CMC-Young Postbaccalaureate Researcher

This position will support research on an NSF grant investigating how assessment item format influences student problem solving abilities. The candidate will assist in data collection and data analysis, including potentially both qualitative and quantitative analysis. The candidate may also need to work with physics instructors at UGA to collect such data and have occasional interactions with currently enrolled students, including to obtain consent to participate in the study. The candidate will also assist with creating instructional materials for use in classrooms at UGA as needed. The candidate is also expected to contribute to scientific outputs such as peer reviewed publications and presentations as appropriate. Knowledge, Skills, Abilities and/or Competencies, Is driving a responsibility of this position? No Is this a Position of Trust? No Does this position have operation, access, or control of financial resources? No Does this position require a P-Card? No Is having a P-Card an essential function of this position? No Does this position have direct interaction or care of children under the age of 18 or direct patient care? No Does this position have Security Access (e.g., public safety, IT security, personnel records, patient records, or access to chemicals and medications) No Credit and P-Card policy Be advised a credit check will be required for all positions with financial responsibilities. For additional information about the credit check criteria, visit the UGA Credit Background Check website. Background Investigation Policy Offers of employment are contingent upon completion of a background investigation including, a criminal background check demonstrating your eligibility for employment with the University of Georgia; confirmation of the credentials and employment history reflected in your application materials (including reference checks) as they relate to the job-based requirements of the position applied for; and, if applicable, a satisfactory credit check. You may also be subject to a pre-employment drug test for positions with high-risk responsibilities, if applicable. Please visit the UGA Background Check website., Research Coordination and Data Collection

• Coordinate and implement data collection activities across participating introductory physics courses, including administration of study assessments and surveys.
• Assist with participant recruitment, informed consent procedures, and participant tracking for grant-supported research activities.
• Collaborate with UGA physics faculty and instructional staff to schedule and coordinate classroom-based data collection.
• Maintain organized and accurate research records and study data in accordance with established project protocols.

Percentage of time 50, * Assist with qualitative and quantitative analysis of study data, including examination of student performance, conceptual understanding, misconceptions, learning gains, and assessment reliability.

• Conduct analyses comparing Complex Multiple-Choice (CMC) question formats with traditional assessment approaches.
• Prepare data summaries, tables, figures, and other materials to support interpretation and reporting of research findings.
• Contribute to scientific outputs, including peer-reviewed publications, presentations, and grant-related reports, as appropriate.

Percentage of time 25, Instructional Material Development

• Collaborate with the Principal Investigator and research team to develop and refine instructional and assessment materials incorporating Complex Multiple-Choice (CMC) approaches into introductory physics courses.
• Create learning activities, assignments, practice exercises, assessment materials, and supporting resources aligned with project goals.
• Assist with developing implementation protocols and resources for instructors participating in project activities.

Percentage of time 15, Project Coordination, Documentation, and Dissemination

• Support the development of training materials and documentation for instructors participating in project implementation and field testing.
• Participate in regular project team meetings to review research progress, coordinate data collection and instructional activities, and discuss project priorities.
• Maintain project documentation, track assigned activities and deliverables, and assist with meeting materials and follow-up.
• Contribute to presentations, educational materials, graphical materials, and online resources used to communicate project findings and practices.

High school diploma or equivalent, * Knowledge of undergraduate Physics

• Quantitative and qualitative data analysis skills, including familiarity with relevant software such as Python, R, MaxQDA, Nvivo, etc.
• Data entry and processing skills
• Knowledge of policies and ethics around human subject’s research
• Knowledge of scientific writing

Physical Demands

• Lift research equipment, no more than 10 pounds.
• Sit at computer as needed.

The University of Georgia is an Equal Opportunity employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to age, color, disability, genetic information, national origin, race, religion, sex, or veteran status or other protected status. Persons needing accommodations or assistance with the accessibility of materials related to this search are encouraged to contact Central HR (hrweb@uga.edu). USG Core Values Statement The University System of Georgia is comprised of our 25 institutions of higher education and learning, as well the System Office. Our USG Statement of Core Values are Integrity, Excellence, Accountability, and Respect. These values serve as the foundation for all that we do as an organization, and each USG community member is responsible for demonstrating and upholding these standards. More details on the USG Statement of Core Values and Code of Conduct are available in USG Board Policy 08.02.18.01.02.