The Yale University Science, Technology, Engineering, & Mathematics Program Evaluation and Research Lab (STEM-PERL) invites applicants for a postdoctoral associate position for up to two years with a focus on education research and program evaluation. The candidate will join a high impact externally funded effort that is already underway to study: a) the effects of science faculty training programs on college student persistence in science, technology, engineering and mathematics; and, b) methodologies on how to evaluate large-scale, national networks of projects focused on systemic change in undergraduate STEM education.
Located in the Department of Ecology and Evolutionary Biology on Science Hill of Yale University’s campus within Professor Paul Turner’s science laboratory, our growing team is led by Research Scientist and STEM-PERL Director, Mark Graham, PhD and Assistant Director, Melanie Bauer. Our external collaborators include evaluation experts at Cornell University’s Office of Research on Evaluation and science education experts at Drexel University, Michigan State University, University of Colorado – Boulder, University of Connecticut, University of Massachusetts – Amherst, and the University of Wisconsin – Madison.
Applicants are expected to complete a Ph.D. before starting the postdoctoral position. The ideal candidate will have a strong background in social science or education research experimental methodology, longitudinal designs, and web-based data collection (using programs such as Qualtrics), relational database infrastructure, and an interest in studying the effect of training programs on college instructors’ teaching methods and resulting student outcomes — especially inclusion and diversity initiatives as part of student persistence in STEM fields. Candidates from STEM fields with an interest in discipline-based education research will also be considered.
The candidate should have a desire to collaborate across disciplines and divisions, and be able to work independently as well as in a team. Must be comfortable managing multiple competing deadlines and reporting relationships. Proficiency with advanced statistical techniques (such as multilevel modeling and structural equation modeling) is highly desirable. Experience with relational database infrastructure is preferred but not required. Demonstrated involvement in STEM-related projects and/or multi-site grant-funded research projects is also preferable.
The position start date of September 1, 2019 is negotiable. Salary and benefits are highly competitive. Position will only be filled based on available funding. To apply, please email a cover letter describing your specific interest in this position, what you expect you will be able to contribute given your background, future goals, and how the position aligns with your professional trajectory. Please include an updated Curriculum Vita (CV). Send this information to stem-perl@yale.edu