What are the responsibilities and job description for the Postdoctoral Research Fellow - Science Education & Learning Sciences (Kaput Cent position at UMass Dartmouth?
The Kaput Center for STEM Education and Innovation at the University of Massachusetts Dartmouth invites applications for a Postdoctoral Research Fellow to join a multi-institutional project focused on professional learning in science education. This collaborative research initiative seeks to advance transformative teaching practices through innovative, data-driven approaches across a range of educational settings.
We are seeking a dynamic and interdisciplinary scholar with expertise in science education and/or the learning sciences, and demonstrated experience with NetLogo or similar agent-based modeling tools. The successful candidate will join a vibrant research team including Dr. Shakhnoza Kayumova, Dr. Walter Stroup, Dr. Kathryn Strom, and Dr. Fikile Nxumalo.
Key Responsibilities:
- Conduct design-based research on professional learning in science education.
- Support the development and analysis of NetLogo-based learning environments and simulations.
- Collaborate on data collection, analysis (qualitative and/or mixed methods), and dissemination.
- Contribute to scholarly publications, conference presentations, and community-engaged scholarship.
- Engage with partners across multiple institutions and educational contexts.
- Work with and support doctoral students
Minimum Qualifications:
- Ph.D. in Science Education, Learning Sciences, or a closely related field (completed by start date).
- Demonstrated research experience in science education and/or learning sciences.
- Proficiency with NetLogo or similar platforms for agent-based modeling.
- Strong collaborative, organizational, and communication skills.
Preferred Qualifications:
- Familiarity with teacher professional development or professional learning research.
- Familiarity with sociocultural frameworks.
- Background in computational or systems thinking in educational settings.
Position Details:
- Location: University of Massachusetts Dartmouth (Kaput Center)
- Start Date: Fall 2025 (flexible)
- Appointment: 12-month position, renewable based on performance and funding
Join us in this exciting opportunity to work at the intersection of research, practice, and justice-oriented STEM education.
SALARY: $60,000-$65,000
UMass Dartmouth offers exciting benefits such as:
- 75% Employer-Paid Health Insurance
- Flexible Spending Accounts
- Life Insurance
- Long Term Disability
- State Pension Retirement Plan
- Optional Retirement Savings Plans
- Tuition Credit (Employee, Spouse, & Dependents)
- Twelve (12) paid holidays
- Paid personal, vacation, and sick time
- And More!
Benefits for Non-Unit Professional: Non-Unit Professional
Applicants must be authorized for employment in the U.S. on a full-time basis. Employment-based visa sponsorship is not available.
To apply please submit a letter of interest, a current CV and the contact information for three professional references.
The review of applications will be immediate and ongoing until the position is filled.
Salary : $60,000 - $65,000
