Position Description

Applications are invited for an Active Learning Initiative post-doctoral fellow in the Department of Physics at Cornell University. The successful candidate will participate in a project to evaluate and redesign the introductory physics for life sciences (IPLS) courses in the department.

Job description:

The successful candidate will participate as a postdoc in Cornell University’s Active Learning Initiative. The Active Learning runs a yearly department grant competition that awards 3-year grants to support department projects to transform courses. The majority of the funding supports postdocs who collaborate with faculty on designing and implementing course changes. Ultimately, these grants aim to improve instruction based on evidence-based teaching practices and promote widespread change in teaching culture.

The Cornell Physics ALI grant will focus on the evaluation and redesign of the Cornell Physics IPLS courses. The successful candidate will work with the department chair, PER faculty member Prof. Natasha Holmes, and a team of faculty instructors and advisors to (a) evaluate the current courses and identify areas for improvement, (b) review best practices in the physics education research (PER) literature and at other institutions, (c) design revised instructional strategies and materials for the Cornell IPLS courses, (d) support instructors to implement those revised materials, and (e) assess the effectiveness of the new materials.

The successful candidate will be integrated into the Cornell Physics Education Research Lab (led by Prof. Natasha Holmes) and the broader discipline-based education research community at Cornell, which includes faculty, postdocs, and students across physics, biology, engineering, and other STEM fields. They will also be integrated into the Active Learning Initiative program, including professional development and training with other postdocs in the program.

Logistics:

Employer: Cornell University

Location: Ithaca, NY

Start date: Summer 2024

Salary: Starting salary of $65,000 + benefits. Relocation and research funding assistance provided. 

Time commitment: Full-time

Length of appointment: Annual contracts with renewal for up to three years

Preferred qualifications include any of the following:

·         Ph.D. in any area of physics.

·         Familiarity with active learning strategies and awareness of physics education research literature.

·         Ability and desire to work both independently and collaboratively, including to liaison with faculty.

·         Project leadership, time management, communication, and writing skills.

·         Exposure to research on IPLS courses an asset, but not required.

·         Enthusiasm to learn new methods, bodies of literature, etc.

To apply:

Submit a CV, cover letter, and a brief statement of interest including relevant background and experiences, as well as the names and email or phone contacts of three professional references through the Academic Jobs Online portal.

Please also contact Prof. Holmes with any questions (ngholmes@cornell.edu).

Diversity and inclusion are a part of Cornell University's heritage. We are a recognized employer and educator valuing AA/EEO, Protected Veterans, and Individuals with Disabilities.

Cornell University's history of diversity and inclusion encourages all students, faculty and staff to support a diverse and inclusive university in which to work, study, teach, research and serve. No person shall be denied employment on the basis of any legally protected status or subjected to prohibited discrimination involving, but not limited to, such factors as race, ethnic or national origin, citizenship and immigration status, color, sex, 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. 

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 strongly encourage individuals from underrepresented and/or marginalized identities to apply. Qualified protected veterans as defined in the Vietnam Era Veterans’ Readjustment Assistance Act (VEVRRA) and qualified disabled individuals with disabilities under Section 503 of the Rehabilitation Act have rights in the application process and in employment under federal law. We also recognize a lawful preference in employment practices for Native Americans living on or near Indian reservations in accordance with applicable law.