Postdoctoral Scholar - Discipline- Education Research; DBER

Job Overview

Syracuse University invites applications for a cohort of Discipline-Based Education Research (DBER) Postdoctoral Scholars. These positions offer an exceptional opportunity to conduct STEM education research at Syracuse University in the context of significant regional economic development driven by Micron Technology’s semiconductor manufacturing expansion in Central New York. This $100 billion investment is creating approximately 50,000 new jobs and presents unique opportunities for research on STEM workforce development and preparation.

We are seeking candidates who can begin August 1, 2026, although the exact date is flexible.

Postdoctoral scholars will conduct research on STEM teaching and learning while contributing to undergraduate education in Mathematics, Astronomy, Biology, Chemistry, or Physics. The cohort‑based program provides opportunities to collaborate with established faculty researchers and to develop skills in research design, grant writing, and publication essential for successful academic careers. The University is particularly interested in candidates whose research addresses the impact of undergraduate mathematics curriculum on success and retention in STEM disciplines, though applications from all fields of DBER are welcome.

The DBER postdoctoral scholars will hold a 12‑month appointment and teach one three‑credit course per semester. For candidates who are principal investigators on existing sponsored projects, appointment may also be considered as a Faculty Fellow.

• Design and conduct original discipline‑based education research in collaboration with faculty mentors across relevant STEM disciplines, present findings at national and regional conferences, publish in peer‑reviewed journals, and contribute to grant proposal development.
• Teach one three‑credit course per semester.
• Contribute to research addressing critical questions in STEM education, including the impact of undergraduate mathematics curriculum on student success and retention in STEM.
• Additional research areas of interest include evidence‑based improvements to undergraduate teaching and learning, development and assessment of active learning pedagogies, course‑based undergraduate research experiences (CUREs), and cohort‑building practices supporting students’ persistence in STEM careers.
• This position is part of a bargaining unit and is represented by the union SEIU, Local 200
  
  United.

• Candidates must hold a Ph.D. in Astronomy, Biology, Chemistry, Mathematics, Physics, or a related STEM field with training and experience in education research, course design, and implementation of active learning at the undergraduate level; or a Ph.D. in STEM Education or a related field focused on undergraduate teaching and learning with content knowledge in Mathematics, Astronomy, Biology, Chemistry, or Physics.

Syracuse University is an equal‑opportunity institution. The University prohibits discrimination and harassment based on race, color, creed, religion, sex, gender, national origin, citizenship, ethnicity, marital status, age, disability, sexual orientation, gender identity and gender expression, veteran status, or any other status protected by applicable law to the extent prohibited by law. This nondiscrimination policy covers admissions, employment, and access to and treatment in University programs, services, and activities.

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