Educational Research/Teaching Postdoc

The University of California, San Diego Computer Science and Engineering Department seeks applications for a “researcher-teacher” Postdoctoral Scholar position with an emphasis on teaching and educational research.  We seek candidates who are interested in obtaining a faculty position that values teaching as well as education scholarship.  The goals for this postdoctoral position are for the scholar to: (1) build their teaching portfolio in large classes, giving them the teaching experience that will make them competitive for a teaching faculty position, (2) develop pedagogical skills and pedagogical content knowledge required of an exceptional educator, (3) gain independence as an education researcher, and (4) learn to navigate the politics and structures of being a teaching faculty member at a research-focused university.  

Responsibilities: 

The postdoctoral scholar will teach three quarter-long courses over a single academic year (Fall, Winter and Spring quarters).  The timing and course assignments will be determined in consultation with the candidate taking into consideration the department’s needs for the 2022-2023 academic year and the candidate’s interests and background.

The postdoctoral scholar will also do research on the NSF-funded project “Equity of Access to Computer Science: Factors Impacting the Characteristics and Success of Undergraduate CS Majors,” a data-driven project to examine CS undergraduate student pathways and barriers across four colleges and universities in Southern California. This project is currently underway in its second year. The scholar will help lead quantitative modeling of students’ educational trajectories and qualitative focus-group-based research, under the guidance and training of the PIs on the project where appropriate.

Required qualifications:

Applicants must have an expectation of completing a PhD in computer science (including CS education) or a related area by September 1, 2022.  Applicants must have prior teaching experience as a TA or lead instructor.  Applicants must have experience with quantitative analysis or modeling, or qualitative research with human subjects or both.  Education research experience is preferred, but not required.

Terms:

The initial appointment is for a one-year term  from September 2022-August 2023.  The annual salary will be $61,000, though may be higher based on prior experience.

Timeline: 

We encourage candidates to send applications as soon as possible. Review will continue until the position is filled.

To apply, please email the following materials to Christine Alvarado (cjalvarado@eng.ucsd.edu) with the subject line “CS Ed Postdoc Application”:

Cover letter
CV
Research Statement
Teaching Statement
Names and emails of three references who are willing to be contacted.  You do not need to send letters.
If you have any questions, please contact Christine Alvarado at cjalvarado@eng.ucsd.edu.