Director of Research Position

April 9, 2019
STEM Learning Center, University of Arizona

The University of Arizona STEM Learning Center (SLC) announces a search to commence in Fall 2019 for the position of Research Director. The SLC is a university-wide center that promotes access to high-quality experiences, resources, and expertise in the STEM fields. The SLC serves as a centralized hub for connecting resources, people, and best practices to inspire and sustain interest in STEM and STEM pathways. In the vision of the SLC, every person has equitable access to STEM experiences that are inclusive and relevant. We aim to investigate and eliminate barriers that limit access to STEM and STEM pathways for diverse populations.

We seek an individual who can promote the educational aspects of STEM research on campus and broaden participation in STEM learning experiences across the community. The Research Director will nurture innovative projects that have the potential to improve outcomes for underrepresented groups in STEM. This person will serve as an ambassador of education to STEM researchers and a mentor to STEM researchers in outreach to educational programs.

This position will be a joint appointment in the SLC (50%) and the College of Education (50%) at the full professor level. The University of Arizona, our state’s Land Grant University, has recently earned the designation of Hispanic Serving Institution from the U.S. Department of Education for its success in the enrollment of Hispanic students and in expanding their educational opportunities. This position will continue to strengthen our dedication as a Hispanic Serving Institution to creating educational equity and opportunities.

Position open:   August 2019                Expected start date:   August 2020

Duties and Responsibilities

  • Coordinate and promote research in STEM fields that identifies and helps to eliminate barriers to participation in STEM learning experiences and pathways
  • Pursue grant opportunities to support individual and/or collaborative research that broadens participation in STEM fields
  • Teach graduate and undergraduate courses in the appointed department within the College of Education
  • Participate in service and community engagement efforts in the department, College of Education, and University of Arizona

Qualifications

  • PhD
  • Published research in STEM, STEM-education, higher education, or other area related to pathways in STEM
  • Research record commensurate with full professor status
  • Experience promoting educational equity in a variety of settings
  • Experience bridging STEM research and STEM education research
  • Experience obtaining external funding for large research projects
  • Experience administrating STEM education programs
  • Familiarity with current trends and issues in STEM education and STEM pathways

Desired Qualifications

  • Familiarity with the culture and context of the Southwest Border Region
  • Research record related to audiences underrepresented in STEM

The University of Arizona recognizes that diversity in experiences and perspectives is vital to advancing innovation, critical thinking, problem solving, and creating an inclusive community.

For additional information, visit www.stem.arizona.edu or contact Kimberly Sierra-Cajas, SLC Director, kjsc@email.arizona.edu