Job Summary
The College of Science at the University of Utah invites applications for postdoc-level positions to support undergraduate research as part of its Science Research Initiative ( SRI ) while also carrying out their own independent research program and other professional development. The SRI is a unique program that focuses on providing students with authentic research experiences during their first and second years of undergraduate education ( https://science.utah.edu/sri/ ). The SRI Fellow position offers three years of training in mentorship and teaching, as well as the opportunity to develop high-impact undergraduate research experiences at an institution with a world-class research infrastructure and community. The SRI Fellows divide their time between teaching research courses, mentoring undergraduate students through research projects developed by the fellow , and working on their own research and professional development.
SRI Fellows are researchers from all scientific and mathematical backgrounds with PhDs in biology, chemistry, environmental science, mathematics, physics & astronomy, and related fields. This year, there is a particular emphasis on hiring fellows carrying out; evolutionary biology, molecular biology, or biochemistry research applied broadly. However, researchers outside these emphases are still highly encouraged to apply. The position is for three years, subject to review after one year. Start date is negotiable, but we have a preference for a June 1, 2024 start date. This position provides a starting salary of $59,000 per year, an annual research fund, benefits including retirement, along with discipline- and pedagogy-specific mentorship. Researchers interested in pursuing academic positions at primarily undergraduate institutions may be especially interested in this position.
To Apply
https://utah.peopleadmin.com/postings/155216
Candidates should highlight experience in or commitment to: undergraduate teaching; undergraduate mentorship; collaborating constructively with faculty, students, staff, and other SRI Fellows with diverse scientific interests; conceiving and executing complex projects, and supporting a diverse and inclusive learning environment.
To apply, candidates should submit (1) a cover letter (1 page), (2) a CV, (3) a research statement that outlines both your past accomplishments/experiences, as well as a description of your future research plans. This statement should include 2-3 research projects ideas that specifically address how novice undergraduates will engage with and benefit from working with you on these projects (2-3 pages total), (4) a teaching/mentorship statement with specific examples about how you work/intend to work to create inclusive classrooms and environments in which a diverse array of students can learn and thrive (1 page) (5) Please briefly describe how your work fits into the broader research landscape at the University of Utah (i.e. related research labs and or clubs/groups that would help support your research efforts) (1-2 paragraphs – use Applicant Document-Other upload option to add this statement) (6) contact information for three references who may be contacted following an initial review of applications.
Application review will begin December 6th, 2023. E-mail any questions to SRI@science.utah.edu.
Responsibilities
SRI Fellows will be responsible for designing research projects that will be implemented into research “streams” for new undergraduate students (see https://science.utah.edu/sri/research-streams/ for examples of current research streams) and teaching and supporting undergraduate courses associated with the SRI . This work includes teaching these research methods courses (both general and discipline-specific) and mentoring students through the research projects. They may also assist faculty PIs with research streams related to their area of interest, train teaching assistants, help manage student placement into streams, and help evaluate overall program outcomes. Fellows will receive training and mentoring in support of their unique professional goals.
Fellows will be supported in their effort to establish their own research programs, acquire additional pedagogical training and experiences, and/or other professional development activities, depending on their specific career goals. Fellows will be provided research space and essential support infrastructure, in addition to yearly funds, to support research activities and scholarship when aligned with the broad objectives of the SRI .
