Postdoctoral Research Fellow - Science Education & Learning Sciences (Kaput Center)

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.

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.

Key Responsibilities:

• Conduct design-based research on professional learning in science education.
• Support the development and analysis of NetLogo-based learning environments and simulations.
• Collaborate on data collection, analysis (qualitative and/or mixed methods), and dissemination.
• Contribute to scholarly publications, conference presentations, and community-engaged scholarship.
• Engage with partners across multiple institutions and educational contexts.
• Work with and support doctoral students

Minimum Qualifications:

• Ph.D. in Science Education, Learning Sciences, or a closely related field (completed by start date).
• Demonstrated research experience in science education and/or learning sciences.
• Proficiency with NetLogo or similar platforms for agent-based modeling.
• Strong collaborative, organizational, and communication skills.

Preferred Qualifications:

• Familiarity with teacher professional development or professional learning research.
• Familiarity with sociocultural frameworks.
• Background in computational or systems thinking in educational settings.

Position Details:

• Location: University of Massachusetts Dartmouth (Kaput Center)
• Start Date: Fall 2025 (flexible)
• Appointment: 12-month position, renewable based on performance and funding

Join us in this exciting opportunity to work at the intersection of research, practice, and justice-oriented STEM education.

SALARY: $60,000-$65,000

UMass Dartmouth offers exciting benefits such as:

• 75% Employer-Paid Health Insurance
• Flexible Spending Accounts
• Life Insurance
• Long Term Disability
• State Pension Retirement Plan
• Optional Retirement Savings Plans
• Tuition Credit (Employee, Spouse, & Dependents)
• Twelve (12) paid holidays
• Paid personal, vacation, and sick time
• And More!

Benefits for Non-Unit Professional: Non-Unit Professional

Applicants must be authorized for employment in the U.S. on a full-time basis. Employment-based visa sponsorship is not available.

To apply please submit a letter of interest, a current CV and the contact information for three professional references.

The review of applications will be immediate and ongoing until the position is filled.