<p>The Kaput Center for STEM Education and Innovation at the University of Massachusetts Dartmouth invites applications for a Postdoctoral Research Fellow to join a multi-institutional project focused on professional learning in science education. This collaborative research initiative seeks to advance transformative teaching practices through innovative, data-driven approaches across a range of educational settings.</p> <p>We are seeking a dynamic and interdisciplinary scholar with expertise in science education and/or the learning sciences, and demonstrated experience with NetLogo or similar agent-based modeling tools. The successful candidate will join a vibrant research team including Dr. Shakhnoza Kayumova, Dr. Walter Stroup, Dr. Kathryn Strom, and Dr. Fikile Nxumalo.</p> <p>Key Responsibilities:</p> <ul> <li>Conduct design-based research on professional learning in science education. </li><li>Support the development and analysis of NetLogo-based learning environments and simulations. </li><li>Collaborate on data collection, analysis (qualitative and/or mixed methods), and dissemination. </li><li>Contribute to scholarly publications, conference presentations, and community-engaged scholarship. </li><li>Engage with partners across multiple institutions and educational contexts. </li><li>Work with and support doctoral students </li></ul> <p>Minimum Qualifications:</p> <ul> <li>Ph.D. in Science Education, Learning Sciences, or a closely related field (completed by start date). </li><li>Demonstrated research experience in science education and/or learning sciences. </li><li>Proficiency with NetLogo or similar platforms for agent-based modeling. </li><li>Strong collaborative, organizational, and communication skills. </li></ul> <p>Preferred Qualifications:</p> <ul> <li>Familiarity with teacher professional development or professional learning research. </li><li>Familiarity with sociocultural frameworks. </li><li>Background in computational or systems thinking in educational settings. </li></ul> <p>Position Details:</p> <ul> <li>Location: University of Massachusetts Dartmouth (Kaput Center) </li><li>Start Date: Fall 2025 (flexible) </li><li>Appointment: 12-month position, renewable based on performance and funding </li></ul> <p>Join us in this exciting opportunity to work at the intersection of research, practice, and justice-oriented STEM education.</p> <p>SALARY: $60,000-$65,000</p> <p>UMass Dartmouth offers exciting benefits such as:</p> <ul> <li>75% Employer-Paid Health Insurance </li><li>Flexible Spending Accounts </li><li>Life Insurance </li><li>Long Term Disability </li><li>State Pension Retirement Plan </li><li>Optional Retirement Savings Plans </li><li>Tuition Credit (Employee, Spouse, & Dependents) </li><li>Twelve (12) paid holidays </li><li>Paid personal, vacation, and sick time </li><li>And More! </li></ul> <p>Benefits for Non-Unit Professional: Non-Unit Professional</p> <p>Applicants must be authorized for employment in the U.S. on a full-time basis. Employment-based visa sponsorship is not available.</p> <p>To apply please submit a letter of interest, a current CV and the contact information for three professional references.</p> <p>The review of applications will be immediate and ongoing until the position is filled.</p> <p>Advertised: 03 Oct 2025 Eastern Daylight Time</p>