University of Minnesota

About the Job

The post-doctoral researcher will work under the supervision of Dr. Murray Jensen to conduct an NSF funded research project concerning the use of evidence-based teaching practices in the teaching of Anatomy and Physiology at the community college level. This is a six-month position – July 14-December 14, 2025. Responsibilities will include, but are not limited to:

• Conducting qualitative interviews with professional educators
• Transcribing and carrying out qualitative analyses of interviews
• Conducting quantitative analyses of survey data
• Managing longitudinal data sets
• Providing one-on-one support and consultation in educational research design and basic quantitative and qualitative analyses
• Leading online information sessions on the design of small-scale educational research projects
• Writing manuscripts for peer review
• Mentoring and supervising undergraduate research assistants
• Traveling to present data at national and possibly international conferences

Qualifications

Essential Qualifications:

• PhD in education, psychology, biology or a related field
• Experience with and knowledge of anatomy and physiology education, evidence-based teaching, or active learning practices

Preferred Qualifications:

• Demonstrated skill in interviewing and qualitative data analysis
• Demonstrated skill in survey data collection and quantitative analysis
• Evidence of peer-reviewed publications in education research or a related field
• Ability to work effectively with an interdisciplinary team
• Capacity to mentor and support learners from diverse backgrounds
• Ability to work independently and remotely
• Awareness of diversity, equity, and inclusion issues as they relate to higher education and to academic research

About the Department

The University of Minnesota has a national reputation in biology teaching and educational research. The mission of our department is to discover, apply and share research-based strategies that transform biology education. With strengths in both biological and pedagogical research, the Department of Biology Teaching and Learning strives to be part of a tradition of excellence. Through our ongoing research, our department members contribute to the growing understanding of how students learn; through their teaching and outreach, we model the implementation of evidence-based educational research; and through our mentoring of graduate students and colleagues, we will help build a strong community of teaching scholars of national reputation.

Pay and Benefits

Pay Range: $61,008 depending on education/qualifications/experience

Please visit the Benefits for Postdoctoral Candidates website for more information regarding benefit eligibility.

• Competitive wages, paid holidays, and generous time off
• Continuous learning opportunities through professional training
• Medical, dental, and pharmacy plans
• Healthcare and dependent care flexible spending accounts
• University HSA contributions
• Disability and life insurance
• Employee wellbeing program
• Financial counseling services
• Employee Assistance Program with eight sessions of counseling at no cost

How To Apply

For full consideration, all materials must be received by Monday, May 12. Interviews will be conducted the week of May 19 via Zoom. Application materials need to be submitted online in PDF format with the applicant’s last name in the PDF title; applications cannot be considered until all of the following materials have been uploaded:

• Cover letter highlighting qualifications related to the proposed research and an explanation of how the applicant meets the required (and desirable, if appropriate) qualifications of the position
• Curriculum vitae
• A one-page summary of educational research interests, experience, and future goals
• A one-page statement of applicant’s understanding of issues related to diversity, equity, and inclusion in education
• The names and contact information of three references; please be certain that references have agreed to speak to the qualifications sought in this position and have agreed to be contacted

Applications must be submitted online. To be considered for this position, please click the Apply button and follow the instructions. You will be given the opportunity to complete an online application for the position and attach a cover letter and resume.

Additional documents may be attached after application by accessing your "My Job Applications" page and uploading documents in the "My Cover Letters and Attachments" section.

To request an accommodation during the application process, please e-mail employ@umn.edu or call (612) 624-8647.

Diversity

The Department of Biology Teaching and Learning values Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion along all axes of identity (race, gender, orientation, disability, etc.). We seek colleagues who share this value and can add to our expertise in these areas to join us and the work we are doing. The Department’s full DEI statement is available at: https://cbs.umn.edu/academics/departments/btl/about-btl/dei

The University recognizes and values the importance of diversity and inclusion in enriching the employment experience of its employees and in supporting the academic mission. The University is committed to attracting and retaining employees with varying identities and backgrounds.

The University of Minnesota provides equal access to and opportunity in its programs, facilities, and employment without regard to race, color, creed, religion, national origin, gender, age, marital status, disability, public assistance status, veteran status, sexual orientation, gender identity, or gender expression. To learn more about diversity at the U: http://diversity.umn.edu

Employment Requirements

Any offer of employment is contingent upon the successful completion of a background check. Our presumption is that prospective employees are eligible to work here. Criminal convictions do not automatically disqualify finalists from employment.

About the U of M

The University of Minnesota, Twin Cities (UMTC)

The University of Minnesota, Twin Cities (UMTC), is among the largest public research universities in the country, offering undergraduate, graduate, and professional students a multitude of opportunities for study and research. Located at the heart of one of the nation's most vibrant, diverse metropolitan communities, students on the campuses in Minneapolis and St. Paul benefit from extensive partnerships with world-renowned health centers, international corporations, government agencies, and arts, nonprofit, and public service organizations.

At the University of Minnesota, we are proud to be recognized by the Star Tribune as a Top Workplace for 2021, as well as by Forbes as Best Employers for Women and one of America’s Best Employers (2015, 2018, 2019, 2023), Best Employer for Diversity (2019, 2020), Best Employer for New Grads (2018, 2019), and Best Employer by State (2019, 2022).