Job Information

The STEM Transformation Institute at Florida International University is inviting applications for a research associate or postdoctoral research associate to work with a team of faculty, postdocs, and students contributing to an NSF-funded project titled, CAREER: Talking Science: Early STEM Identity Formation Through Everyday Science Talk. This project examines the structures of family conversations that support STEM identity development across Hispanic/Latine populations and translates this understanding to develop resources for STEM educators in informal settings.

The employee will be expected to work full-time (40 hrs/week) for a period of 12 to 18 months and may fulfill their responsibilities as either a completely remote, hybrid, or in-person employee. Work modality can be discussed at the time of interview.

This position will contribute to the development, implementation, and evaluation of virtual workshops for informal learning educators that center on cultivating strategies for Latine family engagement. This will include (1) collecting data to evaluate the effectiveness of the workshops, (2) analyzing evaluation data and synthesizing findings, (3) disseminating workshop evaluation and materials to researcher and practitioner audiences, (4) refining workshop curriculum and materials based on findings from evaluation, and (5) coordinating and implementing future workshops.

This work is expected to contribute to the employee’s independent career goals through purposeful career mentoring. They will be encouraged to develop new interventions and/or products based on their research interests. Alongside the Principal Investigator, the associate will identify skills that will be developed through mentoring to support their professional goals. The associate will also receive leadership training that includes overseeing graduate and undergraduate research assistants who contribute to the project, preparing and leading communications with project partners, and coordinating additional project activities.

Minimum qualifications:

Research Associate

• A Master’s degree in a science, technology, engineering, or mathematics (STEM) field or a related STEM Education field from an accredited institution
• At least 2 years of experience working in an informal STEM education setting (e.g., afterschool program, summer/weeklong camp, museum)

Postdoctoral Research Associate

• A PhD in a STEM education research field or in a related field with a concentration in STEM (e.g., learning sciences, child development, museum education)

Desired qualifications:

• A demonstrated commitment to broader impacts in STEM education
• Prior work experience in informal, out-of-school time, and/or non-school STEM learning settings
• Experience developing and/or modifying educational curricula
• Experience working on large projects with a team of peers and supervisors
• Excellent writing skills, including evidence of having contributed to research publications
• Familiarity with and interest in STEM educator professional development
• Prior experience conducting interviews with children and/or caregivers from diverse populations
• Experience designing and carrying out qualitative/quantitative studies
• Additional qualifications: Candidates who speak fluent Spanish should note so in their cover letter.

Individuals interested in the position should compose a cover letter that addresses the following:

• How the applicant views this position as aligning with their professional goals
• The degree to which they meet the minimum and desired qualifications outlined above
• Additional skills or experience that may support the effective fulfillment of duties
• Interest in and experience mentoring students, volunteers, or employees

Qualified candidates are encouraged to apply to Job Opening ID 529003 at https://facultycareers.fiu.edu/ and attach a cover letter, curriculum vitae and two writing samples. Candidates will be requested to provide names and contact information for at least 3 references who will be contacted as determined by the search committee. Applications will be accepted until the position is filled.

Applicants with questions about the position should contact Dr. Remy Dou (redou@fiu.edu) and CC Dr. Heidi Cian (hcian@mmsa.org).

Information About Florida International University (FIU) and the STEM Transformation Institute

FIU is a minority-serving urban public research institution in Miami, Florida. FIU is the 4th largest public university with 55,000 students, of which 61% are Hispanic, 13% are Black, and 56% are women; and thus provides a unique opportunity to develop models for working with historically underrepresented populations. The STEM Transformation Institute (stem.fiu.edu) is a multidisciplinary collaboration across the FIU Colleges for the research and development of effective educational practices that lead to substantial increases in the number of well-prepared STEM professionals, including teachers, graduating FIU. Undertaking this challenge requires partnerships with local K-12 systems and colleges, businesses and industry, foundations, and national education leaders in order to create an educational landscape that supports all students, coming through multiple pathways, and leading to a productive workforce. The STEM Institute capitalizes on the unique skills that FIU’s diverse student population brings to their learning and ultimately the workforce. The Institute serves as a living laboratory that disseminates practices, policies, and STEM professionals across the nation.

Pre-Employment Requirements

Criminal Background Check
Fingerprinting Check

How To Apply

Prospective Employee

If you have not created a registered account, you will be asked to create a username and password for use of the system. It is recommended that you provide an active/valid e-mail account as that will be the main source of communication regarding your status within the process. In this account, you are able to track your applicant status in "My Applications". 

To be considered eligible for the position as an internal candidate, departmental staff must meet minimum requirements of the position and be in good performance standing.

Before you begin the process, we recommend that you are prepared to attach electronic copies of your resume, cover letter or any other documents within the application process. It is recommended that you combine your cover letter and resume/curriculum vitae into one attachment.  Attached documents should be in Microsoft Word or PDF format. All applicants are required to complete the online application including work history and educational details (if applicable), even when attaching a resume.

*This posting will close at 12:00 am of the close date.

How To Apply

Current Employee

As a current employee, you must log into Employee Self Service (ESS) to apply for this and any other internal career opportunity of interest. In this account, you are able to track your applicant status in "My Applications". 

To be considered eligible for the position as an internal candidate, departmental staff must meet minimum requirements of the position and be in good performance standing.

Before you begin the process, we recommend that you are prepared to attach electronic copies of your resume/ curriculum vitae, cover letter or any other documents within the application process.  It is recommended that you combine your cover letter and resume into one attachment. Attached documents should be in Microsoft Word or PDF format.

*This posting will close at 12:00 am of the close date.

Disclosures

Clery Notice

In compliance with the Jeanne Clery Disclosure of Campus Security Policy and Crime Statistics Act, the University Police department at Florida International University provides information on crimes statistics, crime prevention, law enforcement, crime reporting, and other related issues for the past three (3) calendar years. The FIU Annual Security report is available online at: https://police.fiu.edu/download/annual-security-fire-safety-report/.

To obtain a paper copy of the report, please visit the FIU Police Department located at 885 SW 109th Avenue, Miami, FL, 33199 (PG5 Market Station).

Pay Transparency

Florida International University will not discharge or in any other manner discriminate against employees or applicants because they have inquired about, discussed, or disclosed their own pay or the pay of another employee or applicant.  However, employees who have access to the compensation information of other employees or applicants as a part of  their essential job functions cannot disclose the pay of other employees or applicants to individuals who do not otherwise have access to compensation information, unless the disclosure is (a) in response to a formal complaint or charge, (b) in furtherance of an investigation, proceeding, hearing, or action, including an investigation conducted by the employer, or (c) consistent with the contractor’s legal duty to furnish information.

FIU is a member of the State University System of Florida and an Equal Opportunity, Equal Access, Affirmative Action Employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability or protected veteran status.

About FIU

Florida International University is a top public university that drives real talent and innovation in Miami and globally. Very high research (R1) activity and high social mobility come together at FIU to uplift and accelerate learner success in a global city by focusing in the areas of environment, health, innovation, and justice. Today, FIU has two campuses and multiple centers. FIU serves a diverse student body of more than 56,000 and 290,000 Panther alumni. U.S. News and World Report places dozens of FIU programs among the best in the nation, including international business at No. 2. Washington Monthly Magazine ranks FIU among the top 20 public universities contributing to the public good.