We are seeking a full-time postdoctoral researcher to work with Dr. Marisa Exter, Associate professor of Learning Design and Technology at Purdue University. We are looking for a team member who does well in a collaborative, interdisciplinary environment, has an interest in competency-based education, mixed-methods research, and is passionate about improving computing education programs. We will begin reviewing applications on June 28, 2021, and continue reviewing until the position is filled.

The Project

This multi-year project is part of a larger national level NSF-funded initiative to support systemic change in computing education through the development of a data-supported competency-based model, working with research partners in the University of Alabama, George Washington University, University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, University of New Hampshire, Rochester Institute of Technology, and Tuskegee University (NSF award # 2111097; https://www.nsf.gov/awardsearch/showAward?AWD_ID=2111097 ).

The Purdue team will focus on collecting data to develop a set of competencies (knowledge, skills, and attributes/dispositions) used by computing professionals on the job, in order to inform curricula for computing-related degree programs (e.g., computer science, software engineering, information technology, etc.) The team will utilize educational research methods, including interviews, systematic literature review, and survey methodology to contribute to a data-based competency model. Learn more about the project at https://disruptive.education.purdue.edu/research-projects/research-into-competencies-and-cbe/competencies-in-computer-science/

Your Role

You will be directly involved in mixed-method research design, and in planning and implementing all aspects of the study (e.g. developing instruments and protocols, conducting interviews, collecting survey data, and analyzing qualitative and quantitative data). While some relevant experience is expected, mentorship and professional development needs will be identified and provided as needed to support your continuing development as a scholar. In turn, you will offer your unique expertise to the team. The team as a whole operates on a reflective model, discussing challenges that occur and fortuitous results that we might not have expected.

This full-time, year-round position is expected to begin in August, 2021 with an approximate salary of $52,000 per year plus benefits, in a location with relatively low cost of living, low commute times, and quality public education). The position is slated for one year, with expectation for renewal for a second year pending adequate progress. Flexibility in work time and location can be discussed.

Your Responsibilities

The Postdoctoral Research Associate will work with Dr. Exter and her team to:

  • Review relevant literature related to competency-based curricula development, existing models for computing competencies, and related topics
  • Co-develop and pilot interview protocols and survey instruments
  • Conduct interviews
  • Analyze qualitative and quantitative data
  • Participate in the development of competency descriptors and related documentation
  • Generate custom reports
  • Co-author/co-present findings
  • Co-mentor graduate student(s)
  • Engage actively with a larger, multi-institutional interdisciplinary team of faculty, students, and professionals

Required Qualifications

  • PhD in Education, Instructional Design, Computing Education, HCI, or related area completed by the start of employment
  • Ability to work collaboratively as part of a research team
  • Strong research and analytic skills
  • Strong written and verbal communication skills
  • Experience conducting research and disseminating results

 Additional Desired Qualifications

  • Experience or knowledge related to at least one of the following:
    • Knowledge about competency-based education or related topics
    • Curricular design
    • Working in computing domain(s)
  • Experience with several of the following:
    • Designing and conducting mixed-methods research studies
    • Conducting interviews
    • Designing survey instruments
    • Qualitative analysis techniques, such as thematic analysis
    • Quantitative analysis techniques

Additional Information: 

  • Start date is negotiable, but preferred start is no later than August 16th, 2021.
  • Remote work and flexible scheduling may be available for this position.
  • Purdue University is an EOE/AA employer. All individuals, including minorities, women, individuals with disabilities, and veterans are encouraged to apply.
  • Purdue will not sponsor employment authorization for this position.

Please submit a cover letter that describes your interests and fit with the position, your curriculum vitae, a scholarly writing sample, and names and contact information (email and phone number) of three references by email to mexter@purdue.edu.

For questions, please contact Dr. Marisa Exter at mexter@purdue.edu. 

You can learn more about our research team at Purdue at: https://disruptive.education.purdue.edu/

You can learn more about being a postdoc at Purdue at: https://www.purdue.edu/gradschool/postdoctoral-studies/

Learn more about the cost of living and other statistics related to living in West Lafayette at: https://www.bestplaces.net/city/indiana/west_lafayette and in the surrounding county at: https://www.bestplaces.net/county/indiana/tippecanoe .