Research Associate-Fixed Term

Position Summary

The Program in Mathematics Education (PRIME) at Michigan State University is seeking a Postdoctoral Research Associate. The postdoctoral research associate will work with the Connected Mathematics Project in collaboration with the Concord Consortium to develop and test a set of digital resources.

This position will provide a qualified candidate with the opportunity to play a major role in a four-year NSF-funded project, Using Problem-Based Learning Analytics to Investigate Individual and Collaborative Mathematics Learning in a Digital Environment Over Time. The project aims to understand how students' individual and collaborative engagement in learning mathematics is enhanced by the digital platform, and how student engagement and learning is affected over the course of a year-long seventh grade from the Connected Mathematics curriculum course. Using digital notebooks, platform analytics, and other class artifacts, the team will develop a set of design characteristics for digital platforms that support student collaboration in learning mathematics. This grant builds on three NSF-funded grants:

• Enhancing the Teacher Curriculum Relationship in Problem-Based Classrooms by Connecting Teacher and Student Digital Collaborative Environments.
• Collaborative Research: Enhancing Middle Grades Students Capacity to Develop and Communicate Their Mathematical Understanding of Big Ideas Using Digital Inscriptional Resources.
• Promoting Productive Disciplinary Engagement and Learning with Open Problems and "Just-in-Time" Supports in Middle School Mathematics.

The research associate will assist with:

• Extending and refining the student and teacher digital platforms with an embedded problem-based mathematics course to support the use of individual and collaborative tools for an academic year in which the platform is used repeatedly.
• Incorporating and embedding problem-based learning analytics in a digital mathematics notebook so students can reflect on their individual and collaborative engagement and learning over time.
• Conducting field testing of the digital collaborative platform, collecting data using quantitative and qualitative methodologies, and applying research analysis techniques to address the research questions.
• Assisting with development and implementation of professional learning opportunities for teachers.
• Disseminate the research findings widely to a nationwide base of researchers, educators, and policymakers, including research articles, practitioner articles, reports, and presentations at national meetings.

The research associate will have the opportunity to:

• Assist with other CMP research projects.
• Assist with development of curriculum and assessment related to CMP.
• Assist with the development and implementation of CMP professional development.
• Work with other research, curriculum, and professional development projects associated with the Program in Mathematics Education (PRIME) at Michigan State University.
• Collaborate with faculty, post-docs, and graduate students in Michigan State University Mathematics Education programs.

Proposed start date of August 15, 2023. The initial appointment is for one year and is renewable on an annual basis through June 1, 2026, based upon satisfactory performance and the availability of resources.

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, age, disability or protected veteran status.

Required Degree

Doctorate -Mathematics Education

Minimum Requirements

The successful applicant will have a doctoral degree in mathematics education or a related field, as well as a background in mathematics education, design research, and/or mathematics curriculum development.

Desired Qualifications

Applicants should have a demonstrated interest in design research and the ability to work collaboratively with researchers and practitioners. Experience working in middle or secondary classrooms and/or pre-service teachers is highly valued.

Required Application Materials

Applicants should send cover letter, an updated CV, short papers describing their research interests, a statement of their teaching philosophy, and the names and contact information for three references who can speak to the above qualifications. Elizabeth Lozen cmp.postdoc@campusad.msu.edu

Together-we-will Statement

Review of Applications Begins On

04/03/2023

Remote Work Statement

MSU strives to provide a flexible work environment and this position has been designated as remote-friendly. Remote-friendly means some or all of the duties can be performed remotely as mutually agreed upon.

Website

HTTPS://CONNECTEDMATH.MSU.EDU/

MSU Statement

Michigan State University has been advancing the common good with uncommon will for more than 160 years. One 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.