The Center for Digital Education, the department of Science Education, invites applicants for a PhD fellowship in computational literacy in K-12 Mathematics Education. The project is part of the research project “Knowledge Center for Technology Understanding/Videnscenter for teknologiforståelse” (see tekforstaa.dk), initiated in August 2023 and funded by Novo Nordic, Willum and Lundbeck foundations.

Start date is (expected to be) October 1. 2024, or as soon as possible thereafter.

The project
The work in the knowledge Center for Technology Understanding is driven by the ambition to empower every child and young person in Denmark with the knowledge and skills necessary for active participation in a democratic society that is deeply influenced by digital technologies. The focus for the Knowledge Center is currently compulsory school and STX (the academic upper secondary program), with three disciplinary foci; First language (L1), Mathematics, and Technology as an independent topic (e.g. Informatics).

This PhD project focuses on Mathematics, a key school subjects in K-12 that plays a crucial role in preparing pupils for living in a digitalized society. The accommodation of mathematics teaching to the increased influence of technologies constitutes a field of research in Mathematics Education, the Learning Sciences and Computer Science Education. The PhD will investigate how topics, content, technologies and learning designs can scaffold and shape students’ opportunities to develop computational literacy. The work will be conducted in relation to interventions at compulsory schools and upper secondary schools that are partners in the Knowledge Center. Furthermore, the PhD student is expected to be an active participant in work package on technology understanding in mathematics, in the Knowledge Center for Technology Education.

Who are we looking for?
We are looking for candidates with knowledge about technology education and mathematics and about compulsory and/or upper secondary school. Applicants should have a master’s degree or equivalent, either in core-disciplines (e.g. mathematics or computer science) or in pedagogy/didactics (e.g. digital education, mathematics education) and can, for instance, have a background as a teacher. Interest for, and ability to conduct, intervention research showcasing the possibilities of teaching technology understanding and core disciplines in synergy is an advantage. Similarly, the ability to work in a Danish speaking school context is important.

Our group and research- and what do we offer?
The position is anchored in the department of Science Education, Faculty of SCIENCE, University of Copenhagen, located in Copenhagen.

The position is affiliated with the Center for Digital Education, which is a joint effort between the Department of Science Education and the Department of Computer Science, which aims to connect experts from computer science and science education to explore the possibilities and consequences of the digitalisation of STEM education across the school system. The PhD student will also join the Section for Digital and Mathematics Education at the Department of Science Education, who has as aim to study how people teach, learn and conduct science (including mathematics and computer science)

We offer creative and stimulating working conditions in a dynamic, international research environment. The PhD students will join CDE [https://www.ind.ku.dk/english/research/center-for-digital-education/]– a new and emerging research center investigating the future of Digital Education. The University of Copenhagen is a highly ranked institution in Europe with a long Computer Science history, and the Department of Science Education is one of the largest science environments for science education in Europe.

Principal supervisor is Professor Morten Misfeldt, E-mail: [email protected], Direct Phone: +45 22723094.)

The PhD programme
A three year full-time study within the framework of the regular PhD programme (5+3 scheme), if you already have an education equivalent to a relevant Danish master’s degree.

Qualifications needed for the regular programme
To be eligible for the regular PhD programme, you must have completed a degree programme, equivalent to a Danish master’s degree (180 ECTS/3 FTE BSc + 120 ECTS/2 FTE MSc) related to the subject area of the project, e.g. disciplens allowing you to teach in upper secondary school (e.g. Mathematics, Computer Science, Danish or other relevant disciplines), or programs in Education (e.g. didactics of mathematics/L1/informatics), programs in STEM education or broader aspects of learning and pedagogy. For information of eligibility of completed programmes, see General assessments for specific countries and Assessment database.

Terms of employment in the regular programme
Employment as PhD fellow is full time and for maximum 3 years.

Employment is conditional upon your successful enrolment as a PhD student at the PhD School at the Faculty of SCIENCE, University of Copenhagen. This requires submission and acceptance of an application for the specific project formulated by the applicant.

Terms of appointment and payment accord to the agreement between the Danish Ministry of Taxation and The Danish Confederation of Professional Associations on Academics in the State. The position is covered by the Protocol on Job Structure.

Responsibilities and tasks in the PhD programme

• Carry through an independent research project under supervision
• Complete PhD courses corresponding to approx. 30 ECTS / ½ FTE
• Participate in active research environments, including a stay at another research institution, preferably abroad
• Teaching and knowledge dissemination activities
• Write scientific papers aimed at high-impact journals
• Write and defend a PhD thesis on the basis of your project

We are looking for the following qualifications:

• Professional qualifications relevant to the PhD project
• Relevant publications
• Relevant work experience
• Other relevant professional activities
• Curious mind-set with a strong interest in technology education
• Good language skills

Application and Assessment Procedure
Your application including all attachments must be in English and submitted electronically by clicking APPLY NOW below.

Please include:

1. Motivated letter of application (max. one page)
2. Project proposal. You are welcome to contact principal supervisor to learn more about the overall project
3. Curriculum vitae including information about your education, experience, language skills and other skills relevant for the position
4. Original diplomas for Bachelor of Science or Master of Science and transcript of records in the original language, including an authorized English translation if issued in another language than English or Danish. If not completed, a certified/signed copy of a recent transcript of records or a written statement from the institution or supervisor is accepted.
5. Publication list (if possible)
6. Reference letters (if available)

Application deadline:

The deadline for applications is 15 April 2024, 23:59 GMT +2.

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 deadline, a number of applicants will be selected for academic assessment by an unbiased expert assessor. You are notified, whether you will be passed for assessment.

The assessor will assess the qualifications and experience of the shortlisted applicants with respect to the above mentioned research area, techniques, skills and other requirements. The assessor will conclude whether each applicant is qualified and, if so, for which of the two models. The assessed applicants will have the opportunity to comment on their assessment. You can read about the recruitment process at http://employment.ku.dk/faculty/recruitment-process/.

Interviews with selected candidates are expected to be held in week 23 2024.

Questions
For specific information about the PhD fellowship, please contact the principal supervisor.

General information about PhD study at the Faculty of SCIENCE is available at the PhD School’s website: https://www.science.ku.dk/phd/.

The University of Copenhagen wishes to reflect the surrounding community and invites all regardless of personal background to apply for the position

Kilde: Jobnet.dk