POSTDOCTORAL SCHOLAR

The Harshman Research Group (https://harshmanresearchgroup.com/) in the Department of Chemistry at the University of Iowa is searching for one or two postdoctoral research scientists to investigate two different projects:

Project 1: Effect of a Change Agent in Doctoral Education Reform. This NSF-funded (#2142873) project investigates the extent to which a change agent can influence reform in chemistry doctoral programs. The postdoc will be involved in designing programming that can lead to tangible reforms within research-intensive chemistry doctoral programs and assessing the efficacy of these activities. The goal of this research is to identify which activities have the greatest potential to induce change in the modern chemistry Ph.D. program and by what mechanism those changes are realized.

Project 2: Rapid and Reliable Characterization of Brief, Intentional Pedagogies in STEM Courses. This University of Iowa-funded project seeks to determine the intentional pedagogies implemented in large-enrollment STEM courses in a quick, reliable manner. An existing database of instructional behaviors needs to be analyzed as well as the collection of novel, mixed-methods data to determine the extent to which readily-implemented observational tools (i.e. COPUS) can be used to identify specific pedagogy with fine-grained details.

The postdoc(s) will join a lively research group at the University of Iowa and benefit from the expertise of the chemistry education research groups at the University of Iowa. The University of Iowa is located in Iowa City, an accessible and affordable Midwest college town with diverse cultural opportunities, consistently rated one of the top ten places to live in the country.

Questions about this position can be directed to Jordan Harshman (jordan-harshman@uiowa.edu).

Application Instructions

Applicants should submit a curriculum vitae, a document providing contact information for at least two and up to three references, and a cover letter that explains which project they would most like to work on and why they feel they are qualified to carry out that work. Reference letters will only be solicitedfor the top candidates/finalists. Applicants may apply for both projects, in which case they should provide qualifications for both projects. The position is intended to start as soon as August 20, 2025, but start dates are flexible.

• Applicants must have a Ph.D. in chemistry education research, discipline-based education research, science education research, or disciplinary science with specific experience in education research. If the applicant expects to have earned a Ph.D., proof that the degree is set to be confirmed will be solicited.

For applicants interested in Project 1:

• Evidence of facilitation experiences or skills
• Research experience in programmatic efficacy
• Mixed-methods research experience

For applicants interested in Project 2:

• Experience working with large datasets and machine learning
• Reasonable proficiency in any coding language used in data science
• Mixed-methods research experience

To start the Online Application process for this position, click the "Apply for This Position" button located below the Contact Information.