435

Applicants must complete the Faculty/Exempt Professional and EEO Data (application) form, upload a cover letter, a statement on their perspectives on teaching and learning, a 1-2 page statement discussing the candidate’s research interests and potential research approaches related to why PhET sims seem to be engaging and useful for students with extremely wide range of backgrounds and levels of education, and a resume/curriculum vitae. A proof of degree (unofficial transcript) must be uploaded, and three references must be entered (note the applicant should enter the contact information for letters, and the system will contact them to upload their letter).

The official application process will not be complete until you upload your documents online.

Review of applications will begin on December 13, and continue until the position is filled.

Please email Oliver.Nix@colorado.edu with any questions about the application process.
(Note:  This position is different from this posting.)

Reference Librarian - Fairfield Woods Branch Library

Reference Librarian - Fairfield Woods Branch Library. Have you always wanted to be part of a library neighborhood community? Are you a positive, upbeat librarian with a strong work ethic? Are you willing to explore and try new things? If you’ve answered “yes” then Fairfield Woods Branch Library could become your dream place to work. As part of our branch library team you will work daily with families, teens and adults. You will be helping our “regulars” chose great books through your outstanding readers’ advisory skills. You will also be updating our branch library community with the latest and greatest things we have to offer here with your Social Media skills. Facebook, Twitter and Pinterest will be places you make regular contributions. We are looking for someone who enjoys planning programs for adults to help us build a strong, interesting, educational connection with our community. Supervisory experience is helpful as you could, in the absence of the Branch Reference Supervisor, work on scheduling reference desk staff and assigning work to part-time staff. Strong customer services skills are required as well as a comfort with technology such as the operation of workstations, e-readers, scanners, printers etc. is required. In this position YOU will need to take the initiative, in consultation with the Supervisor, to help patrons with their needs. This job will also include fulfilling the needs of our homebound patrons; managing ILL requests and overseeing our museum pass collection. The work week is 35 hours/week with one evening and one Saturday a month required. You may also be in charge of some evening programs. As part of the Fairfield Public Library team, you may be required to attend meetings, work a shift or participate in workshops at our Main Library. Master’s Degree in Library and Information Science from an American Library Association accredited university with one-two years’ experience working as a professional librarian, preferably in adult reference services, including familiarity with technology and readers’ advisory is required. Salary starts at $51,259.00 with benefits. Contact Karen Ronald, Town Librarian, kronald@fplct.org with a resume (include all Social Media you use regularly) and cover letter by December 13, 2013. Qualified candidates with be invited for an interview.

Director of Library Information Services - Norwalk Public Library

Director of Library Information Services - Norwalk Public Library. Salary: Hourly, $43.61 - $51.54, Annually, $85,373.00 - $100,897.00. Closing Date: December 13, 2013. Description: Plans, organizes and supervises the services and activities of the adult reference unit; and performs professional library services in assisting library patrons in the selection and use of library materials. Examples of Duties: Receives oral or written direction from Assistant Library Director. Plans work according to established library schedule or standard procedure. Establishes task priorities within reference unit. Assigns regular and daily tasks to professional and clerical staff. Assists in near-term and long-range planning of library services. Recommends policies and procedures for the improvement of reference services. Develops collection, including selection and weeding of books, periodicals and materials. Prepares reading lists for special interest groups. Plans and organizes special programs involving the use of library resources. Prepares public relations materials to promote library services. Provides supervision and training to library assistants, clerks and part-time employees in general and specialized tasks. Prepares statistical and narrative reports of some complexity for Assistant Library Director. Reports achievement of assigned work to Assistant Library Director. Examines professional publications and other sources for selection of books, periodicals and other materials. Attends meetings and participates in professional library organizations. Operates computer terminal in issuing, receiving and locating books and materials in division programs. Performs duties in other library divisions as needed. The description is illustrative of tasks and responsibilities. It is not all-inclusive of every task or responsibility. Typical Qualifications: Supplemental Information: The skills and knowledge required would generally be acquired with a Master’s degree in Library Science, and three years of progressively responsible public library experience, including one year as supervisor of a Library division. Ability to apply principles of Library Science to solve practical problems in situations where only limited standardization exists. Ability to prepare and deliver brief, concise and attractive reports of library services and facilities both orally and in writing. A working knowledge of computer applications for library services. Ability to work effectively with library staff and library patrons. This position is a Grade 6. Applications may be obtained and filed online at: http://agency.governmentjobs.com/norwalk/default.cfm. An Affirmative Action/Equal Opportunity Employer.

Library Director - Uxbridge Free Public Library (MA)

Library Director - Uxbridge Free Public Library (MA). Qualifications: Masters Degree in Library Science or Master of Science in Library and Information Science from an ALA accredited school with Massachusetts Board of Library Commissioners certification and five years of progressively responsible library experience preferred. Demonstrates ability to work with initiative. Demonstrates ability to work as part of the total library team. Demonstrates leadership abilities. Demonstrates excellent verbal and written communication skills. Demonstrates knowledge of collection development and maintenance, library practices, procedures and technology. Demonstrates an ability to organize, maintain, and administer a complex operating budget for a library system. Demonstrates effective working relationships with Trustees, staff, patrons, officials of other local departments and the general public. Demonstrates excellent organizational skills. Demonstrates ability to develop short- and long-term development plans and objectives. Demonstrates ability to evaluate and act on unique situations. Demonstrates proficiency in the procedures and practices of professional library administration and the organization and management of its operations. Demonstrates knowledge of automated information data and retrieval systems: WORD, EXCEL, LAN, HTML, Internet and PowerPoint. Responsible to: The Library Board of Trustees. Reports to: The President of the Library Board of Trustees. Responsibilities: Planning and Policy-making. Collaborates with the Board to Develop goals and objectives for long and short-range plans for the library. Collaborates with the Board to develop library policies, programs, and procedures. Establishes goals and objectives for the staff to accomplish long-range plans. Conducts, directs and evaluates studies relating to library service responsiveness and efficiency, cost effectiveness and systems analysis. Initiates and develops programs in anticipation and /or in response to community needs. Maintains excellent organizational skills. Maintains accurate and up-to-date library policy manual. Plans, directs, and supervises development and preservation of the town library local history archives collection; including inventory, appraisals and insurance, in cooperation with the local historical society and Historical Commission. Fiscal management. Develops, prepares, and recommends to the Board, Town Boards, and Town Meeting and administers, the annual operating budget, and capital outlay programs based on the established goals and related performance data. Develops and justifies the library budget, including payroll, monthly bills, statistics and revolving accounts. Prepares all financial documents within the timeline and procedures established by the town Accountant. Selects quality and cost-effective vendors, contractors and others to provides services and products. Pursues grant funding from all sources to promote, enhance or create new library services, programs and collections. Administers grants and foundation funds according to specified guidelines and files all indicated reports within specified time-fames. Property Management: Manages the physical plant, as well as the preventative maintenance program, to ensure proper maintenance and utilization of the library. Supervises all maintenance and repair personnel and maintains accurate maintenance records. Analyzes and identifies building and grounds needs and recommends improvements, repairs and additions as necessary to the Board of Trustees. Ensures clean, clear, safe and welcoming environment for staff and public in the building and on the grounds. Responds to building emergencies and takes appropriate action. Maintains a Disaster and Evacuation Plan. Personnel Management: Provides leadership in establishing effective working relationships and communication, ensuring high productivity, and encouraging initiative and creativity. Manages the staff and coordinates staff functions in accordance with established goals and philosophy of the library mission. Maintains an overview of library activities and assigns staff according to the needs of the library and the abilities of the staff. Encourages professional development among staff members. Directly recruits, selects, promotes and/or terminates, supervises and annually evaluates all union personnel. These evaluations shall be submitted to the Town Clerk in a timely manner. Conducts staff meetings and ensures staff knowledge of library policies and procedures. Develops and coordinates volunteer services. May serve as reference librarian and fill in at circulation desk as necessary. Library Service and Operations: Responsible for and supervises the selection, acquisition and culling of library materials. Accepts and acknowledges all gifts. Reports this information to the Board at its next meeting. Supervises the utilization and maintenance of technology to deliver, monitor and enhance library service. Evaluates, introduces and maintains new technology as appropriate. Arranges for or conducts library staff training. Strives to encourage gift giving to the library. Coordinates and analyzes the library operations and functions to ensure accuracy, efficiency and quality. Maintains the Library website. Analyzes library operations, summarizes service developments and progress in achieving core objectives to provide the Board with the information necessary for sound decision making and fiscal responsibility. Reports on current library trends as they may relate to local library services and operations. Maintains/expands current Adult programming (speakers, authors etc.), as community interest dictates Communication: Attends and participates in all Board meetings and advises Trustees of programs, services, facility, planning, personnel and policy matters requiring consideration/action, as well as any changes in library services, programs, and collection. Presents a written Director’s Reports at all meetings identifying the progress and status of ongoing library programs and other matters requiring the Board’s attention. Submits a Director's report to the Town Manager and attends Department Head meetings. Attends both Spring and Fall Annual Town Meetings to address library related issues if needed. Files required documents to State agencies (ARIS Report) on time. Promotes library through regular press releases, and positive local reports. Acts as a liaison between library staff and the Board. Manages the internal and external communications and public relations of the library unless otherwise arranged. Establishes and conducts comprehensive public relations programs which promote the library and its services. Expands community outreach through a variety of means including but not limited to: library-school partnerships, addressing community groups, and identifying ways to serve patrons outside of the library building. Continuing Education: Keeps informed of current developments in the library field. Salary range: $46-52,000 annually. Deadline: December 2, 2013. Submit resume to mefco@verizon.net.

Part-time Circulation Assistants - Simsbury Public Library

Part-time Circulation Assistants (2 Positions - 8 hours/week and 4 hours/Sundays) - Simsbury Public Library seeks 2 self-motivated, friendly and outgoing individuals to provide excellent customer service on the frontlines of the Library. Candidates must have technology and clerical skills, be able to work independently and adapt in a fast paced work environment. Previous library experience is desirable. Evening and weekend hours included. $19.37/hr. Complete job description and application available at http://www.simsbury-ct.gov/. Apply through December 1, 2013.

Part-Time Library Assistant - Booth & Dimock Memorial Library, Coventry

Part-Time Library Assistant - Booth & Dimock Memorial Library, Coventry, is seeking an enthusiastic candidate for a part time evening/ afternoon position in circulation and reference. Position requirements include implementing a “request-a-librarian” program and teaching technology workshops in addition to weekly desk hours. Successful candidate will be computer literate, customer service oriented and self-motivated. A BS/BA, library experience is required, working towards or possessing and MLS a plus. A least one Saturday per month required. Send cover letter and resume to Kristi Sadowski and Amy Dexter, Co-Directors at bdsearch@coventryct.org.

Full-Time Reference Librarian - Cora J. Belden Library, Rocky Hill

Full-Time Reference Librarian - Cora J. Belden Library, Rocky Hill, is seeking a friendly, energetic, self-motivated, tech-savvy professional to join our Adult Services Department. Our ideal candidate will have: excellent customer service skills; a passion for connecting patrons with library materials; creativity; comfort with exploring new technology; and the ability to collaborate with colleagues and build relationships with the community. Duties include, but are not limited to: reference assistance; collection development (book selection, ordering and cataloging); readers advisory; technology instruction; and possible adult and teen programming.Qualifications and Experience: Master’s Degree in Library Science from an ALA-accredited university and progressively responsible experience in a library setting. Full-time position with 40 hours per week, including 1 evening per week and Saturday rotation. Salary is $61,672 with Town benefits. Closing date is 4:30 pm on Wednesday, November 27, 2013. Application process: All applicants must submit a cover letter, resume, list of references and a completed Town of Rocky Hill Employment Application (found on Town website at http://www.rockyhillct.gov/DeptPages/employment.htm) to: Jessica Dumas, Town of Rocky Hill, Town Manager’s Office, 761 Old Main St., Rocky Hill, CT 06067.