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Postdoctoral Scholar - Science Education Technology - Graduate School of Education

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Position description

We seek a full-time postdoctoral scholar to join our research group in science and technology education. (See https://wise.berkeley.edu and https://wise-research.berkeley.edu for more details.)
The scholar will work in a multidisciplinary collaboration funded by the National Science Foundation, including leaders in education, technology, and the science disciplines. Dr. Marcia Linn, at University of California, Berkeley, is the Principal Investigator.

Our current work has two synergistic thrusts. One is designing open-ended inquiry activities using promising technologies that enable students to gain understanding of complex science topics. Another is collaborating with teachers to support them as they customize and refine their instruction. These thrusts jointly have the potential to enable students to become more self-directed learners and teachers to promote student autonomous inquiry. This research contributes to instructional frameworks to guide future education researchers, curriculum and assessment designers, and policy makers. The scholar will design a research program in collaboration with the group to investigate applications of new learning technologies in classrooms and to improve teaching and learning in science and engineering. The group includes learning scientists, classroom teachers, professional developers, instructional designers, computer scientists, and experts in learning analytics, qualitative, and quantitative methods. The collaborators are creating new technologies including developing natural language processing tools for essays, logging student data, building simulations, and designing automated guidance. The group builds on previously successful uses of technology such as the Web-based Inquiry Science Environment (WISE) interactive units that serve diverse middle and high school student populations.

The postdoctoral scholar will have the opportunity to learn about advances in educational technology and learning sciences and to contribute to all aspects of the work. The scholar will gain expertise in all aspects of research including design of innovations, authoring publications, developing new research grants, producing annual reports, writing Human Subjects protocols, designing teacher workshops, and managing research teams.

Minimum qualifications required (at time of application):

• Completion of all degree requirements except the dissertation at the time of application.

Additional qualifications (by the start date of the job):

• PhD or equivalent international degree by the start date of the job.

Preferred qualifications:

• Demonstrate quantitative analysis skills (including ability to analyze computer log files), and
experience working in K-12 schools in the U.S.
• Demonstrate background in the natural sciences, engineering, mathematics, or computer science.
• Demonstrate research experience relevant to the learning sciences and to designing and analyzing
complex innovations in school settings.
• Demonstrate the ability to work on a team, collaborate with teachers and school leaders, develop
innovations in partnership with others, and communicate effectively in writing

We seek a candidate, who can start as early as January 7, 2019. The position, which has an annual salary starting at $51,200, is for one year with possible renewal for a second and third year. The school/department is interested in candidates who will bring to their research the perspective that comes from a non‐traditional educational background or understanding of the experiences of those under‐represented in higher education.

UC Berkeley has an excellent benefits package as well as a number of policies and programs to support employees as they balance work and family.

All interested applicants should apply at https://aprecruit.berkeley.edu/apply/JPF01962. For information about the position or applications process, please contact Annette M. Lewis at alewis@berkeley.edu. This position is open until filled.

A completed application will include 1) Current Curriculum Vitae; 2) Statement of Purpose, 3) Contact information for three references. References will only be contacted for finalists. All letters will be treated as confidential per University of California policy and California state law. Please refer potential referees, including when letters are provided via a third party (i.e., dossier service or career center), to the UC Berkeley statement of confidentiality (http://apo.berkeley.edu/evalltr.html(link is external)) prior to submitting their letters.

The University of California is an Equal Opportunity/Affirmative Action Employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, age or protected veteran status. For the complete University of California nondiscrimination and affirmative action policy see:
http://policy.ucop.edu/doc/4000376/NondiscrimAffirmAct.

Application Requirements

Document requirements
  • Curriculum Vitae - Your most recently updated C.V.

  • Statement of Purpose

Reference requirements
  • 3 required (contact information only)

Job location

Berkeley, CA