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Postdoctoral Training Opportunity - Searle Center, Graduate and Postdoctoral Learning

Northwestern University and the Searle Center for Advancing Learning & Teaching invite applications for a postdoctoral trainee. This is an excellent opportunity to gain professional experience in and advance the scholarship of the training of graduate students and postdocs in learning and teaching. The successful applicant will work with the Searle Center staff and campus to implement and evaluate a robust and coherent set of programs. Primary responsibilities will be to:

  • Develop and facilitate the Teaching Certificate Program in collaboration with the Searle Graduate and Postdoctoral Learning team 
  • Mentor postdoc participants in the Teaching Certificate Program
  • Evaluate and research Graduate and Postdoctoral Learning programs
  • Contribute to the scholarship of graduate and postdoctoral program development in learning and teaching 
  • Develop new Graduate and Postdoctoral Learning initiatives based on opportunity, experience and interest 
  • Contribute to existing Graduate and Postdoctoral Learning initiatives at Northwestern and as part of Searle’s national presence based on experience and interest 

These activities will provide valuable experience in program development, facilitation, assessment, evaluation, and the scholarship of grad student and postdoctoral preparation in learning and teaching. The successful candidate will report to Nancy Ruggeri, Ph.D (Director of Graduate and Postdoctoral Learning at the Searle Center). The Searle Center will provide training in evidence-based approaches to teaching and learning, evaluation, and assessment. They expect this position to be remote through December 2020, with an expectation to transition to on campus with a return to in-person programming.

This is a one-year full-time, benefits-eligible appointment with the possibility of extension for a second year based on satisfactory performance. Anticipated start date is September 14, 2020. To apply, please send a CV and cover letter describing your qualifications, professional goals, and why you believe you would be a strong fit for the position to Nancy Ruggeri, PhD at nancy.ruggeri@northwestern.edu. Please be prepared to provide references and a sample publication (paper, poster, or presentation) if requested. For full consideration, all materials must be received by September 1, 2020.

Applicants should have or expect to complete a PhD before starting the position and have a strong interest in improving student learning at the college level and studying student learning. The ideal candidate will have a background in either quantitative or qualitative research methodologies and/or evaluation. Candidates should have teaching experience and involvement in workshop design and implementation or peer tutoring and mentoring or equivalent experience. The individual should be able to work both independently and in a team, have experience with remote program facilitation, and must be comfortable managing competing project outcomes and deadlines. The candidate should have an interest in working across disciplines and be able to collaborate with colleagues across a range of academic fields.

Northwestern University is an Equal Opportunity, Affirmative Action Employer of all protected classes including veterans and individuals with disabilities. Women and minorities are encouraged to apply. Hiring is contingent upon eligibility to work in the United States.