Graduate Assistantship in Water Resources Education/Discipline-Based Education Research (DBER) - University of Nebraska-Lincoln

Applications are invited for a 12-month (renewable) graduate assistantship within the Science Literacy Initiative in the Institute of Agriculture and Natural Resources (IANR) at the University of Nebraska-Lincoln, the flagship, land-grant institution in the state of Nebraska with a total enrollment of more than 25,000 students. The IANR Science Literacy Initiative (https://ianrcommunities.unl.edu/science-literacy) is a comprehensive, systemic effort to foster a scientifically-literate society capable of making effective decisions grounded in STEM-informed analyses of complex, real-world challenges associated with agriculture and natural resource issues. The graduate student would join a collaborative Science Literacy team involving faculty, postdoctoral researchers, graduate students, and undergraduates led by Dr. Cory Forbes in the UNL School of Natural Resources, College of Agricultural Sciences and Natural Resources (CASNR). He or she will also be part of a dynamic and growing STEM education and DBER community at UNL.

The position focuses on water resources education through a new project (recommended for funding by the National Science Foundation) focused on fostering undergraduate students' science literacy about water. The 3-year project involves the iterative design, implementation, and study of a new, introductory, interdisciplinary course - Water in Society – serving undergraduate students at the University of Nebraska-Lincoln (UNL). The position will afford opportunities to contribute to and collaborate with the PIs as a member of the instructional team for the course, serve as a teaching assistant 1 semester/year for three consecutive years, design, develop, and refine course materials, and conduct DBER focused on undergraduate students' learning and decision-making about water and water resources. Pending additional funding, the individual may also be positioned to contribute to water resources education efforts at the high school level. Funding is guaranteed for three years, with a high likelihood of additional funding.

Candidates for this position should possess a strong disciplinary background in water-related sciences and interest in water and water resources education. Preferred credentials would involve some combination of bachelors and masters degree in water-related science or science and education. Optimally, the student would pursue doctoral studies in water resources education and DBER through the Ph.D. program in Natural Resource Science in the UNL School of Natural Resources (http://snr.unl.edu/gradstudent/index.asp). Prior experience working with K-16 students is desirable. 

The position is initially established for a period of one year. Continuation of this position beyond one year is contingent upon satisfactory performance of assigned duties. Position includes a stipend, health insurance, and tuition remission. The planned start date for the position is August 20, 2015. Review of applications will begin immediately and will continue until the position is filled.

Please submit inquiries about the position to Cory Forbes at cory.forbes@unl.edu. To apply, applicants should email a letter of interest describing their background, interest, qualifications, and future goals, a resume/curriculum vitae, 2 writing samples, and names of 3 references to Dr. Forbes via email.