Research Assistant or Research Associate in Geosciences and/or Geoscience Educational Research

The Concord Consortium (https://concord.org), a nonprofit research and development organization dedicated to transforming STEM education through technology, is looking for a Research Assistant or Research Associate, depending upon qualifications of the applicant. The applicant is expected to be either a geoscientist with geoscience education experience, or specialized in science education with strong geoscience expertise. The Research Assistant/Associate will work in our Concord, MA office with senior research personnel and be responsible for reviewing literature, developing research-grounded curriculum materials, conducting classroom observations, data collection and data analysis, supporting teacher workshops, and writing papers. The Research Assistant/Associate will contribute to research on novel learning materials that integrate computer-based Earth systems simulation models with data visualization tools in an online learning environment to help students achieve a deeper understanding of core ideas in geology, geohazards, and environmental sciences. We're looking for a team player who is excited to work in a stimulating, technology-rich environment to help make a difference in education.

This position will work on two recently NSF funded multi-year development and research projects. First, the DRK-12 project GeoHazards: Modeling Natural Hazards and Assessing Risks, will develop a set of computational models to allow students to explore geoscience systems responsible for natural hazards. Students will compare data generated from Earth systems models with real-world data in order to develop an understanding of the cause and progression of natural hazards, as well as to make predictions and evaluate future risks in a certain location. Second, the STEM + C project CynerG: Integrating Computational Visualizations with Exploration of Geohazards, will provide students with the opportunity to transform real-world GPS data into interpretable visualizations. CynerG will also ask students to formulate scientific arguments about predicting impacts and assessing risks. Both projects will support students in applying their understanding of the processes underlying each hazard as they explore models and visualize data. Students will also be scaffolded as they develop scientific arguments for risk assessment and mitigation strategies in specific geographic regions.

Responsibilities

• Conduct background research on science concepts for curriculum modules.
• Participate in design and development of Earth systems models.
• Design and develop online curriculum and supporting instructional materials.
• Conduct user testing of model and research curricular materials.
• Manage classroom research data collection.
• Analyze student work.
• Work effectively with the team, which includes scientists, curriculum developers, technology developers, assessment experts, and other staff across the organization.
• Work with staff to write research and teacher-focused papers.
• Create research posters and presentations for professional conferences.

Qualifications

• M.S. or Ph.D. in geoscience, science education, or geoscience education.
• Experience in science education, educational research, curriculum development, assessment development, and/or teaching.
• Experience and fluency with technology.
• Experience in conducting and managing classroom-based implementation studies.
• Experience managing, collecting, and coding both qualitative and quantitative research data
• Experience working with middle or high school students or youth.
• Good team player (willing to pitch in and do what needs to be done!).
• Detail-oriented with abilities to prioritize and deliver on time.
• Excellent communication, writing, and time management skills.

This is a grant-funded, 100% FTE position. The successful candidate will be required to work on site in Concord, MA and must be authorized to work in the United States.

The Concord Consortium offers a rich variety of benefits, including up to four weeks of vacation, medical and dental insurance, tuition reimbursement, a generous TIAA-CREF retirement plan, and life and long-term disability insurance. Our work environment is casual and stimulating. In general, we're a creative, intelligent, happy bunch — check out our profiles and more at: http://concord.org/about/staff

To apply

Please send your resume, cover letter, names and email addresses of three references, and a sample research paper to: hrjr+RG@concord.org

The Concord Consortium is committed to equal employment opportunity and non-discrimination for all employees and qualified applicants without regard to a person's race, color, gender, age, religion, national origin, ancestry, disability, veteran status, genetic information, sexual orientation, or any characteristic protected under applicable law.