Research Assistant in Mathematics Education

Research Assistant in Mathematics Education

At Luleå University of Technology the mathematics education unit is situated at the department of mathematics. This department offers mathematics courses within the pro-grams for masters and bachelors of engineering. It is also responsible for both the training in mathematics and in mathematics education within the teacher training programmes for stages of education. The present staff in mathematics education includes one chair in mathematics education, doctoral students, as well as lecturers.


Description of the Subject
Mathematics education is an interdisciplinary subject and integrates methods and theories from various different sciences, for example educational science, psychology, cognitive science, sociology and didactics. One of the most important bases of the discipline of mathematics education is, however, mathematics.

The research areas in mathematics education at the department include curriculum research, studies of teachers' professional development, international comparative classroom studies and the investigation of disparity in achievement in relation to students' background and gender.

Duties

The main responsibility of the research assistant will be to develop her/ his own research project in one of the areas in mathematics education that are represented at the department. Other duties include seeking external grants, mentoring graduate students and assistance in undergraduate teaching.

Required Qualifications

The candidate should hold a doctorate in mathematics education or in a related area earned within the last five years ("Högskoleförordningen 4:10"). In addition, the applicant should provide evidence of, or potential for, independent scholarly activity in one of the areas of research in mathematics education represented at the department.

Grounds for Assessment

Scientific Skills:

For candidates who do not hold a PhD degree in mathematics education, but another kind of doctoral degree (e.g. in mathematics, physics, psychology or education) there must be sufficient evidence of involvement in scientific production in mathematics education.
There must be evidence that the candidate is able to conceptualise and conduct research that advances the field's understanding of mathematics learning and teaching and to communicate such results clearly to a variety of audiences.
Other Skills:

Involvement in pre-service and in-service teacher education will be of advantage

Applicants should submit a cover letter, detailed curriculum vitae, a research and teaching statement with supporting documents, and names and contact information of three professional references. The Application evaluation will place primary emphasis on the applicant's scientific and pedagogic record, Applications and supporting documents are to be sent in duplicate.

Applications should be submitted by January 10, 2008