Bioblogia.net

Postdoctoral Fellow
Michigan State University
Plant Biology Department

Applications are sought for a one-year, with possible extension for a second year, post- doctoral fellow to work on an NSF-funded grant, FIRST II: Faculty Institutes for Reforming Science Teaching. FIRST II is a National Dissemination project that provides opportunities for faculty and future faculty throughout the country to improve their teaching of science [www.first2.org]. Focused at biological field stations and marine laboratories, teams of scientists interact in a supportive environment where teaching and learning can be fully integrated into their professional culture. Faculty learn instructional practices and develop support systems designed to improve student learning and understanding of science.

The position is available in August 2004. Candidates should have a PhD in the life sciences and a strong interest in undergraduate education, with particular interest in developing credentials in teaching and learning that complement their expertise in scientific research. Demonstrated experience using web-based technologies and strong communication and organizational skills are desired.

The postdoctoral fellow will work with the PIs (Ebert-May and Hodder) and FIRST faculty from eight field stations nationally to develop, implement, evaluate, and assess effective instruction in undergraduate science courses. The successful candidate will have the opportunity to fully integrate scientific teaching into their research expertise by collaboratively teaching undergraduates in a large, introductory biology course and pursuing questions about the learning of science using appropriate research designs and methods.

Interested candidates are encouraged to apply. Please send a cover letter, CV, and names of three references to Dr. Diane Ebert-May, Plant Biology Department, 213 North Kedzie Lab, Michigan State University, East Lansing, MI 48824; or email materials to ebertmay@msu.edu.