Post-Doctoral Associate - Department of Biology Teaching and Learning

Summary of Position:
The post-doctoral researcher will work under the supervision of Dr. Anita Schuchardt to conduct an NSF funded research project related to instructors' and students' sensemaking of mathematics in sciences. In general, the post-doctoral researcher will be responsible for qualitative coding of observations and interviews.

70% Research

• Qualitative coding and analysis of teacher instruction of mathematical expressions in biology and chemistry and student discussions around sensemaking of mathematics in biology and chemistry
• Developing and conducting and coding interviews of instructors teaching and/or students learning mathematical expressions in biology
• Writing, publishing, and presenting peer-reviewed education research related to sensemaking of mathematics in biology

20% Curriculum and Assessment Development

• Modifying and developing curriculum for sensemaking of mathematics in biology
• Helping the PI design, recruit instructors for, and conduct instructor workshops

10% Supervision and Teaching

• Assisting graduate students with research on sensemaking of mathematics in biology and chemistry
• Supervising undergraduate students
• Assisting with instruction in instructor workshops
• Assisting with mathematics in biology instruction for undergraduate students
  

Essential Qualifications
* PhD in mathematics, science or STEM education research or equivalent (e.g., PhD in biological field with dissertation on discipline-based education research)
* Experience with qualitative analysis of educational research data.
* Evidence of peer-reviewed publications or presentations in education research
* Experience applying pedagogical best practices and evidence-based teaching methods to science or mathematics teaching at the college level
* Masters in a science (e.g., biology, chemistry, chemical engineering, physics) or mathematics field or equivalent
* Experience with mathematics education and/or mathematics in science education research
* Ability to teach, mentor, and support students from diverse backgrounds
* Ability to work collaboratively with people from different disciplines and diverse backgrounds

Preferred Qualifications
* Evidence of expertise in both a biological discipline (at least BS in biology or equivalent) and mathematics education or mathematics education research

The University of Minnesota has a national reputation in biology teaching and educational research. The mission of our department is to discover, apply and share research-based strategies that transform biology education. With strengths in both biological and pedagogical research, the Department of Biology Teaching and Learning strives to be part of a tradition of excellence. Through our ongoing research, our department members contribute to the growing understanding of how students learn; through their teaching and outreach, we model the implementation of evidence-based educational research; and through our mentoring of graduate students and colleagues, we will help build a strong community of teaching scholars of national reputation.

Diversity Statement
The Department of Biology Teaching and Learning values Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion along all axes of identity (race, gender, orientation, disability, etc.). We seek colleagues who share this value and can add to our expertise in these areas to join us and the work we are doing. The Department's full DEI statement is available at: https://cbs.umn.edu/academics/departments/btl/about-btl/dei

Pay Range: $61,008 to $64,000; depending on education/qualifications/experience

Please visit the Benefits for Postdoctoral Candidates website for more information regarding benefit eligibility.

• Competitive wages, paid holidays, and generous time off
• Continuous learning opportunities through professional training
• Medical, dental, and pharmacy plans
• Healthcare and dependent care flexible spending accounts
• University HSA contributions
• Disability and life insurance
• Employee wellbeing program
• Financial counseling services
• Employee Assistance Program with eight sessions of counseling at no cost

Applications must be submitted online. To be considered for this position, please click the Apply button and follow the instructions. You will be given the opportunity to complete an online application for the position and attach a cover letter and resume. For full consideration, all materials must be received by 9 am on Thursday, July 24, 2025. Application materials need to be submitted online in PDF format with the applicant's last name in the PDF title; applications cannot be considered until all of the following materials have been uploaded:
* Cover letter highlighting qualifications related to the proposed research and an explanation of how the applicant meets the required (and desirable, if appropriate) qualifications of the position
* Curriculum vitae or resume

Additional documents may be attached after application by accessing your "My Job Applications" page and uploading documents in the "My Cover Letters and Attachments" section.

To request an accommodation during the application process, please e-mail employ@umn.edu or call (612) 624-8647.

The University recognizes and values the importance of diversity and inclusion in enriching the employment experience of its employees and in supporting the academic mission. The University is committed to attracting and retaining employees with varying identities and backgrounds.

The University of Minnesota provides equal access to and opportunity in its programs, facilities, and employment without regard to race, color, creed, religion, national origin, gender, age, marital status, disability, public assistance status, veteran status, sexual orientation, gender identity, or gender expression. To learn more about diversity at the U: http://diversity.umn.edu

Any offer of employment is contingent upon the successful completion of a background check. Our presumption is that prospective employees are eligible to work here. Criminal convictions do not automatically disqualify finalists from employment.

The University of Minnesota, Twin Cities (UMTC)

The University of Minnesota, Twin Cities (UMTC), is among the largest public research universities in the country, offering undergraduate, graduate, and professional students a multitude of opportunities for study and research. Located at the heart of one of the nation's most vibrant, diverse metropolitan communities, students on the campuses in Minneapolis and St. Paul benefit from extensive partnerships with world-renowned health centers, international corporations, government agencies, and arts, nonprofit, and public service organizations.

At the University of Minnesota, we are proud to be recognized by the Star Tribune as a Top Workplace for 2021, as well as by Forbes as Best Employers for Women and one of America's Best Employers (2015, 2018, 2019, 2023), Best Employer for Diversity (2019, 2020), Best Employer for New Grads (2018, 2019), and Best Employer by State (2019, 2022).