The Ballen lab of biology education research at Auburn University seeks a postdoctoral scholar for a 2-year appointment with the possibility of extension. This position is full-time with a flexible start date as early as summer 2019.
The scholar would lead a large-scale, externally-funded project on Equity and Diversity in Undergraduate STEM (EDU-STEM) as well as conduct independent research on elements of biology education. The postdoc will be co-advised by Jordan Harshman in the Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry. Here is the Ballen lab website, and here is the Harshman lab website. The postdoc will also work closely with the other leaders of the EDU-STEM network (Sehoya Cotner, University of Minnesota; Sheritta Fagbodun, Tuskegee University; Carrie Hall, University of New Hampshire).
What is EDU-STEM?
Equity and Diversity in Undergraduate STEM (EDU-STEM) is a network that integrates research and teaching in evidence-based classroom experiences across Biology curricula. The four objectives are: (1) reveal differences, if they exist, in the cultural climate for women and minorities in STEM disciplines (initially focusing on biology) as a function of geography, institution type, and cultural profile of the participating departments; (2) increase the number of faculty in the United States that are familiar with barriers to inclusion inSTEM, and can apply evidence-based techniques for countering known barriers; (3) develop a community of faculty that can serve as leaders--at their home institutions and nationally--in inclusive teaching and assessment; and (4) identify cultural factors associated with a shift towards evidence-based teaching, especially pertaining to inclusive teaching. These activities will be integrated throughout thousands of students’ first and second years of higher education, and all of them involve evidence-based techniques and experiences.
Postdoc responsibilities. This individual will complete the following related to EDU-STEM: (1) conduct research that aligns with the applicant’s interests on data collected from participating EDU-STEM institutions, (2) spearhead assessment efforts of EDU-STEM, (3) help organize and facilitate EDU-STEM meetings, (4) take a primary role in data analysis, and collaborate with network members, (5) disseminate results in the form of peer-reviewed publications.
Candidates must have: (a) a Ph.D. in a STEM discipline, STEM education, data science, or a closely related field; (b) a strong record of publication; (c) demonstrated interest in discipline-based education research; (d) demonstrated ability to work collaboratively, preferably managing and organizing large projects; (e) a strong quantitative background, and preferably a proficiency in R.
Preferred qualifications: Preference will be given to applicants with strong written and oral communication skills, and a background in life sciences.
To apply, please send me (mjb0100(at)auburn.edu) a cover letter, CV, and the names and contact information of three references. We will continue to accept applications until the position is filled. I would love to meet with interested candidates at SABER this year, if they plan to attend.