Biology Education Research Postdoctoral Scholar-Univ of Nebraska
Postdoctoral Scholar
University of Nebraska-Lincoln
The University of Nebraska-Lincoln School of Natural Resources and Department of Biochemistry are looking for a Postdoctoral Scholar to help us transform life sciences and STEM education by integrating new technologies into the classroom. We are an interdisciplinary group of life sciences educators, researchers, and technology innovators who are incorporating hands-on, interactive, simulation-based learning into biology courses.
The Scholar will develop new (or modify existing) simulation-based learning lessons and design research questions or analyze existing data related to students’ thinking about biological systems. Example research directions include investigating: changes in student reasoning while using computer simulations, individual and group construction of conceptual, logical, or mathematical models, and transfer of modeling skills among biological scales and scenarios.
Essential duties for the Scholar include:
- Investigating undergraduate students’ systems thinking skills;
- Working closely with the content and software experts to help develop, implement, and study lessons on biological systems using computer simulations;
- Developing and refining system thinking assessment tools to be used in combination with simulation-based lessons;
- Initiating research on student learning related to modeling (conceptual, logical, or mathematical) or model-based reasoning;
- Statistically analyzing quantitative and qualitative data;
- Working closely with Graduate Teaching Assistants and faculty to maximize student learning using simulations at UNL and other universities.
Minimum qualification: Ph.D. in a biology discipline, or M.S. in a biology discipline and Ph.D. in science education.
Additional qualifications: Candidates should have teaching experience with knowledge of curriculum and assessment development, especially open-ended assessment. The candidate should demonstrate the ability to develop and pursue unique research questions and publish this work in discipline or science education journals. Candidates should also demonstrate their ability to work with a team, mentor graduate and undergraduate students in related education research, and participate in the growing science and math education research community at UNL.
We seek candidates who can start as early as this summer or fall of 2017. The start date is negotiable. The position is for one year with renewal for a second year dependent on performance review. Salary will be competitive and commensurate with experience. Review of applications will begin immediately and continue until filled.
If interested, please send a cover letter, CV and contact information for three references to Dr. Joe Dauer: jdauer2@unl.edu
The University of Nebraska has an active National Science Foundation ADVANCE gender equity program, and is committed to a pluralistic campus community through affirmative action, equal opportunity, work-life balance, and dual careers.
Lincoln, Nebraska (pop. 265,000) is a great place to live, work, and play. It boasts a comfortable family-friendly atmosphere and active nightlife. In 2013, Lincoln topped Gallup’s annual wellbeing index, which ranks wellbeing in six categories: life evaluation, emotional health, work environment, physical health, healthy behaviors, and access to basic necessities. (http://go.unl.edu/53va)