The School of Natural Resources at the University of Nebraska-Lincoln (UNL) is searching for a full time post-doctoral position in science education research. The research is in the context of a large-enrollment general science class called Science and Decision-making for a Complex World. The course is an introductory course required for all majors in the College of Agricultural Sciences and Natural Resources at UNL. The goal of the course is to foster science literacy as students practice decisions about socioscientific issues, which involve facets of both science and society (e.g., economics, politics, and values ethics), such as water, energy resources, conservation of biodiversity, food production and medicine. The course uses decision-making tools based on established research in the decision-sciences and science education fields.
The successful applicant will develop independent research in the course and support on-going NSF-funded projects with a collaborative team. A research focus could include: 1) understanding student challenges in decision-making and socioscientific argumentation, 2) evaluating innovative pedagogical approaches, in particular, to support civic engagement through experiential learning or 3) developing assessment tools for evaluating the quality of student decision-making. On-going data collection includes students’ written work during structured decision-making about SSIs related to food, energy, water and conservation, student interviews and other qualitative and quantitative assessments. Additionally, the post-doctoral researcher will be expected to teach 2 courses per academic year, participate in curriculum development and administrative duties associated with the course.
Candidates should have a PhD in science education research or in a science field (ecological, earth science, biological, environmental or agricultural areas are most relevant) with significant experience in science education research. The ideal candidate will have experience working in undergraduate science education research, have strong quantitative and qualitative research skills and teaching experience. The candidate must have experience working with diverse groups, strong verbal and written communication and excellent organizational abilities.
The post-doctoral position is a one-year (12 month) appointment starting in 2022, possibly renewable for up to 3 years, with a starting salary of $50,000, including benefits. To apply send a cover letter, CV and contact information for three references to Jenny Dauer at jenny.dauer@unl.edu. The position will remain open until filled, is available immediately and ideally starts by the beginning of August.