Job Title

Discipline-Based Education Research (Chemistry), Postdoctoral Research Assistant

Department

Chemistry

University Expectation

MTSU seeks candidates committed to innovative teaching and meaningful service. We also seek to attract culturally and academically diverse faculty who value working with diverse students.

Salary

The salary is $60,000 per year and includes a full benefits package.

Job Summary/Basic Function

The Department of Chemistry at Middle Tennessee State University (MTSU) invites applicants for a 12-month, full-time Postdoctoral Research Assistant. This is a one-year appointment with the opportunity to renew one additional year, dependent on satisfactory performance. The start date for the position is May 1, 2025, but it can be negotiated based on the successful candidate's needs.

The successful candidate will aid in projects relating to science identity development within STEM learning environments. Possible project topics include investigating the impact of a learning assistant program on student science identity development as well as STEM identity development of first-generation students and the impact of mentorship within undergraduate and graduate school. Projects include both quantitative and qualitative data collection and analysis methods. Responsibilities include data collection and analysis, writing publications and presentations for Discipline-Based and STEM education research communities, and training and mentoring undergraduate and graduate researchers on necessary aspects of projects such as software use and overseeing analysis.

Required Education

A PhD in any relevant area (e.g., Discipline-Based Education Research (DBER), science education, learning sciences, psychology, etc.) is required.

Required Related Experience

Two years of experience on research projects in a relevant area (Discipline-Based Education Research, STEM education research, psychology, etc.) that demonstrate an interest in diversity, equity, and inclusion is required. Interest can be demonstrated by describing participation in organizations or groups supporting marginalized groups. If research skills can be transferred from a research project not directly related, describe how those research skills will be relevant to this position.

Other Desirables

Applicants with the following will receive special consideration.

• Demonstrated experience on projects relating to science identity.
• Demonstrated experience working on diversity, equity, and inclusion projects.
• Demonstrated experience working with marginalized populations.
• Demonstrated experience using critical frameworks for analysis.
• Proficiency with research software for both qualitative and quantitative analysis methods (e.g., R and MaxQDA).
• Strong written and oral communication skills.
• Demonstrated interest in mentoring students.

Documents Needed to Apply

To successfully apply, applicants must include a cover letter, curriculum vitae, and research statement (as appropriate to the discipline) during the online application process. NOTE: The applicant's cover letter should describe specific experiences highlighting why this position is appropriate for your area of expertise. In the research statement, the applicant should describe their current research interests and how this position will build research experience necessary for their current career goals.

Special Instruction to Applicants 

For more information about serving as a faculty member at Middle Tennessee State University, please visit our faculty recruitment webpage at https://mtsu.edu/facultyrecruitment/.

If you need help applying, please contact Mitzi Dunkley, Faculty Recruitment Specialist, at (615) 898-5128. If you have position-specific questions, please contact Katy Hosbein at Katy.Hosbein@mtsu.edu.

Application Review Date: 10/29/2024