[ASA] Research Associate Joint Role in Science Education and Physics/Astronomy Research at Macquarie University

[Joanne Dawson]

Dear ASA members,

This job opportunity at Macquarie University might be of interest to some.

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Call for expressions of interest in Research Associate Joint Role in Science Education and Physics/Astronomy Research

The Department of Physics and Astronomy and the Department of Education at Macquarie University in Sydney are seeking expressions of interest for a fixed-term Research Associate (Level A6) we anticipate appointing within the combined fields of Physics/Astronomy and science education for a period of approximately 15 months from May 2016.

This challenging Macquarie University (MQ) funded position is to support research related to the $2.3 million Australian Government Office for Learning and Teaching (OLT) program on “Enhancing the Training of Mathematics and Science Teachers” (ETMST), specifically the project “Opening Real Science: Authentic mathematics and science education for Australia”. (See http://www.educ.mq.edu.au/education_research/opening_real_science/ for details).

Opening Real Science (ORS) is a unique national collaboration between leading primary and secondary teacher educators, scientists and mathematicians to bring real, relevant science into Australia’s classrooms. It is operated in partnership with key national research institutes; the Australian Astronomical Observatory (AAO) and CSIRO Astronomy and Space Sciences (CASS).

Our strategy for achieving this is to engage pre-service teachers (Bachelor of Arts/ Bachelor of Education students BABEd) and in-service teachers (primary and secondary) in authentic science activity, thereby driving a major improvement in the quality of mathematics and science learning in Australia. The ORS project has led the development of 25 online modules in science and mathematics education for primary and secondary teacher education.

About the role

The position is located within the Faculty of Science and Engineering, Department of Physics and Astronomy, one of the leading physical sciences Departments in Australia.  The role will involve collaborations with researchers at Macquarie within science and education, with our partner universities and the AAO and CASS. For 50% of their time, the appointee will be expected to contribute to the ongoing development and evaluation of ORS learning materials (modules), and undertake relevant scientific and associated pedagogical research within the context of the ORS program. For the remaining 50% of their time, the appointee will conduct independent research in one of the core research fields of the Department of Physics and Astronomy. These areas include astronomy/astrophysics, lasers and photonics, nanophotonics and biophotonics, and quantum physics.  The appointee will be expected to participate in one of the four Macquarie University Research Centres hosted in the Department, and will have the opportunity to contribute to postgraduate and/or undergraduate teaching. While the position is open to experimental physicists, appointment of such a candidate would be conditional on their ability to work within the facilities of an existing research group.

To be considered for this position, interested scientist who have the right to work in Australia should email expressions of interest to the address below, consisting of a cover letter, a CV with referee contact details, and a 1 page document addressing the following criteria:

Essential Selection Criteria:
·       PhD (or close to submission of a thesis for the award of PhD) in physics, astronomy or a related discipline
·       Experience in science education and pedagogy at primary, secondary or tertiary level
·       A record of research and publication in one or more of astronomy and astrophysics; lasers, photonics, nanooptics or biophotonics; quantum physics, quantum information or quantum optics.
·       Demonstrated ability to present research findings at scientific meetings
·       Demonstrated excellent written and oral communication skills
·       Demonstrated ability to meet deadlines and be an active part of a diverse project team
·       For appointment at level B only: A well articulated research agenda and a track record of publications in the highest quality domestic and international journals

Desirable Selection Criteria:
·       Ability to use statistical analysis and data modelling of diverse data sets
·       Demonstrated ability to attract research funding
·       Formal education qualifications and teaching experience
·       Demonstrated knowledge of the Australian education system
·       A record of publications in science pedagogy
·       Experience in graduate or undergraduate research supervision

Salary Package: Postdoctoral Research Fellow (Level A) base salary $68,324-$92,000 or Research Fellow (Level B) base salary $96,970-$114,732 plus 17% employer's superannuation and annual leave loading.

Appointment type: Full time or part time for a period approximately equivalent to one year at 0.6 FTE.

Enquiries and Expressions of Interest: Contact Associate Professor Michael Steel,
Head of Department, Physics & Astronomy via e-mail michael.steel at mq.edu.au<mailto:michael.steel at mq.edu.au> or phone +61-2-9850-8916
Expressions of interest Close: Sunday 1 May 2016 at 11:55pm EST

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