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National Institute on Scientific Teaching
Auburn University

The Ballen lab of biology education research seeks one postdoctoral scholar for a 2-year appointment with the possibility of extension. This position is full-time with a flexible start date as early as summer 2019. The scholar would spend half of their time conducting research on undergraduate biology education, and the other half leading a large-scale, externally funded project on Equity and Diversity in Undergraduate STEM (EDU-STEM), with an emphasis on undergraduate biology. Postdocs would be co-advised by Jordan Harshman in the Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry. The postdoc will also work closely with the other leaders of the EDU-STEM network (Sehoya Cotner, University of Minnesota; Sheritta Fagbodun, Tuskegee University; Carrie Hall, University of New Hampshire).
What is EDU-STEM? Equity and Diversity in Undergraduate STEM (EDU-STEM) is a network that integrates research and teaching in evidence-based classroom experiences across Biology curricula.
The four objectives are:
(1) reveal differences, if they exist, in the cultural climate for women and minorities in STEM disciplines (initially focusing on biology) as a function of geography, institution type, and cultural profile of the participating departments;
(2) increase the number of faculty in the United States that are familiar with barriers to inclusion in STEM, and can apply evidence-based techniques for countering known barriers;
(3) develop a community of faculty that can serve as leaders--at their home institutions and nationally--in inclusive teaching and assessment; and
(4) identify cultural factors associated with a shift towards evidence-based teaching, especially pertaining to inclusive teaching.
These activities will be integrated throughout thousands of students’ first and second years of higher education, and all of them involve evidence- based techniques and experiences. Postdoc responsibilities.
This individual will complete the following related to EDU-STEM:
(1) conduct research that aligns with the applicant’s interests on data collected from participating EDU-STEM institutions,
(2) spearhead assessment efforts of EDU-STEM,
(3) help organize and facilitate EDU-STEM meetings,
(4) take a primary role in data analysis, and collaborate with network members,
(5) disseminate results in the form of peer-reviewed publications.
Candidates must have:
(a) a Ph.D. in a STEM discipline, STEM education, data science, or a closely related field;
(b) a strong record of publication;
(c) demonstrated interest in discipline-based education research;
(d) demonstrated ability to work collaboratively, preferably managing and organizing large projects;
(e) a strong quantitative background, and preferably a proficiency in R. Preferred qualifications:
Preference will be given to applicants with a background in the life sciences, and strong written and oral communication skills. To apply: please send me (mjb0100(at)auburn.edu) a cover letter, CV, and the names and contact information of three references. We will continue to accept applications until the position is filled.
Ballen Lab Website: https://balle027.wixsite.com/cjballen
Start Date: September 2019 (flexible)