The UNC Institute for the Environment has a multifaceted mission: (1) To strengthen environmental research capacity across UNC by supporting a multi-disciplinary community of scholars that enhances collaboration, increases sharing of knowledge, and identifies solutions to the world's critical environmental problems. (2) To work in partnership across UNC and with external partners to coordinate and deliver 21st century educational programs that provide students with the experience and skills to thrive in a growing global economy. (3) To put new environmental knowledge into action by engaging and serving communities, here in North Carolina and around the world. (4) To fuel and harness the university's sustainability activities through the Sustainable Carolina Initiative

The Center for Public Engagement with Science in the UNC Institute for the Environment seeks a postdoctoral research associate to begin as soon as April 1, 2023. This position will support curriculum development and teacher professional development activities associated with an NIH-supported project: Iterative Design to Engage All (IDEA) Learners. This project, led by Dr. Kathleen Gray and Dana Haine, seeks to build the capacity of grades 9-12 STEM teachers to introduce current biomedical science and careers to their students. Using design thinking, participating teachers and scientists will incorporate research on emerging contaminants (specifically, per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances or PFAS) into curricula and professional development. While IDEA Learners will be the primary focus of this position, we anticipate involvement in other curriculum development and teacher professional development initiatives, based on our funding portfolio.

Throughout this multi-year project, the postdoctoral research associate, along with the project team, will explore the extent to which engaging teachers in iterative design processes with scientists influences content knowledge and science teaching efficacy beliefs. The postdoctoral research associate will participate in mixed-methods research and will have opportunities to further develop their qualitative research and evaluation skills. They will contribute to curriculum development and professional development programming, support pilot testing and revision of project materials, and will serve as study coordinator. They also will mentor undergraduate students and research support staff.

The postdoctoral research associate will work alongside project staff, biomedical scientists in the UNC Gillings School of Global Public Health and other UNC system schools, and science education researchers in the UNC School of Education and NC State University College of Education. The postdoctoral research associate will be included in trainee professional development activities sponsored by the UNC Center for Environmental Health and Susceptibility and affiliated departments, including seminar series. Funding is available to support presentation of research outcomes at relevant conferences and publication of articles in relevant journals.

This Center for Public Engagement with Science (CPES) is an informal science education and community engagement hub within the UNC Institute for the Environment. CPES also is affiliated with the UNC Center for Environmental Health and Susceptibility and the UNC Superfund Research Program.

Ph.D. in science education, environmental social science, or a STEM discipline relevant to the project foci (including biology, biomedical sciences, environmental health sciences, public health) or a related field.

Applicants must have experience teaching science and conducting mixed methods science education research. Excellent written, oral, and interpersonal communication skills, including writing and editing instructional units and inquiry-based lesson plans, are required.

Experience teaching secondary life science courses (biology, biomedical science, AP/IB Biology) in grades 9-12 STEM classrooms. Experience developing curricula aligned to the NC Science Essential Standards (or equivalent). Experience integrating research data into STEM instruction and curricula. Candidates who identify as members of groups that are underrepresented in STEM careers are especially encouraged to apply.

For information on UNC Postdoctoral Benefits and Services

If you experience any problems accessing the system or have questions about the application process, please contact the University's Equal Employment Opportunity office at (919) 966-3576 or send an email to equalopportunity@unc.edu.

Please note: The Equal Employment Opportunity office 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.