Associate Professor positions in Discipline Based Science Education Research with a focus on Computer Science, Mathematics or other science disciplines

Job Description

The Department of Mathematics and Computer Science (IMADA) at the University of Southern Denmark (SDU) invites applicants for one or more positions as Associate Professor in Discipline Based Science Education Research with a focus on University Computer Science Education Research, Mathematics Education Research or other Discipline based University Science Education Research.

IMADA is one of four departments at the Faculty of Science, SDU and located in Odense and is focused on research and teaching in Mathematics and Computer Science, as well as specializations in teaching these disciplines at primary, secondary and tertiary level. The Associate Professors will be part of the STEM Center for Research in Science Education and Science Communication (FNUG) and will be a member of the section on Learning Experience Design.

Thematic option 1: Computer Science Education Research
The department wishes to strengthen its research profile in University Science Education with a focus on Teaching Computer Science / Data Science. The applicant should expand and complement our current activities and a key part of the Associate Professorship is research and collaboration across institutions (other Danish universities). Thus, we are seeking an Associate Professor who will establish his or her own discipline-based education research group (DBER) while also playing a central role in cross-institutional collaboration, mentoring junior researchers, and contributing to developing our educational programmes and teaching activities in the areas of Computer Science Education, including educational technologies, visualization, interaction and experience design.

The competence profile of the successful candidate bridges deep expertise in Computer Science Teaching as a research topic and strong interdisciplinary, leadership and collaborative skills. A documented track record of research project leadership will be an advantage, as well as a strong list of publications in peer-reviewed journals.

Responsibilities:

Research Leadership
- Collaborate across universities on university science education research
- Establish a new DBER group
- Manage day-to-day operations of the DBER group, including planning and executing research activities, meetings, and events.
- Chair and participate in meetings.
- Promote transparency, collaboration, and alignment of goals by ensuring effective communication internally at SDU and cross-institutionally.
- Build and maintain relationships with internal and external stakeholders, including consortium partners, faculty members, researchers, and other relevant entities.
- Facilitate collaboration opportunities, knowledge exchange, and joint grant applications.

We are seeking outstanding candidates with a strong track record in independent research, strong analytical and creative problem solving skills, strong written and oral communication skills (in English and preferably also Danish), who have deep understanding of the Danish educational system or an interest in developing such an understanding, and have documented experience in the development and leadership of relevant research projects. Documented experience with teaching, outreach and/or the ability to attract external funding will be considered an advantage. Leadership experience is strongly preferred.

The successful candidate will be involved in teaching at the Department of Mathematics and Computer Science, including course teaching, the supervision of undergraduate and graduate students, who specialize in Computer Science / Data Science /AI and have an interest in Computer Science Education.

To be qualified at the level of Associate Professor, it is expected that the candidate has obtained external funding to support research activities and has published in high impact peer-reviewed journals. In addition to these criteria for research excellence, the department expects the candidate to excel at teaching, as documented through teaching evaluations, and to serve on committees or have carried out other organizational, service tasks.

Thematic option 2: Mathematics Education Research and STEM Education
The department wishes to strengthen its research profile in Mathematics Education Research, including the role of Mathematics Education in STEM Education.

We are seeking an Associate Professor who will continue and expand our current activities.
This position particularly focuses on Mathematics Education Research and the didactic relation of Mathematics to the other STEM disciplines, including the professional development of teachers, teacher educators and teaching at tertiary level (university college and university level and in primary and lower secondary school).
We are seeking an Associate Professor who will establish her or his own discipline-based education research group (DBER) while also covering interdisciplinary connections between Mathematics and the Sciences. A key part of the Associate Professorship is to cover the spectrum of research and practice in Mathematics Education ranging from early childhood to tertiary education, with a special focus on teacher education.

The Associate Professor will collaborate cross-institutionally, mentor junior researchers, and contribute to the development of our educational programs and teaching activities in the areas of Mathematics Education, including researching educational technologies, learning environments and learning experience design for Mathematics.

Our new colleague will be responsible for:
- teaching and supervision on all levels from BSc to PhD in discipline-based Mathematics Education and interdisciplinary Mathematics/Science Education (e.g. STEM), and will also include the Research/Science Communication of these areas
- representing SDU in NCUM activities - Nationalt Center for Undervisning i Matematik
- representing SDU in Naturfagsakademiet
- active research and research dissemination corresponding to Associate Professor level
- develop and support initiatives in educational development and curriculum development at the Faculty of Science
- with colleagues and collaborators from the Faculty, University Colleges and other stakeholders to develop and initiate new projects and obtain external funding to such projects, particular in relation to continuing education, professional development and Faculty development
- support dialogue and collaboration with external collaborators and funding bodies, including international networks

We expect a successful candidate to hold a PhD and have research experience on assistant professor level within Mathematics Education on university level. For a hiring at the level of Associate Professor, applicants are expected to have a strong research track record after their PhD, and to have demonstrated the ability to work systematically with the leadership of externally financed educational research projects. In addition, applicants are expected to have substantial experience in teaching and supervision at all levels.
Fluency in English and Danish is required.

We offer:

• An Associate Professor position

• A stimulating, collaborative, and international research environment

• Relevant courses in research management, grantsmanship, and if relevant, Danish language to develop the applicant's academic career.

Place of work:
STEM Center for Research in Science Education and Science Communication (FNUG),
Section of Learning Experience Design,
Department of Mathematics and Computer Science, located at the main campus of the University of Southern Denmark, Odense, Denmark.

Starting date and contact:
The starting date for the position in Computer Science Education Research is January 1, 2025 or as soon as possible hereafter.
The starting date for the position in Mathematics Education Research is July 1, 2025 or as soon as possible hereafter.

Application deadline: 21 August 2024 at 23:59 hours local Danish time
For further information please contact Professor Connie Svabo

Application, salary etc.
Appointment to the position will be in accordance with the salary agreement between the Ministry of Finance and the Danish Confederation of Professional Associations. Please check links for more information on salary and taxation.

Applications will be assessed by an expert committee. When the expert committee issues its assessment, the applicants will be sent the portion of the assessment pertaining to them personally.

The application must include:

• A curriculum vitae • A full list of publications • Copy of PhD diploma • Copies of all publications on which the applicant wishes to be evaluated • A brief survey of the applicant's most important research results and research plans for the next three years • A teaching portfolio.

Shortlisting may be used in the assessment process.
Incomplete applications and applications received after the deadline will neither be considered nor evaluated.

An interview may be included as a part of the overall assessment of the applicant's qualifications.

Applications must be submitted electronically using the link " Apply now ". Attached files must be in Adobe PDF format. We strongly recommend that you read How to apply for a position at SDU before you apply.

Since not all members of the appointment committee are Danish-speaking, it is recommended that your application is submitted in English.
The University wishes our staff to reflect the diversity of society and thus welcomes applications from all qualified candidates regardless of personal background.

Further information for international applicants about entering and working in Denmark.

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