Assessment and Evaluation Research Fellow

The University of Michigan Biological Station (UMBS) has an opening for a Research Fellow with a focus on assessment and evaluation. The successful candidate will work closely with UMBS’s Director and Associate Director, and the University of Michigan Center for Research on Learning and Teaching (CRLT) to evaluate and report on the new Field-based Student Engagement and the Academy (FSEA) program (http://lsa.umich.edu/umbs/field-studies-academy-program.html). This is a term-limited appointment and renewal is based on performance and funding through December 31, 2020.

FSEA seeks to promote two key learning goals: first, that students deepen their engagement in disciplinary and interdisciplinary research; second, that students develop their skills as systems thinkers who understand relationships among humans, social systems, and the environment. UMBS will rely on this postdoctoral research fellow for assessment of progress toward and recommendations for achieving these goals. The postdoctoral researcher will provide valuable feedback and guidance to the FSEA steering committee, participating faculty, and other biological and marine research field stations.

The postdoctoral research associate has the opportunity to support a major university initiative and develop significant evaluation and assessment experience.

The position will have the following responsibilities:

• In collaboration with UMBS and CRLT staff, develop and implement plans for a holistic assessment and evaluation of the Field-based Student Engagement and the Academy (FSEA) program. This evaluation is along two dimensions of evidence: 1) increasing depth of interdisciplinarity in research, and 2) student development as systems thinkers.

• Provide valuable feedback and guidance to the FSEA steering committee and participating faculty on improving educational outcomes of participating classes.

• Help translate observed outcomes into recommendations for other biological and marine research field stations.

• Assist with events and program development that support the improvement of teaching and learning based on evaluation research findings.

General supervision is received from the Director and Associate Director of the University of Michigan Biological Station.

Starting Date:  As soon as possible; position posting closes July 29, 2016

Job Requirements:  

• A Ph.D. completed; experience in postsecondary assessment, evaluation and/or educational research; demonstrated expertise in both quantitative and qualitative methods; strong oral and written communication skills; ability to work effectively in settings of social and intellectual diversity; strong organizational skills; and sensitivity to teaching and learning needs at a major research university, including both curricular and co-curricular learning environments.

• Experience with quantitative analysis and working knowledge of statistical, analytic and reporting software. University or college teaching experience.
• Ability to successfully plan and implement program details.
• Ability to accommodate occasional work outside of standard business hours (8 a.m. - 5 p.m.).
• Willingness and ability to travel between Ann Arbor and the UMBS campus in Pellston, Michigan.
• Ability to work across disciplinary boundaries and in a collaborative environment.

Note: This position is based in Ann Arbor, Michigan, but will require extended stays of up to a week at the Biological Station campus near Pellston, Michigan.

To apply: Visit the University of Michigan Job Site (http://umjobs.org/job_detail/127856/). Upload a CV and cover letter as a single document (the system only permits applicants to upload one document). For questions, contact UMBS Associate Director Karie Slavik ([email protected]).

The Institution: Situated in the heart of the Great Lakes Basin, the University of Michigan Biological Station (UMBS) has been at the leading edge of field-based research and teaching for more than 100 years. Our residential research campus is situated on the southeast shore of Douglas Lake, near Pellston, Michigan; our administrative offices are located on the University of Michigan’s central campus in Ann Arbor, Michigan. At the height of the summer research season, we have approximately 250 people in camp. They range from undergraduates through senior faculty. Our persistent emphasis has been on understanding natural systems from local through global scales. For more information about UMBS visit lsa.umich.edu/umbs.

The University of Michigan is an equal opportunity/affirmative action employer.