Education Research Specialist (full-time, contingent, temporary)

About the position The Department of Biology at St. Mary's College of Maryland is accepting applications for the contingent position of Education Research Specialist, beginning December 2025. The Education Research Specialist (Postdoctoral Scholar) will join a National Science Foundation (NSF)-funded, 2.5-year research project focused on improving undergraduate biology education through innovative curricular tools. The postdoctoral scholar will be primarily responsible for conducting qualitative research, including semi-structured interviews with instructors and students, and leading qualitative analysis of interview data. The scholar will also contribute to the production of peer-reviewed publications and conference presentations. Additional responsibilities may include collaboration on curriculum development and testing, supporting dissemination activities, and contributing to the project's long-term evaluation goals. A background or experience in illustration, drawing, or visual communication is preferred, as the project team is incorporating graphical and game-based elements into biology education research. This position reports to the Principal Investigator, Dr. Abby Beatty, at St. Mary's College of Maryland and works closely with a multi-institutional team of biology education researchers. While it is preferred that the Education Research Specialist work on campus at St. Mary's College of Maryland to facilitate collaboration and mentoring, remote work options are available for highly qualified candidates. Non-sectarian since its founding, St. Mary's College of Maryland, a public Carnegie Baccalaureate, Arts and Sciences institution located in St. Mary's City, 70 miles southeast of Washington, D.C., has been designated as Maryland's public honors college. With selective admissions policies, academically talented students, and a rigorous curriculum, we offer a small college experience similar to that found at exceptional private colleges. The quality of life is enhanced by the recreational opportunities of the Chesapeake region and by our proximity to Washington, D.C. and Baltimore. St. Mary's College of Maryland embodies diversity and inclusion in its mission. We create an environment that recognizes the value of individual and group differences and we encourage inquiries from applicants who will contribute to our cultural and ethnic diversity. Application materials should include a cover letter (within the cover letter, applicants are requested to speak to ways in which their teaching will contribute to a culture of inclusion and campus diversity), curriculum vitae, statement of teaching philosophy, statement of research interests including plan for seeking external funding, and evidence of teaching effectiveness (if available). In support of inclusive hiring practices, the College will also request three professional references (rather than letters of recommendation) at the time of application. Of these three references, at least one referee should speak to the candidate's disciplinary expertise and at least one should have seen the candidate deliver or design classroom instruction. References will be contacted only for candidates who advance to finalist interviews. Applications are being accepted online at: apply.interfolio.com/176207. Questions may be directed to Dr. Abby Beatty, Principal Investigator, at [email protected]. Review of applications will begin November 7th and continue until the position is filled. Employment will be contingent upon successful completion of a criminal background check. St. Mary's College of Maryland is an affirmative action/equal opportunity employer. Employment will be contingent upon successful completion of a criminal background check. St. Mary's College of Maryland is an affirmative action/equal opportunity employer.

Responsibilities

• conducting qualitative research, including semi-structured interviews with instructors and students
• leading qualitative analysis of interview data
• contribute to the production of peer-reviewed publications and conference presentations
• collaboration on curriculum development and testing
• supporting dissemination activities
• contributing to the project's long-term evaluation goals

Requirements

• Applicants must have a Ph.D. in Biology Education Research, Science Education, Biology, Psychology, or a closely related field.
• ABD candidates will also be considered.

Nice-to-haves

• A background or experience in illustration, drawing, or visual communication is preferred, as the project team is incorporating graphical and game-based elements into biology education research.

Benefits

• This is a contingent position that may be eligible for limited benefits.

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