PhD student position in Engineering Education Research

PhD position with a focus on collaborative learning in innovative learning environments

Do you want to be part of a major Chalmers initiative to create innovative and conducive learning environments for budding engineers? Do you want to conduct educational research, being part of a team of passionate educational researchers? Then this PhD project is for you.

Information about the project
In 2018, the Chalmers foundation decided on one of the largest educational investments since Chalmers was founded close to two centuries ago — the Tracks initiative. The purpose of Tracks is to create and test a new educational model aiming to:

• provide students with opportunities to develop cross-disciplinary competencies;
• meet students' expectations and the need for a more individualized study plan; and
• shorten the lead times for changing education.

The Tracks model consists of challenge-driven courses and projects, where engineering students from different programs work together to tackle complex societal challenges. Some of these courses involve students in authentic research and enable them to be immersed in a real research environment. Further information about the Tracks initiative can be found here.

Against this backdrop, the Department of Communication and Learning in Science (CLS) is looking for a PhD student with a strong interest in engineering education research. The aim of the PhD project is to explore student learning experiences and outcomes in various Tracks courses, with a particular focus on interdisciplinarity and identity. An essential first step of the PhD project is to formulate specific research questions, guiding the choice of research methods and theories. Salient findings will, in the next phase, be used to frame the design, implementation and evaluation of interventions to bolster students’ development of an engineering identity.

The PhD position will be placed at the division of Engineering Education Research (EER). The division has a long history of conducting close-to-practice educational research, drawing on a range of theoretical perspectives and methodological approaches. Some of this work is carried out in collaboration with both teachers and students at Chalmers. Specific strands of research include education for sustainable development, authentic learning environments, and technology enhanced learning.

Major responsibilities
Your major responsibility as a PhD student is to pursue your own doctoral studies related to the project. This includes developing scientific concepts and communicating research results both verbally and in writing. Your research activities will contribute to enhanced knowledge in the scientific field, in particular by presenting your results in scientific journals and at international conferences.

In addition to the research project, you will also enroll in courses at the advanced level within the graduate school. The position also includes departmental duties, such as teaching, corresponding to approximately 20% of your working time.

Position summary
Full-time temporary employment. The position is limited to a maximum of five years. The PhD student will be enrolled in the graduate school Communication and Learning in STEM, with a specialization in Engineering Education Research. More information about the graduate school is available here.

Qualifications
The ideal candidate will have:

• A Master’s degree in either:
- Education (or a related field) and with a strong interest in and documented experience of engineering education;
or
- Engineering and with a strong interest in and documented experience of educational theories and methods 
• A research-oriented mindset in tandem with a strong desire to learn about teaching and learning
• Good knowledge of, and interest in, qualitative research methods; experience with quantitative research methods is a merit
• Fluency in English is required; additional proficiency in Swedish is preferred due to the multilingual nature of the research
• An ability to work independently as well as cooperatively 

Chalmers continuously strives to be an attractive employer. Equality and diversity are substantial foundations in all activities at Chalmers.

Our offer to you
Chalmers offers a cultivating and inspiring working environment in the dynamic city of Gothenburg. 
Read more about working at Chalmers and our benefits for employees.

Application deadline: 20 February, 2020

Read more and apply here

*** Chalmers declines to consider all offers of further announcement publishing or other types of support for the recruiting process in connection with this position. ***