Applications are being accepted for a research associate curriculum development position to work on an nsf-funded project in evolution education curriculum development and research under the direction of drPeter white at michigan state universityThis is intended to be an hourly on-call, or project-pay type position for the duration of the projectThe person in this position may work in-person or remotely, as desired.
Overview: this project aims to design, pilot, and test a set of interactive and integrative instructional materials for introductory biology coursesThe materials will be focused on the evolutionary basis of human medical conditionsThese materials will facilitate student understanding of human evolution, by exploring health conditionsMany, if not most, students are introduced to evolution in an introductory biology course where the topic is studied in isolation from other content for a very short period of timeInstruction is often based broadly on “natural selection and adaptation”, with connections rarely made to the molecular and/or cellular events involved in evolutionary processesUnfortunately, this type of treatment is some students’ sole experience studying evolutionAs a result, many students do not acquire a solid foundation in basic evolutionary concepts, let alone the tools or examples needed to understand how evolution is applicable to humansIn this project we will build, pilot, and disseminate curricular materials that clarify the evolutionary underpinnings of several human diseases and health conditionsThe integrative case curriculum by the evo-ed project (www.evo-ed.org) provides a backdrop for the type of curriculum development and integrated nature of the curricular materials we plan to design, pilot, and test hereWe intend to explore how engaging in evolutionary medicine curriculum, with ties to the relevant social and cultural contexts, helps students develop a better understanding of both evolution and human medicine.
Responsibilitie s: the research associate will work closely with drWhite and the project team on the design, development, piloting and testing of curricular materials and data collection and analysisThey will play a significant role researching and building the evo-med-ed integrative curricular materials, designing and populating website pages, and piloting and assessing the curricular materialsThe associate may be involved in preparing publications arising from the research conducted in this project.
Equal employment opportunity statement
All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, citizenship, disability or protected veteran status.
Required degree
Doctorate
Minimum requirements
Required qualifications: ph.dRequired, as is a decade or more of higher-ed evolution education curriculum development experience at a r1 institutionThis should be paired with either a bsc or an msc in biology or a related field.
Candidates must have prior experience working on an nsf-funded project in evolution education (or a similar grant-funding agency).
Candidates should also have a decade or more of teacher-education teaching experience in higher education.
Candidates should have a strong knowledge of evolutionary processes.
Candidates should have a record of peer-reviewed publications in evolution education.
Candidates should have experience writing case studies for the national center for case study teaching in science.
Required application materials
To apply: submit a one-page cv to careers.msu.eduThis cv should include four sections that list: (a) professional preparation, (b) professional appointments, (c) up to 5 recent publications, and (d) synergistic activities.
Together-we-will statement
The university is requiring all msu students, faculty and staff to be vaccinated against covid-19 with limited exceptionsLearn more at: https://msu.edu/together-we-will/
Special instructions
Questions regarding this position may be directed to drPeter white, pwhite@msu.eduReview of application materials will begin as soon as applications are received and continue until the position is filledThe position is intended to begin on september 30, 2021.
Work hours
This is intended to be an hourly on-call, or project-pay type position for the duration of the projectThe person in this position may work in-person or remotely, as desired.
Review of applications begins on
10/05/2021
Website
Http://lbc.msu.edu
Msu statement
Michigan state university has been advancing the common good with uncommon will for more than 160 yearsOne of the top research universities in the world, msu pushes the boundaries of discovery and forges enduring partnerships to solve the most pressing global challenges while providing life-changing opportunities to a diverse and inclusive academic community through more than 200 programs of study in 17 degree-granting colleges.
