Three postdoctoral scholar positions in science education at Arizona State University
The Biology Education Research Lab in the School of Life Sciences at Arizona State University seeks applicants for a postdoctoral research scholar in science education. These postdoctoral scholars will join a vibrant community of science education research scholars at Arizona State University as part of the Research for Inclusive Science Education (RISE) Center. There are multiple opportunities for professional development and opportunities for the postdoctoral scholar to develop their own interests and projects in science education research. Candidates must have: (a) a Ph.D. in biology, science education, or a closely related field, (b) a research record, and (c) demonstrated interest in discipline-based education research. Preference for all applicants will be a strong record of education research, strong oral and written communication skills, ability to collaborate well as part of a team, and a willingness to be open to feedback. Specific details about the positions and preferences are below.
Position #1:
The postdoctoral scholar will join a project to explore biases in instructor exams in introductory biology courses and how exams could be modified to help them be more accurate and fair measures of student understanding. The postdoctoral scholar will be supervised directly by discipline-based education researcher Dr. Sara Brownell and will be part of a NSF-funded collaborative team consisting of Dr. Christian Wright, a discipline-based education researcher at Arizona State University, and Dr. Min Li, a psychometrician at the University of Washington. Preference for this position will be given to applicants with the following characteristics: strong skills in statistical analyses, including regressions and mixed effects modeling and/or psychometrics; and ability to work with large datasets.
Position #2:
The postdoctoral scholar will join a project focused on identifying inequities in student experiences in undergraduate science and working with faculty members and administrators to implement more inclusive strategies. The postdoctoral scholar will be supervised directly by Dr. Sara Brownell and will be part of a HHMI-funded Inclusive Excellence team at Arizona State University consisting of Dr. James Collins, Dr. Ariel Anbar, and Dr. Paul LePore. Preference for this position will be given to applicants with the following characteristics: strong qualitative research skills and strong interpersonal skills in being able to work with faculty to implement inclusive teaching practices.
Position #3:
The postdoctoral scholar will join a project to explore evolution education, particularly how to improve evolution education for students who struggle to accept evolution. The postdoctoral scholar will be supervised directly by Dr. Sara Brownell. Preference for this position will be given to applicants with the following characteristics: strong research design and methodological skills, especially for mixed-methods studies, and strong statistical skills.
These positions are full-time, fiscal appointment, with a flexible start date of sometime between November 1st, 2018 and October 31st, 2019 with the possibility of renewal for up to one additional year, dependent on available funding, performance, and the needs of the University.
Candidates should electronically submit a combined PDF with 1 pg cover letter that indicates which position(s) they are interested in, curriculum vitae, copies of up to three representative publications, a 1 pg statement of interest in discipline-based education research, and a list of 3 professional references to sara.brownell@asu.edu. The salary range is $47,500 - $50,000 with associated University benefits. The initial closing date for receipt of applications is September 30th, 2018; applications will be reviewed weekly thereafter until the search is closed. A background check is required for employment. Arizona State University is an equal opportunity/affirmative action employer committed to excellence through diversity. Women and minorities are encouraged to apply. For more information about the Biology Education Research lab, please visit: http://sebbers.wixsite.com/biology-ed-lab. For more information about hiring standards at Arizona State, please visit: https://cfo.asu.edu/titleIX