Radford University invites applications for a Postdoctoral Teaching Fellow in the Department of Biology with an ideal start date of January 2018. This position is part of Radford University’s REALising Inclusive Science Excellence (REALISE), a Howard Hughes Medical Institute (HHMI) funded initiative.
Project: The overall goal of REALISE is to create an environment in Radford’s Biology, Chemistry, and Physics departments that is student-ready, welcoming and inclusive by embedding Maker projects into the curricula. REALISE will capitalize on Radford University’s nascent Maker movement which encourages individuals to collaborate, experiment, innovate and create solutions to real-world problems. The principles of Making share a great deal with the practice of science, including a willingness to experiment and invent, and investigative mindset and the need for collaboration. One example of a recent maker project in the Department of Biology is the SmartNest—a bird nest with sensors that allows our researchers to remotely collect microclimate data to avoid disturbing nestlings. REALISE also provides support for faculty and students as they become Makers. Faculty development will promote best practices for inclusive pedagogy. A student peer role-modeling program, led by students who have already established themselves as Makers, will help students develop a maker mindset. Position: The postdoctoral fellow will participate in faculty learning communities, entry- level course redesign, assessment of the REALISE project, and mentoring student peer role models. The position will include teaching responsibilities in the Department of Biology at Radford University. The work will be supervised most directly by Dr. Tara Phelps-Durr but will include close interactions with the Dean of the Artis College of Science and Technology, Dr. Orion Rogers, and other faculty and students from the Departments of Biology, Chemistry and Physics. Qualifications/Requirement: Applicants must have a Ph.D. in the biological sciences or a closely related field. Preference will be given to applicants with a strong interest in undergraduate STEM education as demonstrated by participation in professional development programs focused on teaching, experience with outreach, or authoring publications focused on undergraduate education. The successful candidate will be able to offer ideas for developing hands-on classroom activities and explain how these activities foster a more inclusive classroom environment. Benefits and Opportunities: This is an excellent opportunity for a recent Ph.D. with career interests in science education. The postdoctoral fellow will receive training and mentorship to develop the skills necessary to become an effective educator and a leader of STEM education reform. The successful candidate will collaborate with other faculty to create an inclusive learning environment by embedding hands-on projects into the curriculum that excite students and faculty, and foster innovation and creativity. This is also an excellent opportunity for a postdoctoral fellow to strengthen their investigative and scientific skills by cultivating their own maker mindset. Salary will be commensurate with experience, and includes Radford University’s competitive benefit package. This is a grant-funded position; the candidate will initially be hired for one year, with annual extensions possible contingent on performance and continued funding. Located in beautiful southwestern Virginia, Radford University is a comprehensive, midsize student-focused public university that offers its more than 9,500 students a diversity of outstanding academic programs. Renowned for teaching excellence and a focus on strong faculty/student bonds, the innovative use of technology in the learning environment, and a vibrant student life on a beautiful campus, Radford University offers many opportunities to engage both faculty and students in teaching, research and public service as scholars and citizens. We seek new colleagues with a passion for student success and willingness to contribute to our collegial intellectual community. More information can be found at http://www.radford.edu. Applicants must apply online at https://jobs.radford.edu/postings/5419. Review of applications will begin on October 30, 2017. All new hires to Radford University will be subject to E-Verify. E-Verify is administered by the U. S. Department of Homeland Security, USCIS - Verification Division and the Social Security Administration and allows participating employers to electronically verify employment eligibility. Radford University does not discriminate with regard to race, color, sex, sexual orientation, disability, age, veteran status, national origin, religion, or political affiliation in the administration of its educational programs, activities, admission or employment practices. Individuals with disabilities requiring accommodations in the application process should call (540) 831-5008 (voice) or (540) 831-5128 (TTY). If you need access to a computer, you may visit our office at 600 Tyler Avenue, Radford, Virginia, or the local Virginia Employment Commission. This contractor and subcontractor shall abide by the requirements of 41 CFR 60-300.5(a). This regulation prohibits discrimination against qualified protected veterans, and requires affirmative action by covered prime contractors and subcontractors to employ and advance in employment qualified protected veterans.
