Postdoctoral Scholar in Physics Education Research

APPLICATION INSTRUCTIONS:

• CURRENT PENN STATE EMPLOYEE (faculty, staff, technical service, or student), please login to Workday to complete the internal application process. Please do not apply here, apply internally through Workday.

• CURRENT PENN STATE STUDENT (not employed previously at the university) and seeking employment with Penn State, please login to Workday to complete the student application process. Please do not apply here, apply internally through Workday.

• If you are NOT a current employee or student, please click “Apply” and complete the application process for external applicants.

Approval of remote and hybrid work is not guaranteed regardless of work location. For additional information on remote work at Penn State, see Notice to Out of State Applicants.

This is a term position; length of the term will be discussed during the interview process. Continuation past the term length discussed will be based on university need, performance, and/or availability of funding.

POSITION SPECIFICS

The Department of Physics at The Pennsylvania State University invites applications for a Postdoctoral Scholar position in physics education research. The anticipated start date is January 2027, with some flexibility.

The successful candidate will join a group that studies how to improve teaching and learning in physics and other STEM disciplines, from introductory courses through graduate education.  Current projects include studies of an AI-tutor developed and used in Penn State courses, measurement of tutoring quality and its effect on student learning, self-regulated learning, assessment practices and change in undergraduate and graduate programs. The specific research agenda will be developed collaboratively, with opportunities to pursue new directions based on the candidate's interests and expertise.

Required Qualifications

• Ph.D. in Physics, Physics Education Research, learning sciences, educational psychology or a related discipline-based education research field by the appointment start date
• Demonstrated ability to conduct independent research and communicate research findings
• Experience with quantitative and/or qualitative education research methods

Preferred Qualifications

Experience and particular interest in using AI technologies in education and/or research.

Application Instructions

Applicants should submit a curriculum vitae, a cover letter describing their research interests and relevant experience and contact information for three professional references. Review of applications will begin 11/16 and continue until the position is filled. Applications must be submitted through Penn State's official employment website.

BACKGROUND CHECKS/CLEARANCES

Employment with the University will require successful completion of background check(s) in accordance with University policies.

BENEFITS

Penn State provides a competitive benefits package for full-time employees designed to support both personal and professional well-being.

For more detailed information, please visit our Benefits Page. (Note: For Postdoctoral benefits, please see our Postdoctoral Benefits page.)

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