Postdoc In Mathematics Education

At VCU, we Make it Real through learning, research, creativity, service and discovery - the hallmarks of the VCU experience. A premier, urban, public research university nationally recognized as one of the best employers for diversity, VCU is a great place to work. It's a place of opportunity, where your success is supported and your career can thrive. VCU offers employees a generous leave package, career paths for advancement, competitive pay, and an opportunity to do mission-driven work.

Position Summary:

The Department of Mathematics and Applied Mathematics at Virginia Commonwealth University (VCU) seeks a postdoctoral fellow for the NSF-funded project Mathematics Graduate Teaching Assistant Professional Development Focused on Implementation of Evidence-based Teaching Practices (DUE-2013422).

The project aims to serve the national interest by preparing mathematics graduate teaching assistants to implement teaching practices designed to improve the success of students in undergraduate mathematics courses. The project will develop a multi-year professional development program focused on engaged learning, inclusive teaching, and equity (ELITE-PD). This is a collaborative project that will be implemented at Oregon State University (OSU), Virginia Commonwealth University (VCU), and San Diego State University (SDSU). As a result, the project will have multiple contexts for examining the impact of the professional development on graduate teaching assistants' teaching attitudes and practices, as well as on the success of the undergraduates in their classes. The project will compare outcomes at the three institutions to generate new knowledge about graduate student professional development, to explore what works in which contexts, and to develop an explicit theory of change related to their teaching practices.

This is a one-year position with the expectation of working in person at Virginia Commonwealth University in Richmond, VA. A start date of August 24, 2024 is preferred but flexible. The postdoctoral scholar will receive a $58,000 yearly salary plus benefits and travel reimbursement for presenting at conferences. There is a possible extension of the second year with additional teaching duties, pending available funds.

Typical Responsibilities

The postdoctoral fellow will play an integral role in collaboratively developing the ELITE-PD program and engaging in data collection and analysis. Duties include, but are not limited to:

• Regularly collaborating, both in person and virtually, with members of the research team at OSU, VCU, and SDSU;

• Planning and teaching graduate courses focused on active learning, inclusive teaching, and equity as part of the ELITE-PD program;

• Conducting semi-structured interviews with graduate students and department faculty and analyzing the interview data;

• Administering surveys from the X-PIPS-M suite and analyzing the survey data;

• Conducting classroom observations using observation tools, e.g. TRU Math, EQUIP, and analyzing the observation data;

• Presenting results at conferences, symposiums or similar events.

The primary responsibility of the postdoctoral fellow will be conducting mathematics education research; however, this position also requires teaching up to 1 graduate course per semester that is part of the ELITE-PD program. Candidates for these positions should have completed their PhD in mathematics, education, or a related field. A masters in mathematics or a closely related field is required in order to teach graduate courses in the department.

Required Qualifications

• A PhD. in mathematics, education, or a related field.

• A masters in mathematics or closely related field.

• Experience in conducting quantitative and/or qualitative educational research.

• Quantitative research might include survey design, calculating descriptive statistics, hypothesis testing, factor analysis, hierarchical linear modeling, etc.

• Qualitative research might include interview development, conducting thematic analysis, grounded theory, inductive/deductive theory development, etc.

• The ability to assume leadership responsibilities in conducting educational research.

• The ability to work in a collaborative research team in a collegial fashion.

Preferred Qualifications

• Experience conducting semi-structured interviews, working with survey and observation tools such as X-PIPS-M, TRU Math, and EQUIP.

• Lived experience, research, and/or service that informs worldviews and/or perspectives about minority group status, to include race, ethnicity, gender, sexuality, religion, and disability.

• Demonstrated effectiveness in teaching mathematics using active, inclusive, and equitable teaching practices.

Application Process

Applications must be submitted through the official university job site at www.vcujobs.com. Applications should include a curriculum vita/resume and a letter of application describing 1) experience implementing active, inclusive, and equitable teaching practices and 2) research experience in mathematics education (include information on qualitative and/or quantitative research experience). In addition, candidates shall provide three professional and/or academic letters of reference.

For best consideration, apply by July 15, 2024.

For more information, contact Rebecca Segal (the PI at VCU) at rasegal@vcu.edu

Please follow the link below for more information about the Department of Mathematics and Applied Mathematics at VCU.

Math Department: https://math.vcu.edu/

Virginia Commonwealth University is an equal opportunity/affirmative action university providing access to education and employment without regard to race, color, religion, national or ethnic origin, age, sex (including pregnancy), political affiliation, veteran status, genetic information, sexual orientation, gender identity, gender expression or disability.

Salary Range: $58,000

Position Details:

Department: Mathematics and Applied Mathematics

Employment Type: PD - Post Doc

Restricted Status: Yes

FTE: 1

Exemption Status: Exempt

Contact Information:

Contact Name: Rebecca Segal

Contact Email: rasegal@vcu.edu

Contact Phone: