Post Doctoral Fellow (Caruth Institute for Engineering Education)
Southern Methodist University Inc

Description

Salary Range:

Salary commensurate with experience and qualifications

About SMU

SMU's more than 12,000 diverse, high-achieving students come from all 50 states and 90 countries to take advantage of the University's small classes, hands-on research opportunities, leadership development, community service, international study and innovative programs. The University offers a strong foundation in the humanities and sciences and undergraduate, graduate and professional degree programs through eight schools.

Now in its second century of achievement, SMU is increasingly recognized for the ways it supports students, faculty and alumni as they become ethical leaders in their professions and communities. On the most beautiful college campus in the country, SMU Mustangs are energized by unbridled opportunities - from teaching, learning and research to creativity, performance and athletic endeavor.

About the Department:

The mission of the CIEE is to conduct research and develop programs that create and facilitate educational pathways for youth, K-12 students, and undergraduates to engage in Engineering, STEM, and Design practices as preparation for entering and succeeding in 21st Century skills, professions, and workforce opportunities.

About the Position:

The Post Doctoral Fellow will work closely with the Executive Director and staff of the Caruth Institute for Engineering Education (CIEE) and with CIEE-affiliated faculty in the Lyle School of Engineering and Simmons School of Education, participating in iSTEM education research, development, and outreach projects.

This position will require working across formal school-based and informal summer camp-based learning and teaching projects. The Post Doctoral Fellow's primary focus will be on assisting with research employing Improvement Science (IS) and Design-Based Implementation Research (DBIR) methods in the context of an urban Middle School iSTEM curriculum and instruction redesign project. The Fellow will also participate in the development and validation of formative and summative assessments targeting NGSS science and engineering practices and epistemic reasoning. The successful candidate will also assist with project oversight duties as assigned.

Essential Functions:

• Develop, implement, and evaluate Lessons/Activities targeting conceptual, epistemic, and social learning goals. Contexts include Science & Engineering Practices, Phenomena-Based Inquiry, Systems thinking and Model-based reasoning, computer supported Project-Based Learning, K-12 curriculum and instruction materials.
  
• Design and Implementation of STEM curricula and performance assessments based on Learning Science principles for enactment of educational research and measurement in K-12 school and out-of-school contexts.
  
• Assist executive director and other research faculty with data collection, and analysis. Work closely with executive director on research proposal writing and identifying funding opportunities.
  
• Assist executive director with the supervision and mentoring of graduate research assistants, and the writing and dissemination of papers to both research and practitioner audiences.
  
• Other special projects and miscellaneous duties as assigned by executive director.
  

Qualifications

Education and Experience:

Doctoral degree is required. Learning or cognitive science with a STEM education focus or in a STEM related field is preferred.

Two years of prior work experience is required.

Successful candidates may have a wide range of prior work experience, including experience as a teacher, administrator, or research in K-12 or out-of-school settings; working with K-12 informal educators, personnel on professional development of school reform projects.

Knowledge of/experience with Improvement Science and DBIR methods; demonstrated facility in both quantitative and qualitative research and analytical methods, is required.

Experience in discourse analysis, project management, and IRB protocol development is highly desired.

Proficiency in statistical and/or ethnographic data structuring and analysis is required.

Microsoft Office Suite (Word, Excel, PowerPoint) is required. Must possess the ability to quickly learn new software; maintain and report data, survey results, and other program-related reports on an ongoing basis.

The ability to communicate in Spanish is a strong asset.

Occasional travel is required for data collection, as well as conference travel and presentations. Occasional evening or weekend work may be needed for various projects/activities.

Knowledge, Skills and Abilities:

Candidate must have excellent verbal and written communication skills.

Must have strong interpersonal skills. Must be able to work effectively and build relationships with a wide range of constituencies in a diverse community.

Candidate must be highly organized and possess the ability to manage concurrent projects and multiple tasks. Must have effective planning and time management skills. Should possess strong problem solving skills, often requiring novel and creative approaches to resolution.

Must be able to work independently, as well as part of a team.

Physical and Environmental Demands:

• Sit for long periods of time
• Carry/lift 25 lbs.
• Stand
• Walk for long distances

Deadline to Apply:
This position is open until filled.

EEO Statement:

SMU will not discriminate in any program or activity on the basis of race, color, religion, national origin, sex, age, disability, genetic information, veteran status, sexual orientation, or gender identity and expression. The Executive Director for Access and Equity/Title IX Coordinator is designated to handle inquiries regarding nondiscrimination policies and may be reached at the Perkins Administration Building, Room 204, 6425 Boaz Lane, Dallas, TX 75205, 214-768-3601, accessequity@smu.edu.

Benefits:

SMU offers staff a broad, competitive array of health and related benefits. In addition to traditional benefits such as health, dental, and vision plans, SMU offers a wide range of wellness programs to help attract, support, and retain our employees whose work continues to make SMU an outstanding education and research institution.

SMU is committed to providing an array of retirement programs that benefit and protect you and your family throughout your working years at SMU and, if you meet SMU's retirement eligibility criteria, during your retirement years after you leave SMU.

The value of learning at SMU isn't just about preparing our students for the future. Employees have access to a wide variety of professional and personal development opportunities, including tuition benefits.

This job has expired.