Hello Colleagues,
Please share the following announcement for a postdoctoral scholar with your networks. Feel free to send any questions my way.
Thanks,
Rebecca Sansom
BYU is seeking a postdoctoral scholar to work with Dr. Rebecca Sansom in the department of Chemistry and Biochemistry, and Dr. Heather Leary in the department of Instructional Psychology and Technology on an NSF-funded project: Developing the Pedagogical Skills and Science Expertise of Teachers in Underserved Rural Settings (NSF-DRL-2101383).
The project team will be developing a novel form of professional development called technology-mediated lesson study, designed to overcome the geographic isolation common in rural settings and strengthen teachers’ professional networks while developing skills for culturally responsive 3D science teaching. Teacher teams from each of the four rural regions of Utah will participate in a summer workshop, followed by collaborative, iterative lesson design and regular team meetings. Lessons will be developed to target the biology and chemistry Utah SEEd Standards (based on the NGSS), and to respond to and incorporate local rural funds of knowledge, community resources, and connections to Native American culture. We are studying the personal, social, and contextual factors that promote teacher change and adoption of culturally responsive 3D science teaching practices, and the existence and changes in social networks of teacher participants.
We will support the postdoctoral scholar with mentorship and professional learning opportunities tailored to the individual’s unique career goals.
Responsibilities include:
Designing research studies by proposing research questions and building data collection instruments.
Mixed methods data collection and analysis by conducting interviews with teacher participants, coordinating survey administration with educational partners, and observing and recording collaboration meetings among teacher participants.
Overseeing the work of graduate and undergraduate student researchers.
Data and project management.
Sharing research findings through peer reviewed research articles, presenting research findings at professional conferences, and contributing to an open-source text describing technology-mediated lesson study implementation.
Required qualifications include:
Completion of a doctoral degree in chemistry, biology, chemistry education, biology education, instructional technology, learning sciences, or a related field
Research experience in STEM education
Ability to travel to rural parts of the state as needed
Desired qualifications include:
Familiarity with the Next-Generation Science Standards and principles of three-dimensional science teaching, and/or principles of culturally responsive pedagogy
Experience with teacher professional development and/or research-practice partnerships
Expertise with social network analysis, UCINET software, and/or thematic qualitative data analysis
Track record of research publications in high impact journals
Working as part of a large, multidisciplinary research group
Conditions of employment include:
Satisfactory completion of a background check
Adherence to the BYU Honor Code and dress and grooming standards
Equal Opportunity
The Equal Opportunity Office assists the University in its mission to "provide a ...stimulating setting where...the full realization of human potential is pursued." In doing so, we work to ensure that all faculty, staff, and students enjoy a work and learning environment that is comfortable, productive, and safe.
The university prohibits unlawful discrimination in employment, education, and all other programs and activities sponsored by the university. Unlawful discrimination refers to unfair or unequal treatment of an individual (or group) based on that person’s race, color, national origin, religion, sex (including pregnancy), age (40 and over), disability, genetic information, or veteran status. Harassing behavior based on a protected class that becomes so severe or pervasive that it creates a hostile environment is also unlawful.
Preference is given to qualified candidates who are members in good standing of the affiliated church, The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints.
Why BYU?
BYU is located in Provo, Utah’s third-largest city, and surrounded by the beautiful Wasatch Mountains to the east and Utah Lake to the west. Provo residents have direct access to shopping, entertainment, and nearby scenic canyons, skiing, hiking, biking, fishing, boating, and a variety of other outdoor activities. Utah is home to five national parks and several state and national forests. Provo has a low crime rate and family-centered culture, and has been celebrated as one of America’s most secure places to live (Farmers Insurance), best places to live (Money Magazine), and best places for business and careers (Forbes). The Princeton Review also ranks BYU as the #1 stone-cold sober school in the country. BYU is a wonderful place to build your career while working in a Christ-centered atmosphere and taking an active role in advancing truth and knowledge. BYU offers employees a comprehensive benefit package including health insurance and retirement options.
Salary
$47,500 - $52,500 annually. 12-month contract with option for renewal for up to two additional years contingent on funding and satisfactory performance.
Desired Start Date: 9/1/2021
Applications will be reviewed on a rolling basis until the position is filled.
To apply
Send a cover letter describing your relevant experiences and future goals, a current CV, and contact information for three professional references to rsansom@chem.byu.edu and apply online at
https://hrms.byu.edu/psc/ps/PUBLIC/HRMS/c/HRS_HRAM.HRS_APP_SCHJOB.GBL?Pa...
Rebecca Sansom, PhD
Associate Teaching Professor
Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry
C161 BNSN
Provo, UT 84602
(801) 422-9089
Supporting 3D Science Teaching in Rural Utah through Technology Mediated Lesson Study (NSF DRL-2101383 )
Research Experiences for Teachers (NSF CHE-2050872 ) Learn more at https://reu.chem.byu.edu/ret/
STEM Faculty Institute (NSF DUE- 1712056 ) Learn more at http://stemfi.org
BYU Chem and BioChem Camps for youth ages 9-14. Learn more at http://chemcamp.byu.edu