College of Basic and Applied Sciences (STEM Education Research), Postdoctoral Research Fellow

Job Title

College of Basic and Applied Sciences (STEM Education Research), Postdoctoral Research Fellow

Department

Tennessee STEM Education Center

University Expectation

MTSU seeks candidates committed to innovative teaching and meaningful service. We also seek to attract culturally and academically diverse faculty who value working with diverse students.

Salary

The salary is commensurate with education and experience.

Job Summary

Middle Tennessee State University invites applications for a 12-month, full-time postdoctoral research fellow (#K87010) in STEM education research. This position offers a unique opportunity to engage in impactful, collaborative studies at the intersection of education and the sciences. The start date is as early as June 15, 2025. The initial appointment is for one year with the possibility of extension for one additional year, depending on continued interest, performance, and available funding.

About the Role

Under the mentorship of Drs. Gregory Rushton and Grant Gardner, the successful candidate will contribute to a thriving STEM education research community at MTSU, collaborating with:

• The Interdisciplinary Mathematics and Sciences Education Ph.D. Program
• The Tennessee STEM Education Center
• The College of Education

In this cross-departmental environment, you will engage with faculty, students, administrators, and professional staff while making meaningful contributions to STEM education research.

Funded Projects

Backed by the National Science Foundation, you will lead research efforts on two groundbreaking projects:

1. Uncovering Biology Department Cultural Commitments to Graduate Student Teaching Professional Development (PI Gardner, ECR – 50% time) https://www.nsf.gov/awardsearch/showAward?AWD_ID=2300999&HistoricalAwards=false
2. Developing Leaders in Education to Advance Data Science (LEADS) Learning in Middle School STEM Classrooms (PI Rushton, Noyce – 50% time) https://www.nsf.gov/awardsearch/showAward?AWD_ID=2345138&HistoricalAwards=false

Your role will be tailored to the needs of each project and your expertise, ensuring a dynamic and rewarding experience.

Key Responsibilities

• Build and maintain partnerships with organizational units engaged in research and mentorship
• Develop methodologies suited for interdisciplinary STEM education studies
• Conduct both quantitative and qualitative data collection and analysis in collaboration with PIs and research teams
• Work alongside advisory boards to refine study approaches and enhance impact
• Present empirical findings at conferences and contribute to peer-reviewed journal publications

You will also have the option to gain experience in mentored teaching, grant writing, leadership development, and presenting at national conferences, tailored to your professional interests.

Required Education

A terminal degree in STEM education research, discipline-based education research, the learning sciences, or a closely related field is required by the appointment date.

Other Desirables

Applicants with the following will receive special consideration.

• Experience collaborating on interdisciplinary STEM Education Research teams
• Passion for mentoring undergraduate and graduate students
• Expertise in mixed methods research, social network analysis (SNA), and/or qualitative methodologies
• Ability to manage multiple assignments
• Commitment to interpersonal and professional development in interdisciplinary teams

If you are ready to make a lasting impact in STEM education research, apply today and join a dynamic network of scholars and educators driving innovation at MTSU!

Documents Needed to Apply

To successfully apply, applicants must include a cover letter, curriculum vitae, and statement of research as separate attachments at the time of online application.

Special Instruction to Applicants

For more information about serving as a faculty member at Middle Tennessee State University, please visit our faculty recruitment webpage at https://mtsu.edu/facultyrecruitment/.

If you need help applying, please contact Mitzi Dunkley, Faculty Recruitment Specialist, at (615) 898-5128. If you have position-specific questions, please contact Gregory Rushton at [email protected].

MTSU offers a comprehensive benefits package, including but not limited to the following:

• Sick Leave
• Vacation Leave for Administrative/Classified Staff/12-month Faculty
• 13 paid University holidays
• Medical, dental, vision, and life insurance
• Retirement plans
• Optional 401K and 403B Deferred Compensation Plans
• Educational benefits for the employee and their spouse and dependents

Click here for additional information.

MTSU is an equal opportunity, affirmative action employer that values diversity in all its forms. Women, minorities, individuals with disabilities, and protected veterans are encouraged to apply.

Proof of U.S. citizenship or eligibility for U.S. employment is required before employment (Immigration Control Act of 1986). Clery Act crime statistics for MTSU are available at https://w1.mtsu.edu/police/annual-security-report.php or by contacting MTSU Public Safety at (615) 898-2424.

MTSU is a Tobacco & Drug-Free campus.

This position requires a criminal background check. Therefore, you will be required to provide information about your criminal history to be considered.

For individuals requiring reasonable accommodation to apply: In compliance with the Americans with Disabilities Act Amendments Act (ADAAA), if you have a disability and would like to request an accommodation to apply for a position with MTSU,

please call 615-898-2929 or email [email protected].

Application Review Date: 06/02/2025

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