Assistant Professor of Education
Purdue University
United States

Position Description

The Science Education Program in the Department of Curriculum and Instruction at Purdue University invites applications for an Assistant Professor in Secondary Science Education.

This position is a 9-month academic year, tenure track position, with potential for other funded work and/or teaching in the summer.

Responsibilities

• Conducting high-quality, innovative research and disseminating results via high-impact publications and presentations at national and international professional organizations
• Seeking external funding in support of a rigorous and coherent research program
• Teaching undergraduate secondary science pedagogy courses and graduate courses in science education
• Supervising secondary science student teaching candidates
• Supporting state and national level program review processes for the science education teacher licensure programs
• Recruiting, advising, and mentoring graduate students
• Collaborating on research, teaching, and engagement activities within the College of Education, across the university, and with K-12 schools

Additional Information

Opportunities exist for the development of online courses and graduate course, as well as collaboration with centers including the Center for Advancing the teaching and Learning of STEM (CATALYST) – an interdisciplinary center in the College of Education with faculty, staff, and graduate students from science, technology, engineering, and mathematics education.

This position requires an on-campus, face-to-face presence.

Required Qualifications

• Earned doctorate in science education or closely related field, with an emphasis in secondary science education
• Earned undergraduate degree in science discipline (e.g. biology, chemistry, earth/space science, physics/astronomy) or secondary science education with the equivalent of a minor in a science discipline
• A record of scholarship in science education or closely related field
• 3+ years of teaching or equivalent school-based experience in K-12 schools

Preferred Qualifications

• Experience teaching undergraduate secondary science pedagogy courses
• Experience supervising secondary science teacher candidates
• Experience teaching culturally and linguistically diverse students
• Experience in integrating engineering design in middle and high school science instruction, K-12 computer science, and/or artificial intelligence in K-12 STEM education

Salary

Salary and benefits commensurate with qualifications and experience.

Starting Date

August 18, 2025

Application

Review of applications will begin October 31, 2024, and will continue until the position is filled.

Complete applications must include:

1. A brief letter of application outlining qualifications and experience

2. A current curriculum vitae

3. 2-page (maximum) narrative describing the applicant’s research program

4. 2-page (maximum) narrative describing the applicant's teaching philosophy

5. Two examples of scholarly writing

6. Names and contact information for three references

Inquiries

Inquiries about the position should be directed to: Dr. Rebekah Hammack (rhammack@purdue.edu) or Dr. Nathan Mentzer (nmentzer@purdue.edu)

Background Check

A background check will be required for employment in this position.

Science Education Program Area

The science education program within the Department of Curriculum and Instruction contributes to a culture of discovery, learning, and engagement in the College of Education. The program offers prospective researchers/scholars and K-12 educators the opportunity to investigate contemporary issues in science education research and theory as well as pedagogical methods related to science learning, teaching, assessment, curriculum, and teacher professional development. Faculty members are committed to creating and disseminating knowledge relevant to the discipline of science education; preparing scholars, educators, and leaders in science education on the local, national, and international levels; and promoting science for all learners. For information about the program, see https://www.education.purdue.edu/graduate-students/prospective-students/graduate-programs/science-education/

College of Education

The College of Education aspires to be a collaborative community.  We are innovators discovering new ideas and solutions that will foster a positive global impact for faculty, staff, students, and community.  Successful candidates will promote inclusive excellence and encourage freedom of thought and speech.

Purdue University

Purdue University is a leading land grant and research university and ranks among the 25 largest universities in the nation. The university has an enrollment of more than 49,000 on the West Lafayette campus and more than 17,000 on regional campuses in Indiana. It is located in West Lafayette, IN, 65 miles northwest of Indianapolis and 125 miles southeast of Chicago.

Equal Opportunity

Purdue University is an affirmative action, equal opportunity employer. Purdue views, evaluates, and treats all persons in all University related activities solely as individuals on the basis of their own personal abilities, qualifications, and other relevant characteristics. All qualified applicants for employment will receive consideration without regard to race, religion, color, sex, national origin or ancestry, genetic information, marital status, parental status, sexual orientation, gender identity and expression, disability or status as a veteran.