Postdoctoral Researcher in Out-of-School Science Education

A one-year, full-time position as a postdoctoral researcher is available at the Department of Science Education, University of Copenhagen, with the possibility of a one-year extension. The position starts on December 1st, 2019, or as soon as possible thereafter.

The postdoctoral position will be attached to the research group on Science Education in Out-of-School Contexts, which is one of seven research groups at the Department of Science Education. The research group has strong working relationships with a number of Danish out-of-school science institutions, and members of the group work together to

1. Understand and improve the use of out-of-school science in primary, secondary and tertiary education, and
2. Increase participation in out-of-school science by increasing the gender, socio-economic and ethnic diversity among participants.

The research programme of the group is based on the Anthropological Theory of Didactics (ATD), meaning that its research revolves around the transformation of science as it is taken up from the world of scientists and other scholars, and subsequently reconstructed in the educational initiatives of out-of-school science institutions. The societal, institutional, pedagogical and didactical conditions that shape this transformation process are a part of the group’s area of study. More information on the research group and its programme is available here: https://outofschoolscience.sites.ku.dk

Your research interest

You should submit a three-page outline of your research interests that describes how they align with the group’s research programme and its focus on science education in out-of-school contexts. The outline should also include anticipated opportunities for publications with other members of the group. We encourage both new topics and research methods not already covered by ongoing research, and topics that build upon the ongoing research of the group. The funding provided by the Department of Science Education includes salary for the postdoc and administrative support but only limited provision for research expenses.

Applicants are strongly encouraged to contact the head of the research group Marianne Achiam ([email protected]) well in advance of the deadline to discuss their research ideas.

Your job

You will conduct and co-publish research with the head of the research group, Marianne Achiam, starting with a planned review article on the uptake and use of the ATD framework in research on science education inside and outside schools. Subsequent research may also involve collaboration with other researchers in the research group, at the Department of Science Education, and from relevant institutions outside the department. In addition, you will participate in developing research projects in the group, and in fundraising for those projects.

You will also participate in the day-to-day activities at the department, including (but not limited to) the (co)supervision of bachelor, master and PhD students as well as teaching or co-teaching some of the courses offered by the Department of Science Education. We expect you to be able to undertake these tasks relatively independently from early on in your employment period.

Profile and Qualifications

We are looking for a highly motivated and enthusiastic researcher with the following competencies and experience:

• A completed PhD in a relevant subject
• Experience in research methods relevant for the proposed research
• Publications in international peer reviewed journals
• Past experience from an international research environment
• Excellent skills in both written and spoken English
• Excellent interpersonal skills and the ability to work in teams

Further, we consider the following competencies and experiences to be an advantage:

• Research project management experience
• Familiarity with the Anthropological Theory of Didactics (ATD)
• Teaching and supervisory experience at university level

Place of employment

The place of employment is the Department of Science Education in Copenhagen (https://www.ind.ku.dk/english/about/). We offer a creative, friendly and stimulating working atmosphere in a dynamic and international research environment.

Terms of employment

The employment as postdoc is a full time and fixed-term position for one year, with the opportunity for a one-year extension.

The position is covered by the Memorandum on Job Structure for Academic Staff. Terms of appointment and payment accord to the agreement between the Ministry of Finance and The Danish Confederation of Professional Associations on Academics in the State. The starting salary is currently up to DKK 430.569 including annual supplement (+ pension up to DKK 73.627). Negotiation for salary supplement is possible. The application, in English, must be submitted electronically by clicking APPLY NOW below.

Non-Danish and Danish applicants may be eligible for tax reductions, if they hold a PhD degree and have not lived in Denmark the last 10 years.

The University of Copenhagen has a policy of Danish/English parallel language use. All information on the UCPH website is in both English and Danish. Your contract will be in English and any administrative help is available in English. Depending on your language competencies, your teaching/supervision duties will be in Danish or English.

Questions

For further information please contact associate professor Marianne Achiam [email protected])

Foreign applicants may find this link useful: www.ism.ku.dk (International Staff Mobility).

Application procedure

Your online application must be submitted in English by clicking ‘Apply now’ below. Furthermore your application must include the following documents/attachments – all in PDF format:

1. A one-page cover letter.
2. A three-page outline of your research interests that describe their alignment or intersections with the research programme of the research group on Science Education in Out-of-School Contexts. This outline should include anticipated opportunities for publications with other members of the group, and it may include anticipated national/international partners and possible funding opportunities for the activities.
3. A two page teaching statement that includes your beliefs about the teaching and learning process, and if possible, concrete examples of the ways you have enacted those beliefs in teaching or supervision situations.
4. A CV including information on education, work/research experience, language skills, record of any obtained funding and other skills relevant for the position.
5. A copy of a) PhD certificate and b) Master’s certificate.
6. A list of publications.
7. A list of two references (name, position, e-mail address) who can be contacted about your relevant qualifications.

Application deadline: August 18, 2019, 23.59pm CET

We reserve the right not to consider material received after the deadline, and not to consider applications that do not live up to the abovementioned requirements.

The further process

After the expiry of the deadline for applications, the authorized recruitment manager selects applicants for assessment on the advice of the hiring committee. All applicants are then immediately notified whether their application has been passed for assessment by an unbiased assessor. Once the assessment work has been completed each applicant has the opportunity to comment on the part of the assessment that relates to the applicant him/herself.

More information about the recruitment process is available at http://employment.ku.dk/faculty/recruitment-process/

The applicant will be assessed according to the Ministerial Order no. 242 of 13 March 2012 on the Appointment of Academic Staff at Universities.

Interviews are expected to be held in October.

University of Copenhagen wish to reflect the diversity of society and welcome applications from all qualified candidates regardless of age, disability, gender, nationality, race, religion or sexual orientation. Appointment will be based on merit alone.

Kilde: Jobnet.dk