This position is bugeted for $5,720.00 per month and is non-negotiable.

Under supervision of an SDSU Faculty member, this position is intended to provided mentored advanced training to enhance professional skills and research independence in the Post Doc's academic discipline.

The Biology Education Research Laboratory (BER Lab) at San Diego State University is situated within the Biology department and led by Assistant Professor Gena Sbeglia. Work in the lab investigates how students learn and persist in undergraduate biology by studying a complex interplay of factors including cognitive processes, emotional attitudes (such as evolution acceptance), psychosocial identity (such as belonging), and classroom environment variables (like active-learning dosage and TA preparation). The lab’s mission spans four core goals: (1) deepening conceptual understanding of biological reasoning (e.g., natural selection, matter & energy transformation) to design more effective learning approaches; (2) examining how affective and identity-related variables impact student learning and retention in biology; (3) testing how classroom practices influence outcomes and persistence; and (4) developing and psychometrically validating instruments to rigorously measure latent traits central to biology education research.

We invite applications for a two-year, 75% postdoctoral associate position to support an NSF HSI grant. The overarching goal of this project is to improve learning outcomes, degree retention, and career engagement in the ecological and evolutionary sciences. The postdoctoral associate will contribute to multiple facets of this interdisciplinary effort, including data analysis, instructional design, mentorship of graduate and undergraduate researchers, and dissemination of research findings.

Conducting Research 25%

• Data management and analysis including collecting, cleaning, organizing, and analyzing classroom and institutional data related to student learning and affect.
• Conducting literature reviews and conceptualizing DBER research projects.
• Mentoring and overseeing undergraduate and graduate students conducting biology education research.  

Publishing Research Findings 25%

• Preparing manuscripts for peer-reviewed journals and writing proposals for conferences.
• Attending and presenting findings at national conferences.  

Professional Development 20%

• Gaining experience with quantitative and mixed-methods research in STEM education. 
• Participating in a vibrant education research community at SDSU.  

Teaching 20%

• Assisting with the implementation and assessment of high-impact teaching practices and course redesign. While most responsibilities can be performed remotely, up to three in-person course support days per semester may be required.
• Supporting preparation of ULAs and Graduate Teaching Assistants. 
• Supporting the activities of the Faculty Learning Community that is part of this grant. 

Other Duties as Assigned 10%

Knowledge and Abilities:

• Deep knowledge about ecology and student learning challenges with ecology.
• Skilled in cleaning, managing, and analyzing data using R.
• Ability to write papers and reports for peer-reviewed journals.
• Understanding of ethical guidelines in research.
• Capable of planning and executing complex projects.
• Effective in team-based, interdisciplinary work.
• Strong oral and written presentation skills.
• Ability to mentor diverse students or junior researchers.
• Ability to manage multiple projects and deadlines.
• Creative and analytical thinking for research challenges.
• Flexibility in adjusting research direction as needed.
• Knowledge about or interest in learning advanced statistical techniques (e.g., Hierarchical linear modeling, Rasch analysis, structural equation modeling)
• Experience in applying for research funding.

Education & Experience:

• Doctoral degree or equivalent with expertise in ecology (or related disciplines) and pedagogy.
• At least two years of experience teaching or assisting in large (>200 students) introductory biology courses (e.g., as GTA or instructor of record)
• Preparation in science education, discipline-based education research (DBER), or inclusive teaching within STEM.
• Experience developing introductory biology curricula for large-enrollment courses and assessing its efficacy.
• Experience accessing student learning.
• Experience mentoring undergraduate students undertaking both research and instructional (e.g., teaching assistant) roles
• Experience working with sensitive data (e.g., student grades) and maintaining student confidentiality
• Experience presenting original research at regional or international conferences.
• Experience with interdisciplinary or team-based educational reform work

 PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS AND SPECIAL SKILLS:

• Experience in designing, conducting, and analyzing experiments or studies in ecology or education.
• Demonstrated ability to take a project from conceptualization to publication
• Knowledge about theoretical frameworks for equity, cognition, and learning
• Experience teaching or mentoring students in equitable instructional practices
• Demonstrated engagement with student thinking about challenging biological topics
• The ability to approach research questions from a critical perspective, developing innovative solutions and troubleshooting problems.
• Ability to work independently with minimal supervision and take initiative in planning and conducting research.
• Experience collaborating with interdisciplinary teams or working in group settings.
• Strong oral and written communication skills for writing research papers, presenting findings at conferences, and collaborating with colleagues.
• Experience in writing research grants or familiarity with the process of applying for funding.
• Demonstrates eagerness to learn new techniques, tools, or concepts.
• A passion for discipline-based education research and the ability to work towards the research goals with dedication and persistence.

ADDITIONAL APPLICANT INFORMATION

• Candidate must reside in California and live within a commutable distance from SDSU at time of hire.
• Job offer is contingent upon satisfactory clearance based on background check results (including a criminal record check).
• San Diego State University Research Foundation is an equal opportunity employer. Consistent with California law and federal civil rights laws, SDSU Research Foundation provides equal opportunity in employment without unlawful discrimination or preferential treatment based on race, sex, color, ethnicity, or national origin or any other categories protected by federal or state law.  
• Employment decisions are based on an individual’s qualifications as they relate to the job under consideration. Our commitment to equal opportunity means ensuring that every employee has equal access to resources and support. 
• SDSU Research Foundation complies with Titles VI and VII of the Civil Rights Act of 1964, Title IX of the Education Amendments of 1972, the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA), Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act, the California Equity in Higher Education Act, California’s Proposition 209 (Art. I, Section 31 of the California Constitution), and other applicable state and federal anti-discrimination laws including grant or contract terms and conditions related to funded program activities. Further the SDSU Research Foundation maintains a Nondiscrimination Policy that prohibits discriminatory preferential treatment, segregation based on race or any other protected status, and all forms of unlawful discrimination, harassment, and retaliation in all programs, policies, and practices.  
• SDSU Research Foundation makes all employment decisions including, but not limited to, applicant screening, hiring, promotion, demotion, compensation, benefits, disciplinary actions, and terminations on the basis of merit.