College of Education: Learning, Teaching, & Cirriculum

Assistant Professor Professional Practice (060189)

Description:
We seek a Director for our new Office of Science Outreach. This individual will have an academic home in the Department of Learning, Teaching, and Curriculum and in the Division of Biological Sciences. The individual will hold the academic title of Assistant or Associate Professor of Professional Practice in Science Education. This is a non-tenure track position. The Office of Science Outreach includes the Director, 1 staff member, and 2 graduate assistants who support science outreach programs for K-12 teachers and their students. The Office of Outreach reports directly to the Director of the University of Missouri-Columbia (MU) Science Education Center (www.musec.missouri.edu). The MU Science Education Center is comprised of 6 tenure-track Science Education faculty members, 20 actively engaged collaborating faculty across various science units, and 15 full time doctoral students. The Center supports funded projects totaling over $10 million aimed at studying and improving science education, preschool through graduate school.

Responsibilities/Duties:
The Director will provide intellectual and creative leadership and energy for the Office of Science Outreach at MU through projects in which MU scientists and science educators interact with K-12 teachers and their students. While initially centered in the Department of Learning, Teaching and Curriculum and the Division of Biological Sciences, the program is expected to grow to encompass the breadth of life and physical sciences at MU.

Qualifications:
Applicants must have a PhD in either Science Education, Biological Sciences, or a related area; successful experience in science outreach efforts; and a demonstrated potential to secure external funding for science outreach. Candidates should have a strong desire to help catalyze innovative collaborations among scientists, science educators, and K-12 teachers.

Salary/Start Date:
The salary will be commensurate with experience and qualifications.. Start as soon as possible but no later than Fall semester 2008.

Application Procedures:
Applicants should submit a letter of application describing their prior experience and expertise in science outreach and their vision for science outreach at MU as it relates to the mission, goals and activities of the MU Science Education Center (www.musec.missouri.edu). Also include a curriculum vitae, transcripts, and three letters of reference to:

Professor Sandra Abell
Director, MU Science Education Center
303 Townsend Hall
University of Missouri-Columbia
Columbia, MO 65211

Date Posted:
October 4, 2007