The Ohio State University Department of Education and Department of
Physics are jointly seeking a postdoctoral fellow in physics education
research. The successful candidate will work on a project recently
funded by the National Science Foundation. This project will investigate
fundamental aspects of solving introductory-level synthesis physics
problems requiring a joint application of multiple concepts. We attempt
to explicate bottlenecks of student solving synthesis problems,
understand expert approaches to synthesis problems, and design
effective methods to improve student skills in solving such problems.
The candidate’s responsibilities primarily include working in
collaboration with physics and education faculty to design effective
research plans, strategies and instructional materials, implementing
empirical studies in physics education, performing qualitative and/or
quantitative data analysis, and publishing research results in prime
physics/science education journals. The candidate will also have the
opportunity to work closely with the faculty in both departments to
advise graduate and undergraduate students, manage project-related
activities, and participate in classroom teaching and curriculum
development.
Qualifications: Candidates must have a Ph.D. degree by the time of
employment in physics education research/science education research or
a closely related field. A strong disciplinary background in physics or
closely related areas is required. Experience in the research topics of
student conceptual understanding, problem solving and reasoning is
preferred. The candidate will also have strong interpersonal and
communicative skills, a high sense of responsibility, and the ability to
initiate and complete research projects.
The position is a twelve-month appointment and is renewable for a
second year contingent upon performance and the availability of funds.
Preference will be given to those who can start as soon as possible,
including applicants available in Summer/Autumn 2014. Candidates
should submit a letter of application, curriculum vitae including a list of
publications, summary of research accomplishments, a brief description
of research interests, and at least three letters of recommendation to:
Prof. Lin Ding (Department of Teaching and Learning, The Ohio State
University, Columbus, OH 43210, email: ding.65@osu.edu) Electronic
submissions welcome at https://www.jobsatosu.com/ refer to posting
number 378959 (10/142013-10/20/2013).
Review of applications will begin November 15 and continue until the
position is filled. Women and minority candidates are especially
encouraged to apply. The Ohio State University is an Equal Opportunity
/ Affirmative Action Employer.