About this role
APPLICATION INSTRUCTIONS:
- ## CURRENT PENN STATE EMPLOYEE (faculty, staff, technical service, or student), please login to Workday to complete the internal application process . Please do not apply here, apply internally through Workday.
- ## CURRENT PENN STATE STUDENT (not employed previously at the university) and seeking employment with Penn State, please login to Workday to complete the student application process. Please do not apply here, apply internally through Workday.
- ## If you are NOT a current employee or student, please click “Apply” and complete the application process for external applicants .
Approval of remote and hybrid work is not guaranteed regardless of work location. For additional information on remote work at Penn State, see Notice to Out of State Applicants .
This is a term position; length of the term will be discussed during the interview process. Continuation past the term length discussed will be based on university need, performance, and/or availability of funding.
POSITION SPECIFICS
The Department of Physics at The Pennsylvania State University invites applications for a Postdoctoral Scholar position in physics education research. The anticipated start date is January 2027, with some flexibility.
The successful candidate will join a group that studies how to improve teaching and learning in physics and other STEM disciplines, from introductory courses through graduate education. Current projects include studies of an AI-tutor developed and used in Penn State courses, measurement of tutoring quality and its effect on student learning, self-regulated learning, assessment practices and change in undergraduate and graduate programs. The specific research agenda will be developed collaboratively, with opportunities to pursue new directions based on the candidate's interests and expertise.
Required Qualifications
- Ph.D. in Physics, Physics Education Research, learning sciences, educational psychology or a related discipline-based education research field by the appointment start date
- Demonstrated ability to conduct independent research and communicate research findings
- Experience with quantitative and/or qualitative education research methods
Preferred Qualifications
Experience and particular interest in using AI technologies in education and/or research.
Application Instructions
Applicants should submit a curriculum vitae, a cover letter describing their research interests and relevant experience and contact information for three professional references. Review of applications will begin 11/16 and continue until the position is filled. Applications must be submitted through Penn State's official employment website.
BACKGROUND CHECKS/CLEARANCES
Employment with the University will require successful completion of background check(s) in accordance with University policies.
BENEFITS
Penn State provides a competitive benefits package for full-time employees designed to support both personal and professional well-being.
For more detailed information, please visit our Benefits Page. (Note: For Postdoctoral benefits, please see our Postdoctoral Benefits page.)
CAMPUS SECURITY CRIME STATISTICS
Pursuant to the Jeanne Clery Disclosure of Campus Security Policy and Campus Crime Statistics Act and the Pennsylvania Act of 1988, Penn State publishes a combined Annual Security and Annual Fire Safety Report (ASR). The ASR includes crime statistics and institutional policies concerning campus security, such as those concerning alcohol and drug use, crime prevention, the reporting of crimes, sexual assault, and other matters. The ASR is available for review here .
EEO IS THE LAW
Penn State is an equal opportunity employer and is committed to providing employment opportunities to all qualified applicants without regard to race, color, religion, age, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability or protected veteran status. If you are unable to use our online application process due to an impairment or disability, please contact 814-865-1473.
Penn State is committed to and accountable for advancing equity, respect, and belonging. We embrace individual uniqueness, as well as a culture of belonging that supports equity initiatives, leverages the educational and institutional benefits of inclusion in society, and provides opportunities for engagement intended to help all members of the community thrive. We value belonging as a core strength and an essential element of the university’s teaching, research, and service mission.
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