Math Education Postdoctoral Fellow

About the Job

The Swenson College of Science and Engineering at the University of Minnesota Duluth (UMD) is hiring a Mathematics Education Postdoctoral Fellow to join a cohort of postdocs studying elements of student success as part of a college-wide transformation of curriculum and support programs. This is a two-year research and teaching position beginning immediately with teaching duties (one course per semester) in SCSE departments depending on candidate qualifications and departmental need. The remainder of the time will be engaged in performing STEM education research as described below. The initial appointment will be for two years with further appointments contingent upon performance and availability of funding.

Application review will begin on June 10th, 2024, and continue until the position is filled.

Job Duties

• Teaching (30%): Teach two courses annually (one per semester) in the assigned department(s), depending on qualifications. Develop course content as needed.

• Research (70%): Participate in ongoing STEM education research projects. Co-author and present research papers in peer-reviewed journals and conferences. Co-author grant proposals to internal and external agencies. Participate in collaborative meetings with internal and external faculty members. Supervise undergraduate and Master's students.

About the Projects

Over the next five years, we have the ambitious goal of integrating a classroom-based research, design, or other professional experience into the curriculum of every first year student in the college. Over time, we plan to vertically integrate these experiences through the entire undergraduate curriculum. To support our students and faculty through this transition, we also plan to develop bridge programs for student success in mathematics, expand our transfer student pathways and support programs, and support faculty through professional development and recognition.

As part of this postdoctoral research associate cohort, you will have the opportunity to build programs, design research studies, collect and analyze data from our 2700 undergraduate students, collaborate with your cohort and with mentors, participate in developing funding proposals, publish and present your work, and be a key player in the innovative and exciting transformation of a ten-department science and engineering curriculum. The expected teaching contribution will be one course per semester in the candidate's area of experience.

In this Mathematics Education position, you will develop effective math bridge programming that targets support towards specific populations identified in our institutional data. As foundational content for most of the degrees within the Swenson College of Science and Engineering, you will work with departments to design effective integration of math into the program curriculum to increase student success and persistence towards their degrees.

Additionally you will evaluate models of curriculum at other institutions and support faculty as they consider curricular changes based on your work. This position is ideal for candidates who are interested in program evaluation and assessment as a key component of improving student success.

This postdoctoral associates will be housed in the Dean's Office with mentoring support from Dean Wendy Reed, Associate Dean for Student Success Rachel Ellestad, and Education Program Specialist Anne Kruchten. The mentoring team will develop a mentoring plan that describes the strategy for the Fellow to develop the research, teaching, and mentorship skills necessary for a successful career. Please contact Anne Kruchten directly (akrucht@d.umn.edu) with questions about the position. We are interested in hiring a cohort of individuals who possess a variety of skill sets in quantitative, qualitative, and mixed methods analysis.

Qualifications

Required Qualifications

• An earned doctorate from a regionally accredited university in Mathematics, Statistics, or Mathematics Education

• Ability to teach undergraduate or graduate courses in STEM fields

Preferred Qualifications

• Highly motivated team player

• Passionate about teaching

• Fluent in spoken and written English with good writing skills

About the Department

Swenson College includes all the "STEM" disciplines (science, technology, engineering, math) at UMD.

The science departments include:

• Biology

• Chemistry & Biochemistry

• Earth & Environmental Sciences

• Mathematics & Statistics

• Physics & Astronomy

The engineering departments include:

• Chemical Engineering

• Civil Engineering

• Computer Science

• Electrical Engineering

• Mechanical & Industrial Engineering

We are the home of the:

• Large Lakes Observatory

• Iron Range Engineering Program

• Integrated Biosciences graduate program

• Water Resources Science graduate program

• Advanced Materials Center

• Air Force ROTC Aerospace Studies program

We also have close affiliations with the Natural Resources Research Institute (NRRI) and the Minnesota Sea Grant program.

With more than 3,200 undergraduate and 200 graduate students, Swenson College is the largest college at UMD and the third largest in the University of Minnesota system.

Benefits

Working at the University

At the University of Minnesota, you'll find a flexible work environment and supportive colleagues who are interested in lifelong learning. We prioritize work-life balance, allowing you to invest in the future of your career and in your life outside of work.

The University also offers a comprehensive benefits package that includes:

• Competitive wages, paid holidays, and generous time off

• Continuous learning opportunities through professional training and degree-seeking programs supported by the Regents Tuition Benefit Program

• Low-cost medical, dental, and pharmacy plans

• Healthcare and dependent care flexible spending accounts

• University HSA contributions

• Disability and employer-paid life insurance

• Employee wellbeing program

• Excellent retirement plans with employer contribution

• Public Service Loan Forgiveness (PSLF) opportunity

• Financial counseling services

• Employee Assistance Program with eight sessions of counseling at no cost

Please visit the Office of Human Resources website for more information regarding benefits.

How To Apply

Applications must be submitted online. To be considered for this position, please click the Apply button and follow the instructions. You will have the opportunity to complete an online application for the position and attach a cover letter and resume.

Additional documents may be attached after application by accessing your "My Job Applications" page and uploading documents in the "My Cover Letters and Attachments" section.

Complete applications include the online application, cover letter, and resume/CV, plus additional documents as follows:

• Contact information for three professional references,
• teaching/research philosophy, and
• diversity statement.

Even if you provide this information within the application, you must also attach the requested additional document(s). Please do not miss this important step in the application process.

Applications missing any of these documents may not be reviewed.

This position will remain open until filled.

To request an accommodation during the application process, please e-mail employ@umn.edu or call (612) 624-8647.

Diversity

The University recognizes and values the importance of diversity and inclusion in enriching the employment experience of its employees and in supporting the academic mission. The University is committed to attracting and retaining employees with varying identities and backgrounds.

The University of Minnesota provides equal access to and opportunity in its programs, facilities, and employment without regard to race, color, creed, religion, national origin, gender, age, marital status, disability, public assistance status, veteran status, sexual orientation, gender identity, or gender expression. To learn more about diversity at the U: http://diversity.umn.edu

Employment Requirements

Any offer of employment is contingent upon the successful completion of a background check. Our presumption is that prospective employees are eligible to work here. Criminal convictions do not automatically disqualify finalists from employment.

About the U of M

University of Minnesota, Duluth (UMD)

The University of Minnesota, Duluth (UMD) consistently ranks among the top Midwestern, regional universities in U.S. News and World Report's "America's Best Colleges" issue.

Overlooking Lake Superior, UMD provides an alternative to both large research and small liberal arts environments and attracts students looking for a personalized learning experience on a medium-sized campus of a major university. A firm liberal arts foundation anchors a variety of traditional degree programs, as well as professional and graduate students that draw on UMD's many research institutes and labs.

At the University of Minnesota, we are proud to be recognized by the Star Tribune as a Top Workplace for 2021, as well as by Forbes as Best Employers for Women and one of America's Best Employers (2015, 2018, 2019, 2023), Best Employer for Diversity (2019, 2020), Best Employer for New Grads (2018, 2019), and Best Employer by State (2019, 2022).