The College of Education at UTEP is excited to announce a cluster hire of three full-time Postdoctoral Scholar positions! These positions offer a unique opportunity for recent doctoral graduates to collaborate on cutting-edge research that bridges the gap between K-12 computer science education and minoritized communities. Scholars will join a dynamic team and contribute to projects focused on strengthening STEM+C education, policy, and practices in predominantly Hispanic-serving K-12 environments.
If you are passionate about advancing the intersection of education, computer science, and social justice, this is an exciting opportunity to engage in research that drives meaningful change for underserved communities.
About the Role
As a Postdoctoral Scholar, you will:
- Collaborate with Faculty: Work closely with faculty investigators to develop and implement research projects focused on K-12 computer science education, teaching practices, and educational policy.
- Mentor the Next Generation: Mentor and collaborate with undergraduate and graduate students, fostering their research skills and guiding them in their educational journeys.
- Engage in Cutting-Edge Research: Focus on developing research around K-12 computer science student learning, teaching practices, or policy in underserved communities.
- Grant Proposal Writing: Actively contribute to securing extramural funding for research and educational projects that support your areas of interest.
- Community Collaboration: Work with diverse K-12 school, district, and community stakeholders to develop and implement research practice partnerships within the Paso del Norte region.
You will also be part of a co-generative mentorship model, where you will receive mentorship from senior faculty members and actively participate in research development, seeking out competitive funding, and contributing to significant educational change.
Essential Functions
- Design and implement research aligned with your expertise in K-12 computer science education, learning analytics, data science, machine learning, or related fields.
- Write and amend IRB applications to obtain approval for human subjects research.
- Collect, analyze, and manage data related to K-12 computer science education and related social science topics.
- Mentor undergraduate and graduate students and contribute to their academic and research development.
- Present and publish findings in peer-reviewed journals and conferences.
- Develop and write grant proposals to secure funding for future research projects.
- Engage in participatory approaches to improve educational practices and policies.
Required Qualifications
- Education: Ph.D. in Learning Sciences, Computer Science, Data Science, Education Policy, Curriculum Theory, or a related field by the effective appointment date. ABD applicants will be considered if the doctoral degree is obtained by the effective appointment date.
- Evidence of research productivity in topics such as K-12 computer science education, educational data mining, machine learning, or research practice partnerships.
- Experience with qualitative and/or quantitative research methodologies, data analysis, and working with education-related data sources.
- Experience collaborating with diverse stakeholders in educational settings, especially in minority-serving institutions.
- U.S. Citizenship, National, or Permanent Resident status required due to funding agency eligibility.
- No more than 24 months since the award of the doctoral degree.
Compensation & Benefits
- Salary: $70,000 annually.
- Research Funds: Each scholar will receive direct research funds over the course of the two-year appointment.
Working Conditions
- While performing the duties of this role, you may occasionally need to lift up to 10 pounds and be exposed to fumes, airborne particles, or chemicals.
- Reasonable accommodations are available for individuals with disabilities to support them in performing essential functions.
Why UTEP?
- Meaningful Impact: Be part of groundbreaking research aimed at transforming K-12 computer science education in underserved communities.
- Collaborative Culture: Work with a passionate team of scholars, students, and K-12 partners dedicated to social justice and education reform.
- Professional Growth: Benefit from a unique mentorship model designed to help you develop your research, teaching, and grant-writing skills.
Application Information
The position is grant-funded and contingent on the availability of funds. Please include your CV, research interests, and any relevant documentation when applying.
