Assistant Professor in Physics Education Research

University of Georgia Department of Physics and Astronomy

The Department of Physics and Astronomy at the University of Georgia invites applications for a tenure-track assistant professor position in physics education research, beginning August 1, 2023.  The successful candidate will use data science or artificial intelligence methodologies (e.g., machine learning, data analytics, educational data mining) to tackle pressing problems and opportunities in undergraduate physics and/or data science education, and to generate foundational knowledge in physics teaching and learning. The candidate will be expected to develop a vigorous, externally funded research program in this area. The candidate will also contribute to high-quality instruction and mentoring in the Department of Physics and Astronomy.  The Department has a strong commitment to undergraduate and graduate education.

The successful candidate will be part of the Data Science and Artificial Intelligence to Advance Teaching & Learning Cluster, a group of six tenure-track faculty hired in the Franklin College of Arts & Sciences and the Mary Frances Early College of Education. Scholarship conducted by cluster faculty has the potential to enhance assessment and active learning in classrooms; illuminate previously unseen inequities in classrooms and educational systems; transform educational data into new insights that benefit students, teachers, and administrators; and improve data science education in K-12 and higher education. This cluster will strengthen and expand UGA’s position as a national leader in discipline-based education research and build on existing core strengths in data science and artificial intelligence for teaching and learning.  The candidate will also join a growing community of 14+ discipline-based education researchers in biology, physics, chemistry, and engineering.  The cluster faculty will be able to work closely with the Scientists Engaged in Education Research (SEER) Center, the Artificial Intelligence for STEM Education (AI4STEM Education) Center, the Digital Humanities Lab, and the Owens Institute for Behavioral Research.

Qualifications:

All candidates must have a Ph.D. degree (or equivalent) in physics or a related discipline.  Preference will be given to applicants who have published their physics education research, who have at least one year of postdoctoral experience in education research or teaching, and who have at least one semester of teaching experience at the undergraduate level. We also seek candidates who have knowledge of and a record of employing inclusive and evidence-based instruction, and who have demonstrated commitment to diversity, equity, inclusion, and justice in science and education.

Application: 

Candidates must apply through the UGA Human Resources website at https://www.ugajobsearch.com/postings/294926. Application materials will include: (1) a brief cover letter summarizing the applicant’s scientific background, strengths, plan, and teaching experience; (2) a complete curriculum vitae; (3) a statement of physics education research plans that align with the cluster (2-page maximum); (4) a teaching portfolio (8-page maximum); and (5) a supporting document listing contact information for 3 references.  The teaching portfolio may include evidence of effective instruction, examples of the use of evidence-based and inclusive teaching strategies, descriptions of efforts to develop and improve as a teacher, and sample teaching materials (e.g., a syllabus or an assessment).  As part of the teaching and research materials, an explicit description of the applicant’s actions and experiences as they relate to diversity, equity, inclusion and/or justice within their scholarly and/or teaching activities is required.   Applicants are strongly encouraged to arrange for the confidential reference letters ASAP.  Any other correspondence should be addressed to the search committee chair, Craig Wiegert (cwiegert@uga.edu).  Applications received by January 11, 2023, will receive full consideration, but review will continue until the position is filled.

The Franklin College of Arts and Sciences, its many units, and the University of Georgia are committed to increasing the diversity of its faculty and students and to creating a work and learning environment that is inclusive. Women, people from historically excluded groups, and people with disabilities are encouraged to apply. The University of Georgia is an Equal Opportunity/Affirmative Action employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, ethnicity, age, genetic information, disability, gender identity, sexual orientation, or protected veteran status. Persons needing accommodations or assistance with the accessibility of materials related to this search are encouraged to contact Central HR (hrweb@uga.edu).  Please do not contact the Department or search committee with such requests. UGA is a land- and sea-grant institution located in Athens, Georgia, 65 miles northeast of Atlanta, the state capital (www.visitathensga.com; www.uga.edu). Athens is well known for its quality of life, with easy access to both outdoor and urban activities (exploregeorgia.org).