Dear Colleagues,
We are excited to share the below advertisements for two biology education research postdoc positions. These postdocs will join our research team to explore how Open Educational Resources (OERs) have helped the biology community enact Vision and Change principles.
One postdoc will work at the University of Nebraska-Lincoln and one postdoc will work at Cornell University. Applicants wishing to be considered for both positions should apply to both. Applicants wishing to be considered for only one location should apply just to that position.
More information and directions for application submission can be found below. We welcome applicants from diverse backgrounds and look forward to bringing new ideas, perspectives, and expertise to our team.
Sincerely,
Brian Couch, University of Nebraska-Lincoln
Michelle Smith, Cornell University
MacKenzie Stetzer, University of Maine
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University of Nebraska-Lincoln
School of Biological Sciences
Postdoctoral Associate
Applications are invited for a fulltime postdoctoral researcher in the School of Biological Sciences (SBS) at the University of Nebraska-Lincoln (UNL). This postdoctoral researcher will advance undergraduate biology education by examining how Vision and Change (V&C) principles are being enacted in biology courses across a variety of undergraduate institutions. This project is part of a collaboration that includes Drs. Michelle Smith (Cornell University) and MacKenzie Stetzer (University of Maine).
This project will focus on the use of open educational resources (OERs). The research will involve analyzing data from a scoping review of OER article content from a variety of journals (e.g., CourseSource), surveying authors and users to determine their engagement with OERs, developing student assessments, and observing instructors teaching with OERs in a variety of classrooms. The primary duties and responsibilities include developing and deploying surveys, optimizing assessment instruments, contributing to the scoping review analysis, implementing protocols to observe instructors teaching with OERs, and analyzing student and instructor data. There will be opportunities to engage with instructors in professional development activities. The successful candidate will disseminate results through publications and presentations at meetings.
Discipline-based education research (DBER) is an important area of study at UNL, with collaborators (faculty, postdocs, and graduate and undergraduate students) across STEM disciplines. The successful candidate will have an opportunity to mentor and work with many individuals and participate in weekly education journal clubs and research meetings with the larger DBER community.
Qualifications:
● Ph.D. in biology, biology education research, or closely related field
● Experience with education research methods, including quantitative research methods and statistics and/or experience with qualitative research approaches such as analyzing survey and interview data
● Knowledge of and interest in the potential OERs have to affect undergraduate education
● Ability and desire to work collaboratively, mentor graduate and undergraduate students, and function independently
● Demonstrated project leadership, time management, communication, and writing skills
The postdoctoral researcher will be appointed for a one-year period with the possibility of extension based on satisfactory performance.
To apply: Applicants should submit their cover letter, CV, a 1-2 page research statement including relevant background and experiences, and a diversity statement, as well as contact information for three professional references to Dr. Brian Couch (bcouch2@unl.edu).
Review of applications will begin on May 15, 2024.
Please contact Dr. Couch with any questions.
The University of Nebraska-Lincoln (UNL) seeks to achieve a working and learning environment that is open to all people. Diversity is the hallmark of great institutions of learning and has long been one of the strengths of our society. Dignity and respect for all in the UNL community is the responsibility of each individual member of the community. The realization of that responsibility across the campus is critical to UNL's success. For UNL's non-discrimination information, seehttp://www.unl.edu/equity/notice-nondiscrimination.
As an EO/AA employer, qualified applicants are considered for employment without regard to race, color, ethnicity, national origin, sex, pregnancy, sexual orientation, gender identity, religion, disability, age, genetic information, veteran status, marital status, and/or political affiliation. See http://www.unl.edu/equity/notice-nondiscrimination.
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Cornell University
College of Arts and Sciences
Postdoctoral Associate
The College of Arts & Sciences at Cornell University embraces diversity and seeks candidates who will contribute to a climate that supports students, faculty, and staff of all identities and backgrounds. We strongly encourage individuals from underrepresented and/or marginalized identities to apply.
Position Function Applications are invited for a fulltime Postdoctoral Associate in the Department of Ecology and Evolutionary Biology (EEB) at Cornell University. This Postdoctoral Associate position will advance undergraduate biology education by examining how Vision and Change (V&C) principles are being enacted in biology courses across a variety of undergraduate institutions. They will have the opportunity to explore the breadth of existing educational resources, to evaluate progress toward goals outlined in V&C, and to identify opportunities for future growth in undergraduate biology education. This project is part of a collaboration that includes Drs. Brian Couch (University of Nebraska-Lincoln) and MacKenzie Stetzer (University of Maine).
This project will focus on the use of open educational resources (OERs). The research will involve analyzing data from a scoping review of OER article content from a variety of journals (e.g., CourseSource), surveying authors and users to determine their engagement with OERs, developing student assessments, and observing instructors teaching with OERs in a variety of classrooms. The primary duties and responsibilities include quantitative and qualitative analysis of a large data set from a scoping review, developing and deploying surveys, designing protocols to observe instructors teaching with OERs, and analyzing student and instructor data. There will be opportunities to engage with instructors in professional development activities. The successful candidate will disseminate the results through publications and presentations at meetings.
Discipline-based education research is an important area of study at Cornell, with collaborators (faculty, postdocs, and graduate and undergraduate students) in physics, biology, engineering, and other STEM fields. The successful candidate will have an opportunity to mentor and work with many individuals and participate in weekly education journal clubs and research meetings with the larger EEB and Cornell community.
Anticipated Division of Time The role of the Postdoctoral Associate is 100% research. Approximately, 40% conducting experiments, 40% analyzing data, and 20% dissemination through giving presentations and writing manuscripts.
Required Skills and Experience
- Ph.D. in biology, biology education research, or closely related field
- Experience with education research methods, including quantitative research methods and statistics (e.g., proficiency in multilevel statistical modeling using R), and/or experience with qualitative research approaches such as analyzing survey and interview data
- Knowledge of and interest in the potential OERs have to affect undergraduate education
- Ability and desire to work collaboratively, mentor graduate and undergraduate students, and function independently
- Demonstrated project leadership, time management, communication, and writing skills
The Postdoctoral Associate will be appointed for a one-year period with the possibility of extension for additional years based on satisfactory performance. This position has the ability to regularly be performed at least partially remotely, with 4 days on campus and one day remote per week.
Supervision Exercised: N/A
Salary range for this position is: NIH minimum = $61,008
To apply:
Please apply via Academic Jobs Online (https://academicjobsonline.org/ajo/jobs/27553).
Qualified candidates should submit a short cover letter, curriculum vitae, contact information for three references, and a statement of contribution to diversity, equity and inclusion via the website.
Applications will be reviewed starting May 15, 2024 and continuing until a suitable applicant is identified.
Cornell University is an innovative Ivy League and Land-grant university and a great place to work. Our inclusive community of scholars, students, and staff impart an uncommon sense of larger purpose and contribute creative ideas to further the university's mission of teaching, discovery, and engagement.
Cornell’s regional and global presence includes state-wide Cornell Cooperative Extension programs and offices in all counties and boroughs, global partnerships with institutions and communities engaged in life-changing research and education, the medical college’s campuses on the Upper East Side of Manhattan and Doha, Qatar, and the Cornell Tech campus on Roosevelt Island in the heart of New York City.
Diversity and Inclusion are a part of Cornell University’s heritage. We are a recognized employer and educator valuing AA/EEO, and we do not tolerate discrimination based on any protected characteristic, including race, ethnic or national origin, citizenship and immigration status, color, sex/gender, pregnancy or pregnancy-related conditions, age, creed, religion, actual or perceived disability (including persons associated with such a person), arrest and/or conviction record, military or veteran status, sexual orientation, gender expression and/or identity, an individual’s genetic information, domestic violence victim status, familial status, marital status, or any other characteristic protected by applicable federal, state, or local law. We also recognize a lawful preference in employment practices for Native Americans living on or near Indian reservations in accordance with applicable law.
Cornell University embraces diversity and seeks candidates who will contribute to a climate that supports students, faculty, and staff to all identities and backgrounds. We strongly encourage individuals from underrepresented and/or marginalized identities to apply.
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