Please see below and attached a doctoral assistantship opportunity
co-funded by UNL/UNO with an emphasis on undergraduate teaching and
learning, faculty development, and science literacy. Please share as
appropriate. Thanks in advance!
Jenny
Seeking: Ph.D. Student in Undergraduate STEM Teaching and
Learning/Discipline-Based Education Research
University of Nebraska-Lincoln/University of Nebraska at Omaha
Objective: To engage in discipline-based education research to investigate
STEM teaching and learning as part of grant-supported projects.
Description:
The School of Natural Resources (UNL) and Department of Biology (UNO) seek
a Ph.D. candidate to participate in grant-funded projects to investigate
i.) undergraduate student learning outcomes in STEM, and ii.) design and
assess professional development opportunities for undergraduate STEM
instructors (e.g., faculty and learning assistants at the undergraduate and
master=E2=80=99s level). Position includes a stipend, health insurance, and=
tuition
remission. The planned start date for the position is August 20, 2017.
The position is initially established for a period of one year.
Continuation of this position beyond one year is contingent upon
satisfactory performance of assigned duties and available funding. Review
of applications will begin immediately and will continue until the position
is filled.
Essential Duties:
The successful candidate will have a strong desire to investigate
undergraduate STEM teaching and learning through STEM education
research/DBER. The participant will work with PIs at two institutions in
Nebraska to assess faculty development opportunities, professional
development for M.S.-level students, and establish infrastructure for
instructor training interventions on a large scale. At UNL, the Excellence
in Education for Food, Energy, and Water (E2FEW) project, recently funded
by USDA-NIFA, will support the development, implementation, and evaluation
of a 24-month sustained professional development program for STEM faculty.
At UNO, funding from three major agencies will support the candidate=E2=80=
=99s work
in program assessment of professional development programs for
undergraduates in life sciences and pre-service teachers. Across these
projects, the applicant will conduct data collection, analysis, and
dissemination of his/her work on a national or international scale.
Preferred Experience and Training:
Prior experience in research as an undergraduate and/or masters candidate
is preferred. Established productivity in education research design and
methods (quantitative, qualitative, mixed). B.S. required, M.S. strongly
preferred. Prior experience working with K-16 students is desirable.
Moreover, competitive applicants will have a demonstrated history of
collaborative work and effective communication skills (both written and
orally).
Please submit inquiries about the position to Dr. Cory Forbes (
cory.forbes@unl.edu) and Dr. Christine Cutucache (ccutucache@unomaha.edu).
To apply, applicants should email a letter of interest describing their
background, interest, qualifications, and future goals, a resume/curriculum
vitae, 2 writing samples, and names of 3 references to Drs. Cutucache and
Forbes via email.
Position Justification:
Two Universities in the state of Nebraska have active STEM learning
investigations taking place with several projects being externally funded.
These projects center around student learning outcomes in the life
sciences. Consequently, there is a vacancy for a graduate research
assistant to address research questions in this area and have the ability
to work on several projects and contribute to high quality products.