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’s 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’s 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.for...@unl.edu) and Dr. Christine Cutucache (ccutuca...@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.
