PhD on Astronomy Education in a Planetarium

10 Apr 2024
Job Information

Organisation/Company

KU Leuven

Research Field

Astronomy » Other
Educational sciences » Learning studies

Researcher Profile

First Stage Researcher (R1)

Country

Belgium

Application Deadline

30 May 2024 - 00:00 (UTC)

Type of Contract

Temporary

Job Status

Full-time

Hours Per Week

38 hours/week

Is the job funded through the EU Research Framework Programme?

Not funded by an EU programme

Reference Number

BAP-2024-215

Is the Job related to staff position within a Research Infrastructure?

No

Offer Description

Planetariums are science centers in which the public is exposed to the fascinating world of the (night) sky. The projections on the planetarium dome allow for an immersive experience that fosters the natural interest in astronomy. Most planetariums provide also educational services and many schools organise a planetarium visit in the context of the science curriculum. The impact of these planetarium visits on learning, however, is vastly unexplored. In this project, we will focus on the apparent motion of the Sun and stars and their daily and yearly changes. Our ongoing research on students’ understanding of these apparent motions shows remarkable results: not only secondary school but also university students have difficulties explaining the apparent motions and do not use a correct model in their explanation. The goal of this project is to better understand student difficulties and the role planetarium visualisations can play to scaffold student understanding. Based on these insights, we will design and evaluate optimised learning materials to tackle the difficulties. We will do this in close collaboration with the Brussels Planetarium. By carrying out the proposed project, together with our multidisciplinary team, you will contribute to the international growing field of Astronomy Education Research. 

Requirements

Research Field

Astronomy

Education Level

Master Degree or equivalent

Research Field

Educational sciences

Education Level

Master Degree or equivalent

Research Field

Physics

Education Level

Master Degree or equivalent

Research Field

Psychological sciences

Education Level

Master Degree or equivalent

Languages

ENGLISH

Level

Excellent

Languages

DUTCH

Level

Good

Additional Information
Benefits

• Full-time fixed-term employment as a doctoral fellow (1 year, renewable, up to 4 years total), with an attractive fellowship.
• Member of Arenberg Doctoral School, with many opportunities for professional development
• Member of a young research group with regular opportunities to participate in international scientific conferences and interaction with international colleagues

Eligibility criteria

• you hold a master's degree in Physics or Astronomy or Psychology or Educational Sciences - with very good study results (at least level 'cum laude'), or will obtain this very soon
• a teacher's degree from a university with a focus on physics education is a plus
• you have a strong interest in both education and science
• you have an excellent knowledge and command of English
• a good knowledge of Dutch is an asset (data collection with students)
• you are meticulous, systematic and persistent, but also sociable and focused on cooperation

Selection process

For more information please contact Prof. dr. Mieke De Cock, tel.: +32 16 32 42 48, mail: [email protected] or Prof. dr. Wim Van Dooren, tel.: +32 16 32 57 55, mail: [email protected] .
You can apply for this job no later than 30/05/2024 via the online application tool

Work Location(s)

Number of offers available

1

Company/Institute

KU Leuven

Country

Belgium

State/Province

Vlaams Brabant

City

Leuven

Postal Code

3000

Street

Leuven

Geofield

Where to apply

Website

https://easyapply.jobs/r/Yk34tcY21Gk9BY1vXcNU

Contact

State/Province

Leuven

City

Vlaams Brabant

Street

Leuven

Postal Code

3000

STATUS: EXPIRED