Position Description

Cornell University Revolutionizing Engineering Departments Postdoctoral Associate in Engineering Education Research

The Robert Frederick Smith School of Chemical and Biomolecular Engineering (CBE) is seeking a highly motivated and talented individual to join our NSF-sponsored Revolutionizing Engineering Department (RED) grant team as a Postdoctoral Associate in Engineering Education Research. This position is part of an exciting project aimed at enabling and examining a cultural shift within the School toward a “living laboratory” ecosystem. A living laboratory ecosystem is a culture that values and rewards students, faculty, and staff for asking new questions, testing innovative approaches, embracing failure as a learning opportunity, and continuously enhancing our knowledge and methods to tackle local, national, and global challenges.

The postdoctoral associate will work directly with both Professor Allison Godwin, a tenured engineering education faculty member in CBE, and Professor Alexandra Coso Strong, a tenured engineering education faculty member in CBE and the Systems Engineering Program. The lived experiences engaging in this change effort and the impacts of the change will be studied using both qualitative and quantitative methods to understand how change occurs and provide an evidence-based model for implementing similar changes more broadly. The position target start date is no later than June 1, 2026 with preference for a candidate who can start in Fall 2025 or Spring 2026.

Responsibilities include:

• Coordinate implementation efforts with a team of chemical engineering faculty excited to transform the content, assessment, and pedagogy within the R.F. Smith School.
• Collect and analyze data on the lived experiences of those engaging in the project and the impact of these changes using various research methods, such as surveys, interviews, and observations.
• Contribute to the preparation of research reports and scholarly publications.
• Present research findings at conferences and seminars.
• Assist in the supervision and mentoring of graduate and undergraduate students involved in the project.

Requirements:

•          Ph.D. in Engineering Education, STEM Education, Engineering, or a related field.
•          Demonstrated expertise in quantitative and qualitative research methods.
•          Experience with human subjects data collection, analysis, and interpretation.
•          Excellent oral and written communication skills.
•          Ability to work independently as well as collaboratively within a research team.

Application Procedure:

1. A cover letter that describes the interest in this position, desired goals for the postdoc, alignment of the candidate’s expertise with position requirements, and anticipated start date. 

2. Candidate CV, including publication list and date of Ph.D. graduation, and listing the Ph.D. advisor’s name. If not yet graduated, please note the estimated date for graduation. Font size should be no smaller than 11pt.

3. Names of 2-3 recommenders that may be contacted as a reference after initial screening.

Application submissions as well as additional information on pay range can be found: https://academicjobsonline.org/ajo/jobs/30625

Review of applications will begin immediately and continue until the position is filled.

Diversity and Inclusion are a part of Cornell University's heritage with the founding principle, established by Ezra Cornell in 1868, “I would found an institution where any person can find instruction in any study.” We are a recognized employer and educator valuing AA/EEO, Protected Veterans and Individuals with Disabilities. We encourage applications from individuals of all backgrounds and experiences.

If you have other questions or comments, please contact:

Allison Godwin, R.F. School of Chemical and Biomolecular Engineering, Cornell University Ithaca, NY 14853 Email: afg64@cornell.edu

Alexandra Coso Strong, R.F. School of Chemical and Biomolecular Engineering, Cornell University Ithaca, NY 14853 Email: acs386@cornell.edu

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Employment Assistance:

For specific questions about the position or application process, please contact the Recruiter listed in the job posting or for general questions email mycareer@cornell.edu.

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EEO Statement:

Diversity and Inclusion are a part of Cornell University’s heritage. We are a recognized employer and educator valuing AA/EEO, and we do not tolerate discrimination based on any protected characteristic, including race, ethnic or national origin, citizenship and immigration status, color, sex/gender, pregnancy or pregnancy-related conditions, age, creed, religion, actual or perceived disability (including persons associated with such a person), arrest and/or conviction record, military or veteran status, sexual orientation, gender expression and/or identity, an individual’s genetic information, domestic violence victim status, familial status, marital status, or any other characteristic protected by applicable federal, state, or local law. We also recognize a lawful preference in employment practices for Native Americans living on or near Indian reservations in accordance with applicable law. 

Cornell University embraces diversity and seeks candidates who will contribute to a climate that supports students, faculty, and staff to all identities and backgrounds. We encourage individuals from underrepresented and/or marginalized identities to apply.

Pay Ranges:

The hiring rate of pay for the successful candidate will be determined considering the following criteria:

• Prior relevant work or industry experience.
• Education level to the extent education is relevant to the position.
• Academic Discipline.
• Unique applicable skills.