About the Department:

The Quantum Science and Engineering Center (QSEC) at George Mason University supports the exploration of high-risk high-reward ideas in quantum science and engineering by fostering a collaborative, interdisciplinary, community-focused environment. The mission of the center is to adopt a transdisciplinary approach to advance research and education in quantum computing and algorithms, quantum materials for next-generation technologies, and quantum-enhanced sensing modalities from elementary through graduate school. These efforts provide a unique environment for graduate students, undergraduate students, and postdoctoral researchers to make transformative contributions to quantum technology and education.

George Mason University, a Carnegie Research I institution, is Virginia's largest and most diverse university with more than 39,000 students representing all 50 states and more than 135 countries. Located in Fairfax, Virginia, Mason is part of the Washington DC metropolitan area offering easy access to the scientific and political resources of the nation’s capital.

George Mason University College of Science (Mason Science) is committed to advancing access, justice, equity, diversity, and inclusion (AJEDI) throughout our STEM community, including within our hiring and retention practices. At Mason Science, our values include fostering an organizational culture that promotes Anti-Racism, belonging, respect, and civility. We believe that a diversity of opinions, cultures, and perspectives is what provides vibrancy, innovation and growth to an academic community. By prioritizing inclusive excellence in academics, teaching, research, and global engagement, we strive to attract a diverse pool of faculty and staff who exemplify the Mason Science mission and vision.

About the Position:

Quantum Education Research for Social Transformation Fellowship will prepare recent doctoral graduates to become leaders in STEM education and workforce development research. Prior knowledge of physics or quantum science is not required for this position. The program is designed to enhance fellows’ research skills and build their understanding of convergence research through a cohort research project on creating a diverse and equitable quantum workforce. We will foster fellows’ post-academic growth and career readiness by providing wrap-around support (e.g., career guidance, mentorship, professional development workshops, access to leaders in related disciplines) of their development as leaders in this field.

This fellowship program has four key goals: (1) launch the careers and individual research programs of three recent doctoral recipients with different personal (e.g., belonging to historically minoritized and marginalized populations, experiencing intersectional identities, possessing diverse lived experiences), disciplinary, and research backgrounds; (2) support the use of a convergence approach to quantum education and workforce development research through a cohort research model that contributes to the establishment of a diverse and equitable quantum workforce; (3) advance access, justice, equity and inclusion (AJEDI) in STEM education through transdisciplinary research projects that are part of the fellowship; and (4) prepare the fellows to lead research projects based on their fellowship research experiences in their future careers.

Responsibilities:

• Develops and executes a research program, in collaboration with other fellows; and
• Builds research knowledge and skills through coursework, self-study, and work on existing projects in quantum education research. 

Required Qualifications:

• Terminal degree in a related field;
• Must have a PhD & experience with education and/or workforce development programs;
• Knowledge of data analysis techniques in at least one discipline;
• Excellent written and oral communication skills;
• Ability to work in a collaborative team environment; and
• Ability to work independently.

Preferred Qualifications:

• PhDs can be in STEM disciplines, education, or a field of social science with application to increasing equity and inclusion in STEM education and workforce development;
• Knowledge of quantitative, qualitative, and mixed methods data analysis as it applies to education research data; and 
• Knowledge of social science and/or STEM education research methods and how they apply to understanding barriers to success for underrepresented groups in STEM disciplines.

Instructions to Applicants: 

For full consideration, applicants must apply for Postdoctoral Research Fellow at https://jobs.gmu.edu/. Complete and submit the online application to include three professional references with contact information, and provide;

• Cover letter
• CV
• Research statement that describes previous and current research, future research interests, and how your research interests and expertise can contribute to building a more accessible, just, equitable, diverse, and inclusive STEM workforce
• Unofficial transcript
• If applicable, the month and year your PhD will be awarded.

Posting Open Date: December 17, 2024

For Full Consideration, Apply by:  February 16, 2025

Open Until Filled:  Yes