My old postdoc at the Exploratorium Museum of Science is open again! This job was the single best thing I’ve ever done. If you’re a PhD Math, Physics, or Bio-physics person, you should strongly consider applying for this position. Feel free to ask me any questions about the position — here in the comments, or by email. The job application is here.

The 12-month Post-Doctoral appointment is designed for physicists or mathematicians interested in working in an informal education setting — to investigate innovative ways to communicate cutting edge science (particularly related to science education using modern electronic media) — and supporting middle and high school science teachers in their efforts to make the science engaging for their students as well as the public. The Post-Doctoral Fellow will work closely with Teacher Institute faculty (a mix of PhD scientists and ex-classroom teachers) in developing and implementing institutes and workshops and working with teachers in the classroom. This work provides a base for thinking about communicating science to both interested adults and their students. The Post-doctoral Fellow should have experience in using electronic communication to deliver science content. This experience could include, but is not limited to, experience in creating web pages, virtual world science explorations, podcasts, or videos. In addition, the Postdoctoral Fellow will work with other museum staff to design ways to communicate materials sciences to the public, through websites, publications, on-line resources, or exhibition design, where appropriate.

This postdoctoral appointment is funded through the National Science Foundation Mathematics and Physical Sciences division IPSE initiative. Applicants need to be U.S. citizens.


ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS:

  • Co-teach multi-week summer institutes for middle and high school teachers
  • Develop and co-teach a range of Saturday workshops to support teacher content knowledge
  • Provide content-based training workshops for Exploratorium exhibit floor staff
  • Participate in Teacher Institute activities, including teleseminars, institutes, and workshops.
  • Participate in other museum programs and activities, where appropriate.
  • Work with other museum program developers/designers to develop innovative means to communicate physics/mathematics to the public. .

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS:

  • PhD in Physics, Mathematics, Bio-Physics or related field
  • Proven ability to communicate science effectively
  • Interest in inquiry-based teaching and informal science institutions
  • Ability to work with flexible schedule, including Saturdays
  • Excellent oral and written communication skills
  • Experience working with diverse populations at multiple levels