Postdoctoral Researcher

Department :

School of Education - 340100

Posting Open Date : 05 / 02 / 2024

05 / 02 / 2024

Application Deadline :

05 / 17 / 2024

Open Until Filled : Position Type :

Position Type : Postdoctoral Scholar

Postdoctoral Scholar

Position Title :

Postdoctoral Researcher

Vacancy ID : PDS004202

PDS004202

Full-time / Part-time :

Full-Time Temporary

Hours per week : FTE :

FTE : Work Location :

Work Location : Chapel Hill, NC

Chapel Hill, NC

Position Location : North Carolina, US

North Carolina, US

Hiring Range :

Salary is commensurate with experience

Proposed Start Date :

06 / 01 / 2024

Estimated Duration of Appointment :

12 Months

Be a Tar Heel! :

A global higher education leader in innovative teaching, research, and public service, the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill consistently ranks as one of the nation’s top public universities .

Known for its beautiful campus, world-class medical care, commitment to the arts and top athletic programs, Carolina is an ideal place to teach, work and learn.

Located in one of the best college towns and best places to live in the U.S., Chapel Hill has diverse social, cultural, recreation and professional opportunities that span the campus and community.

The UNC School of Education , one of the longest-standing professional schools at the nation’s first public university, ranks among the top schools of education in the U.

• S. and offers a full range of degree programs, from undergraduate to doctorate; forward-thinking certificate and licensure programs;
• and in-person, online, and HyFlex offerings. Faculty members generate knowledge across a number of fields, including human development, educational technology and entrepreneurship, teaching and learning, school counseling, school psychology, administration, educational policy and leadership, and more;

they also prepare students to become the most highly effective educators to lead in classrooms, schools, districts and beyond, as well as future scholars and researchers.

University employees can choose from a wide range of professional training opportunities for career growth, skill development and lifelong learning and enjoy exclusive perks for numerous retail, restaurant and performing arts discounts, savings on local child care centers and special rates on select campus events.

UNC-Chapel Hill offers full-time employees a comprehensive benefits package , paid leave, and a variety of health, life and retirement plans and additional programs that support a healthy work / life balance.

Primary Purpose of Organizational Unit :

The School of Education is an academic unit reporting to the Provost. The School is a major center of research, teaching, and public service within the State of North Carolina, the nation, and the world.

The School offers a full range of undergraduate and graduate programs. The mission of the School of Education is to conduct research, and generate basic and applied knowledge about human development, educational technology and entrepreneurship, teaching and learning, school counseling, school psychology, administration, as well as educational policy and leadership;

prepare leaders in the profession of education by conducting outstanding research, teaching, and service; and assist in the development of strong and effective public schools in North Carolina.

In order to fulfill its mission, the School is organized into three academic divisions : (1) Culture, Curriculum, & Teacher Education (CCATE), (2) Learning, Development & Psychological Sciences (LDPS), and (3) Educational Policy, Organization, & Leadership (EPOL).

Position Summary :

The School of Education at the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill invites applications for a postdoctoral position in Informal Learning in Science Education.

This is a full-time research position supported by an NSF Award. The successful candidate would join a team intent on developing and researching effects of curricular learning supports for educators and students associated with interactive museum exhibits.

The postdoctoral researcher will coordinate efforts between researchers in Learning Sciences / Science Education and Morehead Planetarium and Science Center (MPSC).

The candidate will help Learning Sciences / Science Education researchers study, using a design-based research approach, school-aged children’s and educators’ engagement with MPSC exhibits, and contribute to the development and testing of curricular resources.

The candidate will play a central role in the collection and analysis of structured and unstructured data from museum visitors’ interactions with exhibits.

Examples of potential scholarship include research on student learning in informal environments; K-12 educator engagement with informal learning environments;

and the impact of informal learning environments on the development of adolescents’ science knowledge and identity. Additional details about the project scope can be found at DRL-AISL 1906686

The postdoctoral researcher will contribute to an established scope of work related to NSF Award DRL-AISL 1906686 including following a design-based research (DBR) approach to researching effects of museum visitors’ interactions with exhibits and developing curricular learning resources aligned with MPSC exhibits.

The postdoctoral researcher will (a) contribute to study design and implementation of research studies; (b) coordinate and carry out data collection at informal learning sites, contribute to the design, development, and testing of curricular resources;

and (e) contribute to dissemination of project output to academic, higher education, and practitioner audiences. Opportunities to pursue or continue related academic activities are negotiable.

This position may be eligible for a hybrid work arrangement that may include a partially remote work location, consistent with System Office policy.

UNC Chapel Hill employees are generally required to reside within a reasonable commuting distance of their assigned duty station.

Minimum Education and Experience Requirements :

Candidates must have an earned doctorate in Science Education, Learning Sciences, or closely related field; emerging record of scholarly productivity.

Required Qualifications, Competencies, and Experience :

Successful candidates will provide evidence of a strong background in science education, learning sciences, or related field, a strong background in educational research methods, and effective communication and collaboration skills.

Preferred Qualifications, Competencies, and Experience :

Experience with science educational research

Interest and / or experience in informal learning environments

Interest and / or experience in curricular or instructional design in science education

Special Instructions :

For information on UNC Postdoctoral Benefits and Services click here