Location: Kalamazoo,MI, USA
Western Michigan University invites applications for the position of Assistant or Associate Professor of Science Education. This will be a joint appointment between the Mallinson Institute for Science Education (primary department) and one of the following five science departments (Biological Sciences; Chemistry; Environment, Geography, and Sustainability; Geological and Environmental Sciences; or Physics). The successful candidate will conduct research on equity in college-level science education.
Major Duties
* Conduct research on equity in college-level science education.
* Publish in peer-reviewed journals.
* Secure external funding to support research.
* Teach graduate courses in science education.
* Chair and serve on thesis and dissertation committees for PhD students in science education.
* Teach undergraduate courses in one of the five science departments.
* Provide service at the department, college, and/or university level.
Minimum Qualifications
* A PhD in Science Education, one of the five science disciplines, or a related field awarded by August 2025 by an accredited institution.
* Evidence of commitment to diversity, inclusion, and equity through publications, teaching, and/or service.
Desired Qualifications
* Research experience in the area of science education, particularly those related to equity at the college level.
* Scholarly publications in the area of science education.
* Experience supervising or mentoring undergraduate or graduate level projects, theses, or dissertation.
* Experience teaching and/or designing introductory science courses.
* Experience teaching and/or designing graduate-level courses in science education.
* Experience applying for and/or receiving research funding.
Special Instructions to Applicants
Salary: Competitive and commensurate with qualifications and experience, with an excellent benefits package.
Expected Start Date: August 15, 2025
Application Deadline: Review of applications will begin (date - 3 weeks after posted) and continue until position is filled.
Additional Position Information
The University: Western Michigan University (WMU), located in Southwest Michigan, is a vibrant, nationally recognized student-centered research institution with an enrollment of nearly 18,000. WMU delivers high-quality undergraduate instruction, has a strong graduate division, and fosters significant research activities. The Carnegie Foundation for the Advancement of Teaching classifies WMU as a doctoral university and one of just 185 public universities in the nation conducting research at a high level.
Aligned with Western Michigan University's Mission, as We are an access-oriented institution that provides an impactful and inclusive education that integrates discovery and fosters holistic growth and well-being so that all may learn, and our WMU Strategic Plan 2022-32 centering Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion Objectives that are responsive to our campus, regional, and national demographics, this opportunity is a reflection of our commitment to advancing systemic equity, inclusion, and justice, and therefore WMU seeks candidates that will reflect this alignment and commitment.
The College: The College of Arts and Sciences represents the foundation of learning and the academic heart of WMU. As articulated in the College of Arts and Sciences strategic plan, we are committed to fostering a community of diverse, inclusive, equitable, and globally engaged scholars, learners, and leaders. We favor candidates who can contribute to the College's distinctive educational objectives, which promote interdisciplinary perspectives, intercultural understanding, and concern with social responsibility and the ethical implications of knowledge and action. With 23 departments and interdisciplinary schools and institutes, WMU's largest college offers a broad range of learning opportunities and career paths for our students. CAS students are among the very top students in the country, having received very competitive awards including Goldwater Fellowships, Udall Scholarships, Boren Fellowships, and Fulbright awards, among others.
The Mallinson Institute for Science Education: The interdisciplinary Mallinson Institute for Science Education (MISE) exists to advance knowledge through research to improve the teaching and learning of science, in and out of the classroom. We prepare science-focused graduate students from all over the world to be reflective and engaged scholars of science education. MISE functions like an academic department in the WMU organizational structure. Most faculty are jointly appointed between MISE and one of five science departments. MISE runs a PhD program in science education, with over 40 enrolled students, that can be completed in person or completely online. It is one of only a small number of PhD programs in science education that operate within a college of arts and sciences (as opposed to a college of education). MISE faculty are recognized expert scholars within their disciplines (e.g., chemistry education research, physics education research) and also collaborate on interdisciplinary science education projects. MISE faculty have research expertise in equity in STEM, college science teaching, evaluation and assessment, educational change, and history and philosophy of science. We are interested in expanding our expertise to include informal science education and service learning.
Kalamazoo: Kalamazoo is located only two and a half hours by car from Chicago and Detroit and only 45 minutes from the beaches of Lake Michigan. It is located in one of Michigan's designated research corridors, maintaining a strong life sciences/biotech presence and supporting two leading medical centers. With 263,000 people in the greater Kalamazoo area, the community offers an array of cultural events, entertainment, and all-season recreation. The city supports a nationally recognized symphony and has earned a reputation for a vibrant community theatre and visual arts scene. Relatedly, Kalamazoo is committed to social justice, community development and the elimination of generational poverty through its Shared Prosperity Kalamazoo initiative, with structural budgetary support provided by the City of Kalamazoo's Foundation for Excellence program. Kalamazoo also is the home of the Kalamazoo Promise, a scholarship program offered to all Kalamazoo Public School students that covers up to 100% of tuition and mandatory fees to all Michigan public (and many private) institutions of higher learning.
Go to: wmich.edu/hr/employees/faculty for benefits and other information.