Research Associate in Teacher Education

Position Summary

Applicants are invited to apply for a full-time postdoctoral position in the College of Education at Michigan State University to support curriculum development and research being carried out by the OpenSciEd Elementary Developers Consortium (https://www.openscied.org/elementary/). In particular, we are searching for an applicant with expertise in the integration of literacy instruction into elementary science curriculum. We are particularly interested in candidates with experience in designing and writing informational texts for the elementary grades. The position - which could be carried out remotely - is for one year from start of hire, and renewable up to 2.5 years. This full-time postdoctoral scholar will work under the mentorship of Drs. Amelia Wenk Gotwals and Tanya S. Wright. 

OpenSciEd Elementary is a 3.5 year curriculum and professional learning materials development project funded by the National Center for Civic Innovation. This project aims to create high quality materials aligned to the Next Generation Science Standards (NGSS) that are freely available and locally adaptable for teaching grades K-5 science. We encourage interested applicants to learn more about OpenSciEd. Michigan State University is a collaborating organization within the OpenSciEd Elementary Developers Consortium, along with Northwestern University, BSCS Science Learning, University of Texas at Austin, Oakland University, Horizon Research, Inc. and Carolina Biological Supply Company. The Michigan State University Team is leading K-2 curriculum development, K-5 literacy integration and text development, and K-5 integration of assessment.

Responsibilities:

The Postdoctoral Researcher will support development and research work done across three teams within the OpenSciEd Elementary Developers Consortium - the K-2 curriculum development team, the literacy integration team, and the assessment team. Specifically, this work entails:

• Leading a team in developing, co-writing, and integrating informational text for K-5 into science curricula.

• Supporting literacy integration across K-5 Open SciEd Units.

• Communicating with the professional learning team to support teachers in integrating literacy as they teach the OpenSciEd curriculum. 

• Using pilot data to iteratively revise texts and curriculum materials.

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, age, disability or protected veteran status.

Required Degree

Doctorate -Education

Minimum Requirements

• Doctorate in education with an emphasis on science and/or literacy

• Completed PhD by start date (January 2023).

• Experience teaching and/or working with teachers in the area of science and literacy at the elementary school level.

• Deep familiarity with Next Generation Science Standards.

• Demonstrated ability to conduct and publish research (e.g., publication, conference presentations, graduate research experience). 

Desired Qualifications

• Experience writing or developing informational texts for elementary students.

• Experience developing, enacting, and/or studying NGSS-aligned science curriculum at the elementary level (i.e., grades K-5).

Required Application Materials

Interested candidates should submit a: (a) cover letter describing your relevant background, as well as your interest in and potential contribution to the project, (b) curriculum vitae, and (c) a list of three professional references and their contact information (letters are not necessary in application): to careers.msu.edu Application review will be reviewed on a rolling basis, beginning November 16, 2022 and will continue until the position is filled. 

Inquiries should be sent to Dr. Amelia Wenk Gotwals (gotwals@msu.edu) and Dr. Tanya S. Wright (tswright@msu.edu).

Together-we-will Statement

Special Instructions

Interested candidates should submit a: (a) cover letter describing your relevant background, as well as your interest in and potential contribution to the project, (b) curriculum vitae, and (c) a list of three professional references and their contact information (letters are not necessary in application)

Review of Applications Begins On

11/16/2022

Remote Work Statement

MSU strives to provide a flexible work environment and this position has been designated as remote-friendly. Remote-friendly means some or all of the duties can be performed remotely as mutually agreed upon.

Website

education.msu.edu

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.