Postdoc in engineering education research

This is a call for a postdoctoral position focused on teaching and learning in interdisciplinary, individualized and flexible education in engineering and architecture.

Information about the research
Initiatives to reform education in engineering and architecture across the globe are increasingly emphasizing and encouraging stronger links between (1) disciplines, (2) academic education and real-world contexts, and (3) generic competences and technical skills. Chalmers University of Technology has recently committed to large-scale efforts to develop education based on cooperation across boundaries between schools, programs and departments (in the TRACKS initiative). In light of the important role of engineers and architects for meeting current and future global challenges, it is important to study these kinds of initiatives and their possibilities and consequences from a wide variety of perspectives.

For this postdoctoral position, we seek applicants that address the challenges and possibilities in reformed architecture and engineering education (as described above). We invite project proposals which use or develop established theories and methodologies in social and educational sciences, and which adopt an empirical focus ranging from student and/or teacher experiences to reform work on a more institutional level. Possible interesting areas of research include but are not limited to (1) research adopting a critical lens to explore intended as well as unintended effects on student learning and development resulting from these reform efforts, and (2) research attending to teachers’ motivation for engaging in reform initiatives, the challenges they experience, and/or their need for further pedagogical support/training.

The position is to be placed at the Division of Engineering Education Research at the Department of Communication and Learning in Science.

Major responsibilities
As a postdoctoral scholar you are expected to be a highly active member of the engineering education research group, which has an ongoing research strand dedicated to the thematic area of this position. In addition, in collaboration with colleagues you will be expected to seek external funding for research to enable the establishment of a future research platform involving your own as well as other's research. Finally, depending on your research experience and research interests, you will have the possibility to supervise masters’ students (comprising < 10% of your time) and be involved in some minor teaching engagements (< 5% of your time).

Qualifications
The successful applicant has a Ph.D. degree, obtained after 2018-12-31, in a field that is relevant to the research project described in their proposal/application (e.g. Engineering, Architecture, Education Science, Education Studies, Educational Psychology).

The applicant must have:
• Knowledge of and experience in applying quantitative and/or qualitative research methods (to the extent that this is relevant to the proposed project).
• Excellent verbal and written communication skills in English.
• A strong publication record in highly ranked journals/conferences relevant to the field of research.

It is meritorious if the applicant has a higher education teaching diploma/equivalent. Additional meritorious qualifications include:
• Participation in international research networks within the research area.
• Teamwork skills to work successfully with colleagues and external partners.
• Experience working with students and/or teachers in close-to-practice educational research.
• Success in attracting external funding.

Position summary
Full-time temporary employment. The position is limited to a maximum of two years (1+1).

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

Application procedure
The application should be marked with Ref 20210301 and written in English. The application should be sent electronically and be attached as pdf-files, as below:

CV: (Please name the document as: CV, Surname, Ref. number) including:
• CV, include complete list of publications (and please mark clearly which publications have been subject to peer review).
• Previous teaching and pedagogical experiences.
• The names of two references that we can contact.

Personal letter: (Please name the document as: Personal letter, Family name, Ref. number)
1-3 pages where you:
• Introduce yourself.
• Describe your previous research fields and main research results.
• Describe your future goals and future research focus.

Mandatory research proposal: (Please name the document as: Project proposal, Family name, Ref. number)
In addition to the CV and the personal letter, each applicant is required to submit a tentative project proposal of no more than three A4 pages, excluding references. The proposal should articulate - in very broad terms - the kind of research project the applicant would be interested in conducting and why (focusing on the purpose, methods, possible results and the significance of those results in view of the state of the art of the relevant research field).

Other documents:
• Attested copies of completed education, grades and other certificates.

Please use the button at the foot of the page to reach the application form. The files may be compressed (zipped).

Application deadline: 31 August, 2021

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