Research Associate in Physics-Astronomy
Michigan State University College of Natural Science
United States
Research Associate-Fixed Term
Apply now Job no: 683767
Work type: Faculty/Academic Staff
Major Administrative Unit / College: College Of Natural Science
Department: Physics-Astronomy 10032666
Sub Area: FAS- Fac./Acad Staff
Salary: Salary Commensurate with Experience
Location: East Lansing
Categories: Full Time (90-100%), Fixed Term Academic Staff, Research/Scientific, Non-Union
Position Summary
Applicants are invited for a post-doctoral research associate in physics education in the Department of Physics & Astronomy at Michigan State University. The successful candidate for the current position will work in the Physics Education Research Lab to study inclusive and equitable assessment practices within the physics community. The researcher would work on projects that build innovative ways to create, collect, and analyze assessment tools within physics classrooms and laboratories.
The researcher will be supervised by Dr. Rachel Henderson and will have the opportunity to collaborate with faculty both inside and outside of the Physics Education Research Lab. The successful candidate will be encouraged to pursue their own research interests as they pertain to physics education research. There may also be opportunities to mentor junior researchers (e.g. graduate students and undergraduates) in projects related to this work.
Responsibilities include working in coordination with faculty to:
• Analyze assessment data that has been collected in the transformed introductory laboratories,
• Develop new assessment tools and practices using big data techniques,
• Collaborate with course instructors to implement valid assessments within their classrooms,
• Mentor junior researchers in quantitative physics education research,
• Author scientific articles in education research journals, and
• Present research findings at professional conferences.
Candidates are expected to have completed (or anticipate completion of) a Ph.D. in physics, physics education, science education, quantitative psychology (i.e. measurement and/or psychometrics), or a closely related field with preference to candidates with graduate or postdoctoral experience in the area of quantitative analysis of assessment data. The successful candidate will demonstrate outstanding mentoring skills, strong analytical skills, excellent writing skills, and the ability to work with undergraduate students, grad students, faculty, and staff in a collaborative environment. The candidate will collaborate with faculty, post-docs, and graduate students in the Physics Education Research Lab (perl.pa.msu.edu). The Physics Education Research Lab at MSU is a dynamic community that includes 6 principal faculty, 5 research associates, 9 graduate students, and several undergraduate students. The appointment is initially for one year, with the possibility of 1-year extension, based on performance and the availability of funding. The salary will be competitive and commensurate with experience. Appointment is contingent upon successfully completing a full background check.
We actively encourage applications from - and welcome nominations of - women, persons of color, veterans, and persons with disabilities. MSU is an Affirmative Action/Equal Opportunity Employer.
MSU is committed to achieving excellence through cultural diversity.
Equal Employment Opportunity Statement
All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, citizenship, disability or protected veteran status.
Required Degree
Doctorate -physics, physics education, science education
Minimum Requirements
Candidates are expected to have completed (or anticipate completion of) a Ph.D. in physics, physics education, science education, quantitative psychology (i.e. measurement and/or psychometrics), or a closely related field with preference to candidates with graduate or postdoctoral experience in the area of quantitative analysis of assessment data. The successful candidate will demonstrate outstanding mentoring skills, strong analytical skills, excellent writing skills, and the ability to work with undergraduate students, grad students, faculty, and staff in a collaborative environment.
Required Application Materials
Applicants should submit a CV, a statement of research interests, and an assessment philosophy statement to careers.msu.edu (posting 683767). In your assessment philosophy statement,
you should address the following three questions: (1) What are the challenges in development assessment? (2) What do you see as the goal of assessment? and (3) What does equitable assessment
mean to you? In addition, applicants should provide the names of three (3) individuals from whom letters of recommendation can be requested.
Special Instructions
Review of applications will begin on January 30, 2021, and will continue until the position has been filled. The starting date is negotiable with a preference toward candidates that are available to start in May 2021. Questions regarding the position may be directed to Dr. Rachel Henderson, Assistant Professor in the Physics Education Research Lab at MSU, hende473@msu.edu.
Review of Applications Begins On
01/29/2021
MSU Statement
Michigan State University has been advancing the common good with uncommon will for more than 160 years. One of the top research universities in the world, MSU pushes the boundaries of discovery and forges enduring partnerships to solve the most pressing global challenges while providing life-changing opportunities to a diverse and inclusive academic community through more than 200 programs of study in 17 degree-granting colleges.
Advertised: Dec 3, 2020 Eastern Standard Time
Applications close: Dec 2, 2022 Eastern Standard Time
In your application, please refer to Professorpositions.com
