Post-Doc Research Associate

University of North Carolina, United States

Updated: about 2 years ago
Location: Chapel Hill, NORTH CAROLINA
Job Type: FullTime
Deadline: ; ;

Posting Information
Department School of Education - 340100
Posting Open Date 12/20/2021
Application Deadline
Open Until Filled Yes
Position Type Postdoctoral Scholar
Position Title Post-Doc Research Associate
Vacancy ID PDS003310
Full-time/Part-time Full-Time Temporary
Hours per week 40
FTE 1
Work Location Chapel Hill, NC
Position Location North Carolina, US
Hiring Range Salary is commensurate with experience
Proposed Start Date
Estimated Duration of Appointment 12 Months

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, Chapel Hill (UNC-CH) seeks to hire a postdoctoral scholar for a new NIH-supported project: Iterative Design to Engage All (IDEA) Learners.
In partnership with Dr. Kelly Ryoo from the UNC School of Education, this five-year project led by researchers at the UNC Institute for the Environment, seeks to build the capacity of grades 9-12 STEM teachers to introduce current biomedical science and careers to their students.
Using design thinking, the project will engage high school STEM teachers in iterative design processes of developing, testing, and revising curricula that incorporate current research on emerging contaminants (specifically, per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances or PFAS) to increase their students’ awareness of and interest in biomedical research careers.
The postdoctoral scholar will join our multidisciplinary collaboration to explore:
* how engaging teachers in iterative design processes can help them develop their content knowledge and self-efficacy for incorporating current biomedical science into instruction;
* how the curricula will support high school students, particularly those from underrepresented groups, in developing awareness of and interest in biomedical research careers.
Candidates with well-developed theoretical and disciplinary skills related to equity are encouraged to apply, as are those with experience creating inclusive STEM learning environments, especially those who identify as members of groups that are underrepresented in STEM.
The postdoctoral scholar will serve as a general project manager to oversee day-to-day operation of the design-based research program and be involved in all aspects of the project. The scholar will 1) contribute to a professional development (PD) institute, focusing on design thinking for STEM teachers, (2) support teachers with pilot testing and revision of project materials, and (3) conduct design-based research using mixed methods.
Job activities will include:
* Co-lead and co-facilitate an annual design PD institute for participating teachers;
* Design, collect, analyze, and report on both qualitative and quantitative data from teacher interviews, surveys, field notes, and observations in collaboration with the various members of the project team;
* Manage data collection across school sites and coordinate tasks and personnel needed to accomplish project goals;
* Collaborate with the team to disseminate research and project findings;
* Mentor graduate and undergraduate students.
This position is a full-time appointment for 12 months, renewable for up to two years, pending available funding and satisfactory performance.
We can hire for this position beginning immediately but the start date is negotiable. If you have questions about the position, please contact Dr. Kihyun “Kelly” Ryoo ([email protected] ).
Minimum Education and Experience Requirements
A PhD in learning sciences, science education, teacher education, STEM education, or a related field.  
Required Qualifications, Competencies, and Experience
·         Ph.D. in learning sciences, science education, teacher education, STEM education, or a related field
·         Knowledge in design-based research, design thinking, teacher education, or related areas
·         Mixed methods research skills, including qualitative and quantitative data analysis
Preferred Qualifications, Competencies, and Experience
·         Prior research experience in science education and/or teacher education
·         Experience working with practicing science teachers (especially high school teachers)
·         Experience teaching science in public schools, preferably in the high school grades
·         Strong ability to communicate effectively with researchers, teachers, and other school 
 personnel
Special Physical/Mental Requirements
Special Instructions
For information on UNC Postdoctoral Benefits and Services click here
Quick Link https://unc.peopleadmin.com/postings/218426

Department Contact Name and Title Dr. Kelly Ryoo, Associate Professor
Department Contact Telephone or Email [email protected]
Postdoctoral Affairs Contact Information

If you experience any problems accessing the system or have questions about the application process, please contact the University’s Equal Employment Opportunity office at (919) 966-3576 or send an email to [email protected].

Please note: The Equal Employment Opportunity office will not be able to provide specific updates regarding position or application status.
Equal Opportunity Employer Statement
The University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill is an equal opportunity and affirmative action employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to age, color, disability, gender, gender expression, gender identity, genetic information, race, national origin, religion, sex, sexual orientation, or status as a protected veteran.

Similar Positions