Penn State’s Leonhard Center for the Enhancement of Engineering Education has an opening for an Assessment and Instructional Support Specialist. The Assessment and Instructional Support Specialist provides assistance across the College of Engineering for initiatives relating to teaching and learning by working with faculty members and departments. In addition, the individual provides assessment support for both educational-related projects.

Specific responsibilities of the position include the following: work with faculty to design, develop, and assess courses and curriculum enhancements; conduct classroom observations and evaluations to improve teaching effectiveness; develop and implement assessment plans for internally and externally-funded projects; lead workshops and teach courses for faculty and teaching assistants; develop materials and resources relating to teaching and learning; and author or co-author papers within appropriate journals or conference proceedings. 

Applicants should have skills in faculty development and assessment, ideally with experience in both qualitative and quantitative assessment. Applicants should possess a PhD in educational psychology, higher education, engineering education, or related field; individuals with a master’s degree with substantial experience in faculty development and assessment will also be considered. Evidence of successful teaching at a college-level is desirable. The Leonhard Center is supported primarily by core funds from the College of Engineering and funds from the Center’s endowment. The Center provides a highly creative, positive, and exciting environment for work. Individuals in the Center have the opportunity to explore research or project areas that are of specific interest to them, provided they fit within the mission of the center to improve engineering education at Penn State.

This position is a fixed term 3-year appointment with excellent possibility of funding for additional years. Within each calendar year, the individual will work 10-months, which fits the natural flow of an academic environment. The two-month “summer” allows time for the Assessment and Instructional Specialist to engage in funded research projects and to pursue areas of personal interest. Applications should include a curriculum vita, the names of three professional references, and a cover letter highlighting the candidate`s strengths and interest in the position. Review of applications will begin on April 30, 2015 and will continue until the position is filled.

To apply, see https://psu.jobs/job/56544. For more information about the position, contact Sarah Zappe at ser163@psu.edu