Ecology Education Research Program Leader

The Cary Institute of Ecosystem Studies' mission is the creation, dissemination and application of knowledge about ecological systems.

This knowledge is created through scientific research, disseminated through teaching, writing, and exhibits, and applied through participation in decision-making regarding the ecological management of natural resources and through promotion of a broader awareness about the importance of ecological relationships to human welfare.

As one of the largest ecological research programs in the world, Cary supplies unbiased scientific research that leads to more effective environmental policy decisions and increased environmental literacy.

Position Overview:

This Ecology Education Research Program Leader position is full time (35 hours per week). The successful canidate will initially be awarded a one-year appointment starting January 1, 2013. Continuation of this position will be contingent upon performance and availability of grant funds. To learn more about who we are, please visit our website.

Qualifications: 

• Masters degree (or equivalent) in science education required, Ph.D. preferred.
• Must have experience with education research, preferably with both qualitative and quantitative methods.
• Experience working with teachers preferred.
• Ecology teaching experience and ecology training at the college level preferred.
• Ability to work collaboratively with a wide range of people.
• Strong data analysis, communication and writing skills required.
• Highly organized and able to work independently in a fast-paced environment. 

Responsibilities: 

• To conduct cutting-edge research into student and teacher learning and teachers' practices in two innovative education programs at the middle and high school levels.
• Activities will include: assessment design (surveys and "tests", interviews, portfolios and artifacts, videotaping, observations), collecting and analyzing data from students and teachers, synthesizing data across multiple sources and sites; presenting results at conferences; and co-authoring publications. 
• Write grant proposals.
• Manage project budgets.
• Support other education programs at the Cary Institute. 

Additional Responsibilities:

Help carry out and analyze results of education research efforts in the following NSF-supported projects: 

• Data Exploration in Ecology Project (DEEP) - describing how students learn to do data - and evidence-based - inquiry and critique in ecology, and the outcomes of professional development for teachers' knowledge, skills, motivation and practices in exploring data with their students. 
• Pathways to Environmental Science Literacy - exploring teacher learning and practices in implementing learning progression-based teaching practices and curricula in middle and high school science classes. This is a Math Science Partnership (MSP) project taking place at sites in CA, CO, WY, MI, MD and NY. 

Please email a brief cover letter, a resume, and the names and full contact information (including telephone numbers and email addresses) for three professional references to:

Human Resources
Cary Institute of Ecosystem Studies
Job Ref. #12022-I
P.O. Box AB
Millbrook, New York 12545

Please contact Alan Berkowitz with any questions regarding this position.

We are an Equal Employment Opportunity/Affirmative Action Employer; minorities, females, veterans and disabled are encouraged to apply.