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The School of Education at the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill invites applications for a postdoctoral position in Informal Learning in Science Education. This is a full-time research position supported by an NSF Award. The successful candidate would join a team intent on developing and researching effects of curricular learning supports for educators and students associated with interactive museum exhibits.

The postdoctoral researcher will coordinate efforts between researchers in Learning Sciences/Science Education and Morehead Planetarium and Science Center (MPSC). The candidate will help Learning Sciences/Science Education researchers study, using a design-based research approach, school-aged children's and educators' engagement with MPSC exhibits, and contribute to the development and testing of curricular resources. The candidate will play a central role in the collection and analysis of structured and unstructured data from museum visitors' interactions with exhibits. Examples of potential scholarship include research on student learning in informal environments; K-12 educator engagement with informal learning environments; and the impact of informal learning environments on the development of adolescents' science knowledge and identity. Additional details about the project scope can be found at DRL-AISL 1906686

The postdoctoral researcher will contribute to an established scope of work related to NSF Award DRL-AISL 1906686 including following a design-based research (DBR) approach to researching effects of museum visitors' interactions with exhibits and developing curricular learning resources aligned with MPSC exhibits. The postdoctoral researcher will (a) contribute to study design and implementation of research studies; (b) coordinate and carry out data collection at informal learning sites, contribute to the design, development, and testing of curricular resources; and (e) contribute to dissemination of project output to academic, higher education, and practitioner audiences. Opportunities to pursue or continue related academic activities are negotiable.

This position may be eligible for a hybrid work arrangement that may include a partially remote work location, consistent with System Office policy. UNC Chapel Hill employees are generally required to reside within a reasonable commuting distance of their assigned duty station.

Candidates must have an earned doctorate in Science Education, Learning Sciences, or closely related field; emerging record of scholarly productivity.

Successful candidates will provide evidence of a strong background in science education, learning sciences, or related field, a strong background in educational research methods, and effective communication and collaboration skills.

Experience with science educational research
Interest and/or experience in informal learning environments
Interest and/or experience in curricular or instructional design in science education

For information on UNC Postdoctoral Benefits and Services click here

If you experience any problems accessing the system or have questions about the application process, please contact the University's Office of Postdoctoral Affairs at (919) 962-9982 or send an email to opahr@unc.edu.

Please note: The Office of Postdoctoral Affairs will not be able to provide specific updates regarding position or application status.

The University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill is an equal opportunity and affirmative action employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to age, color, disability, gender, gender expression, gender identity, genetic information, race, national origin, religion, sex, sexual orientation, or status as a protected veteran.