APPLICATION WINDOW

Open date: October 9, 2023

Next review date: Friday, Dec 1, 2023 at 11:59pm (Pacific Time)
Apply by this date to ensure full consideration by the committee.

Final date: Sunday, Jun 30, 2024 at 11:59pm (Pacific Time)
Applications will continue to be accepted until this date, but those received after the review date will only be considered if the position has not yet been filled.

POSITION DESCRIPTION

The Department of Ecology and Evolutionary Biology at the University of California, Santa Cruz (UCSC) is seeking three postdoctoral fellows in Biology Education Research who will be supported by a National Science Foundation (NSF) Organizational grant (Award #2329523). The postdoctoral fellows will work in a collaborative team led by Professors Roxanne Beltran (see Beltran Lab), Erika Zavaleta (see Zavaleta Lab), and Robin Dunkin (see Dunkin Lab) as well as Project Scientist Lina Arcila Hernández (see https://linaarcila.weebly.com/).

The postdoctoral fellows will study the outcomes of field-based courses, programs and internships designed to provide diverse early-career undergraduate students with authentic research experiences in ecology, evolutionary and conservation biology. Potential research questions include: How does an intensive field-based program influence persistence in the sciences through research skills-building and/or opportunities to build community among peers and their mentors? What types and amounts of field-based immersion and overnight trips are necessary for a field course to close demographic gaps in major retention and enhance student success? During a 4-year college degree program, when does an inclusive inquiry-based field course or internship program most enhance retention, persistence and leadership of marginalized students?

Available datasets include: Historic and ongoing collection of quantitative and qualitative data from field-based courses and internship programs, as well as institutional data. In addition to undertaking high-impact projects and building professional skills in educational research, the cohort of postdoctoral fellows will gain extensive networking opportunities in a community centered around education and equity (see The Teaching and Learning Center).

We seek candidates with research experience in STEM education and/or field biology, including research on evidence-based and equitable teaching, and a strong track record of publishing and presenting findings. We welcome candidates who understand the barriers facing marginalized groups in higher education, STEM and/or field science. Members of groups underrepresented in STEM and those with degrees from or experience at Minority Serving Institutions (MSIs) are especially encouraged to apply. We welcome candidates with experience building equity, diversity and inclusion in teaching, mentoring and other professional activities.

Applicants with the following are strongly encouraged to apply:

• Experience with field-based teaching or the study of field-based teaching.
• Track record of STEM education research publications.
• Experience with one or more of multivariate statistical analyses, qualitative analysis, big data wrangling, R coding.
• Evidence of formal professional development in the science of teaching, evidence-based pedagogy or equivalent.
• Experience in course design or analysis of learning outcomes.

APPLICATION REQUIREMENTS
All documents and materials must be submitted as PDFs and should be uploaded to this Google Form. Questions about the position can be sent to Roxanne Beltran (roxanne@ucsc.edu) and Lina Arcila Hernandez (larcilah@ucsc.edu). Please refer to Position #JPF01642 in all correspondence.

Required Documents/Materials

• Cover Letter: Briefly summarize qualifications, interest in the position, and career goals.
• Curriculum Vitae: Please include a list of publications and three professional references along with their contact information. We will contact the references of those applicants who are under serious consideration.
• Research Statement: two-page summary max of past and current education/field research. Contributions to diversity, equity, and inclusion may be included.

RECRUITMENT PERIOD
Full consideration will be given to applications completed by December 1, 2023. Applications received after this date will be considered only if the position has not been filled.

QUALIFICATIONS

Basic qualifications (required at time of application)

Ph.D. (or equivalent foreign degree) in education, field biology, ecology, evolution, or a related field. Degree must be in hand no later than August 31, 2024 for employment beginning on September 1, 2024 and beyond.

Help contact: roxanne@ucsc.edu