Assistant Professor of Professional Practice: K-12 Science Outreach

We seek an Assistant Professor of Professional Practice in Science Education for an exciting new position to be jointly housed in the Department of Learning, Teaching, Curriculum (College of Education) and the Division of Biological Sciences (College of Arts and Science).

This individual will report to the Director of the University of Missouri-Columbia (MU) Science Education Center (www.musec.missouri.edu).  The MU Science Education Center currently is comprised of 6 tenure-track Science Education faculty members, 20 actively engaged collaborating faculty across various science units, and 15 full time doctoral students.  The Center supports funded projects totaling over $6 million aimed at studying and improving science education, preschool through graduate school.

Opportunities and Responsibilities:
This individual will provide intellectual and creative leadership and energy to mount a coordinated Science Outreach Program at the University of Missouri in which MU scientists and science educators interact with K-12 students and their teachers. While initially centered in the Department of Learning, Teaching and Curriculum and the Division of Biological Sciences, the program is expected to grow to encompass the breadth of life and physical sciences at MU.

As part of those activities, this individual will also collaborate with scientists to integrate K-12 outreach components into their research proposals and to design effective assessments of those components; initiate new grant proposals for projects aimed at the professional development of science teachers, K-12; and provide intellectual support for graduate students in the sciences as they develop a “Scientists in the Schools” program.

Qualifications, Salary and Benefits: 
Applicants must have a PhD in either Science Education, Biological Sciences, or a related area; successful experience in science outreach efforts; and a demonstrated potential to secure external funding for science outreach.  Candidates should have a strong desire to help develop novel collaborations among scientists, science educators, and K-12 teachers.

This is a full-time, Professional (non-tenure) Track, benefits-eligible Calendar year appointment beginning as soon as possible, but no later than Fall semester, 2007. The salary will be commensurate with experience and qualifications. Funding is available for 3 years with future funding and program growth dependent on the success of the program during this initial period.

Application Procedure:
Applicants should submit a letter of application describing their expertise in and commitment to the position and to the mission, goals and activities of the MU Science Education Center (www.musec.missouri.edu).  Send letter of interest and outreach vision, curriculum vitae, transcripts, reprints/copies of up to three manuscripts, and three letters of reference to:

Professor Sandra Abell
Director, MU Science Education Center
303 Townsend Hall
University of Missouri-Columbia
Columbia, MO 65211
AbellS@missouri.edu

Review of applications will begin September 29, 2006 and will continue until the position is filled. 

Download Position Annoucement: Assistant Professor of Professional Practice

Assistantships

Graduate Research and Teaching Assistantships

For the upcoming academic year, we have teaching and research assistantships available. Contact: Sandra Abell, Director, MU Science Education Center.

The University of Missouri is the oldest state university west of the Mississippi River. MU is the flagship of the University of Missouri System.  It is one of the most comprehensive and diverse universities in the United States, and proudly embraces the land grant mission.  MU is a Doctoral/Research Extensive institution and has a student body of over 17,000 undergraduate and 9,000 graduate and professional students. 

The University of Missouri-Columbia complies with the guidelines set forth by the Americans with Disabilities Act of 1990. If you have special needs as addressed by this legislation, and need assistance with this or any portion of the application process, please contact our ADA Coordinator at (573) 884-7278 (V/TTY). Efforts will be made to accommodate your special needs.

The University of Missouri is an Equal Opportunity/Affirmative Action employer and specifically invites and encourages applications from women and minorities.