Post-doctoral Fellowship Position at Northwestern University

We are seeking a postdoctoral fellow interested in the application of insights from the learning sciences and from video game mechanics to the design and study of novel learning environments. The fellow will work with Professors Kemi Jona and Reed Stevens on projects in this area, at the School of Education and Social Policy at Northwestern University. The research is situated within the FUSE program (www.fusestudio.net), a rapidly expanding program for pre-teens and teens that provides a rich context for design-based research on youth learning, creativity, innovation, and engagement particularly in the areas of STEM and STEAM.

Qualities of successful candidates include experience in design of learning environments informed by research in video game mechanics, learning sciences, project- or challenge-based learning, and/or other informal STEM settings (e.g., museums or science centers). Experience with ethnographic fieldwork and/or familiarity with methods for analyzing naturally-occurring video records of interaction is also desirable. Candidates with expertise in game design or other design-intensive areas, who have little experience but a keen interest in ethnographic field methods, video-based interaction analysis, are still encouraged to apply. For such a candidate, this position offers the possibility of new training in these areas. Software development skills are a plus.

Qualifications for the position are: (a) a PhD in a relevant discipline such as Learning Sciences, Computer Science (emphasis on learning game design), Psychology, or Communication; (b) experience and/or intellectual enthusiasm for the design of innovative youth-centric learning environments, (c) the ability to establish good rapport with research participants of diverse backgrounds, especially children, teens, and teachers and (d) strong organizational and writing skills.

The fellow will have the opportunity to interact with an interdisciplinary network of scholars across Northwestern University as well as faculty and graduate students in Northwestern’s Learning Sciences program. The position will provide opportunities for a post-doctoral fellow to pursue a scholarly program of research.

Responsibilities will include research participant recruitment, field and web data collection, data analysis, collaborative research writing, and study management.

This is a one-year position, with the opportunity to renew for an additional 1-2 years. Applications for the position will be ongoing until it is filled.

For more information, contact: Dr. Kemi Jona ([email protected]) or Dr. Reed Stevens, ([email protected])

Applicants should send a cover letter, CV, a sample publication and the names and contact information (including email and phone) for three references.

Northwestern University is located in an attractive lakefront community adjacent to Chicago. Northwestern University is an Equal Opportunity, Affirmative Action employer. Members of historically underrepresented groups are strongly encouraged to apply.

Hiring is contingent upon eligibility to work in the United States. Employment Eligibility verification required upon hire.