Postdoctoral fellow in Physics Education Research - Hiring in process/Finished, not possible to apply

Subject description
Physics Education Research (PER) focuses on educational aspects of teaching and learning in physics in general, including its many sub-disciplines. Rather than studies in the discipline of physics, PER studies the challenges entailed for pupils, students, and their teachers when learning, or teaching, physics. PER explores questions such as how knowledge can be formed and disseminated in more productive ways, the effects that social and cultural practices have on learning, and how these effects are conveyed. The research at Lund University Physics Education Research Group (LUPER) is associated with the Swedish National Resource Centre for Physics Education (NRCF) and focuses on physics education at university level (including physics teacher education and physics teacher professional development education) but does not exclude other levels in the educational system, from preschool to upper-secondary school. The research is thus linked to NRCF's mission regarding support for teaching physics at various levels within the Swedish educational system. The research in PER at Lund University focuses on studies of learning processes through the disciplinary communication between pupils/students and teachers which is mediated by all the ‘semiotic resources’ used in the disciplines—theoretically described by, for example, social semiotics. Of particular interest to this research is the use of programming, technical equipment, embodied experiences, as well as visualisations in 3D and 4D using AR, VR and planetarium (dome theatres), and how these can affect learning processes. Furthermore, studies of pupils'/students'/teachers' perceptions and understanding of space and time (space-time)—for large and small scales—are of particular interest.

Work duties
The main duties involved in a post-doctoral position is to conduct research. Teaching may also be included, but up to no more than 20% of working hours. The position shall include the opportunity for three weeks of training in higher education teaching and learning.

The work duties can also include:

• Research within the subject area (PER) linked to NRCF’s activities.
• Supervision of degree projects.
• Collaboration with schools, their teachers, and wider society.

Qualification requirements
Appointment to a post-doctoral position requires that the applicant has a PhD, or an international degree deemed equivalent to a PhD, within the subject of the position (PER, physics with specialisation in PER), completed no more than three years before the last date for applications. Under special circumstances, the doctoral degree can have been completed earlier. According to the regulations the applicant must have a PhD degree. This requirement is fulfilled if the applicant by the end of the application period have fulfilled all parts of a PhD even though the PhD certificate may not be attached to the application. However, should the applicant be offered the position, a certificate must be presented before the university can make the final decision about the employment.

Additional requirements:

• High level of oral and written proficiency in English.
• Publications in peer-reviewed international PER journals.
• Experience in teaching at university and/or school level.

Assessment criteria and other qualifications
This is a career development position primarily focused on research. The position is intended as an initial step in a career, and the assessment of the applicants will primarily be based on their research qualifications and potential as researchers.

Particular emphasis will be placed on research skills within the subject.

For appointments to a post-doctoral position, the following shall form the assessment criteria:

• Excellent ability to develop and conduct high quality research.
• Teaching skills.

Additional assessment criteria:

• Teacher education
• Teaching experience (primary, secondary, or upper-secondary school level)
• Knowledge in Swedish or other Scandinavian languages (Norwegian or Danish).

Consideration will also be given to good collaborative skills, drive and independence, and how the applicant’s experience and skills complement and strengthen ongoing research within the department, and how they stand to contribute to its future development.

Terms of employment
This is a full-time, fixed-term employment of a maximum of 2 years. The period of employment is determined in accordance with the agreement “Avtal om tidsbegränsad anställning som postdoktor” (“Agreement on fixed-term employment as a post-doctoral fellow”) between Lund University, SACO-S, OFR/S and SEKO, dated 4 September 2008.

 Instructions on how to apply
Applications shall be written in English or a Scandinavian language (Swedish, Norwegian, Danish) and be compiled into a PDF-file containing:

• Personal letter
• Résumé/CV, including a list of publications,
• A general description of past research and future research interests (no more than three pages),
• Contact information to at least two references, and,
• Copy of the doctoral degree certificate, and other certificates/grades that you wish to be considered.