STEM Education Postdoctoral Researcher

Amherst College


Amherst Campus
Amherst Staff
Fixed Term (Fixed Term)
Full time
JR1992

Amherst has taken a leadership role among highly selective liberal arts colleges and universities in successfully diversifying the racial, socio-economic, and geographic profile of its student body. The College is similarly committed to enriching its educational experience and its culture through the diversity of its faculty, administration and staff.

Job Description:

Amherst College invites applications for a postdoctoral researcher to work in Prof. Kate Follette's research group on the NSF-funded Quantitative Reasoning for College Science (QuaRCS) study . The position is a two-year, full-time, year-round position (job group and level RI-2).

The QuaRCS project aims to identify, study, and disseminate best practices for the teaching of numerical skills through introductory science courses for non-majors. These crucial courses are often a student's final STEM course in life, and are an important venue for improving the skills that will make them savvy consumers, conscientious citizens, and discerning voters. Numerical skills are also a barrier to entry to STEM careers, and as such, this study has implications for improving equity and inclusion in STEM.

Given Amherst's distinction as one of the most diverse liberal arts colleges in the country, the successful candidate will demonstrate the ways in which they bring value to and will work towards supporting a broadly diverse community.

Duties and Responsibilities

We seek an education researcher with experience in qualitative and/or mixed method educational research who will help us to bring the QuaRCS study into its next stage, advancing our mission of helping reduce barriers to entry to STEM careers and identify best practices in facilitating the development of quantitative reasoning skills in the STEM classroom. This will include contributing to several (depending on interest and experience) of the following tasks: coordinating and conducting a national study, helping to assess and improve the cross-cultural relevancy and accessibility of the assessment, analyzing study data, developing a course observation protocol, conducting site visits, and/or facilitating a pilot faculty learning community.

Annual travel, professional development, and publication funds will be provided. The postdoc will be a full member of the broader QuaRCS research team and will have many opportunities for learning and growth, including gaining experience in quantitative research methodologies and undergraduate research supervision, as well as a window into faculty positions at small liberal arts colleges.

Amherst College is pleased to provide a comprehensive, highly competitive benefits package that meets the needs of staff and faculty and their families. Benefits are an important part of our overall compensation, so it is critical that you review all of the options to ensure it meets your total compensation requirements. Click here for Benefits Information .

Required Qualifications:
 

• Candidates must have experience in qualitative or mixed-method educational research methodologies, the drive and discipline to work independently, strong communication skills, and the ability to work closely with undergraduate researchers involved in the study
• Candidates must have a doctoral degree in education, a STEM field, or a related discipline by July 1, 2022.
• Experience in and a commitment to diversity, equity and inclusion, and to contributing to an intentionally inclusive culture.

Preferred Qualifications:
 

• Experience in STEM education research.
• Experience with classroom observations.
• Experience with supervision of undergraduate research.

Amherst College requires all employees to be fully vaccinated for COVID-19 (medical and religious exemptions may apply).

Candidates should submit a resume/CV (including contact information for at least two references), and a cover letter online at https://amherst.wd5.myworkdayjobs.com/Amherst_Jobs .

The cover letter should describe:
 

• Why they are interested in the position
• The ways in which their previous work prepares them to excel in an independent project conducted as part of an interdisciplinary team, and
• Their experience with or interest in mentoring of undergraduate students in research

Please be sure to upload all requested documents prior to clicking Submit. Applications cannot be revised once submitted.

Review of applications will begin January 15, 2022, and continue until the position is filled.

Amherst College is an equal opportunity employer and encourages persons of all genders, persons of color, and persons with disabilities to apply. The college is committed to enriching its educational experience and its culture through the diversity of its faculty, administration, and staff.

To find information about job group and level (JGL) follow this link.



Apply Here: https://www.click2apply.net/Z47plVTbdgpGiVDMcdgZ8

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