Indiana University is seeking a postdoctoral researcher to contribute to a multi-year study focused on understanding teachers’ attributional beliefs about mathematical excellence.

The project is entitled “Attributions of Mathematical Excellence in Teaching and Learning” (AMETL). The central hypothesis is that teachers’ beliefs attributing mathematical excellence to innate ability, cultural and social background, or personal characteristics widen the opportunity gap by resonating implicit bias and stereotype threat, and moreover, that beliefs attributing mathematical excellence to instructional opportunities narrow the gap because these beliefs amplify teacher expectations. The project comprises three studies focused on (1) item development to construct the AMETL scale; (2) validating the internal structure of the scale and determining relations with other variables; and (3) understanding relations between teachers’ scores on the AMETL scale with their classroom instruction. The overall research project is a collaboration between multiple partners at Indiana University, Indiana University-Purdue University Indianapolis (IUPUI), University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, and Georgia State University. A short description of this NSF project can be found at: https://www.nsf.gov/awardsearch/showAward?AWD_ID=2200990&HistoricalAwards=false

● Participate substantively in project research including instrument development and validation, qualitative and quantitative data collection and analysis, and overall project management;

● Monitor project activities and oversee data management plan;

● Maintain project databases across institutions;

● Propose, lead, and participate in professional presentations and workshops at state, regional, and/or national conferences of relevant professional organizations focused on research and teaching about equity in mathematics education;

● Author conference proposals and manuscripts based on the project’s research and development work and findings.

If you are interested in this position, candidates should apply online at https://indiana.peopleadmin.com/postings/17280. A complete submission will consist of:

● Cover Letter that outlines

a) your interest in working on this project,

b) what you can contribute to this work, and

c) your relevant skills and experiences

● Current CV

● Diversity and Equity Statement that explains how reflection on your own identity and considerations of diversity and equity inform your research goals and practice.

● Research Statement

● Writing Sample (35 page max, e.g., dissertation chapter, journal article)

● Graduate school transcript (Unofficial transcripts will be accepted)
● Contact information for three referees (NB. For candidates who proceed to the second round of the process, letters from these referees will be required in a short timeline)

The anticipated start date for the position is July 1, 2023. Initial appointment is for one year with the possibility of extension for an additional year depending on continued interest, performance, and available funding. Some travel to study sites and conferences may be required. The position is not remote, and is located in Bloomington, Indiana. Compensation will be commensurate with qualifications.

Indiana University is an equal employment and affirmative action employer and a provider of ADA services. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment based on individual qualifications. Indiana University prohibits discrimination based on age, ethnicity, color, race, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, genetic information, marital status, national origin, disability status or protected veteran status.

Required qualifications include an earned doctorate (at time of hire) in mathematics education or related field; a demonstrated track record—including personal and professional experiences—that shows strong commitment to issues of equity and social justice; and strong methodological training in research/statistics or qualitative analysis. Candidates must be detail-oriented and have excellent organizational skills, the ability to communicate ideas clearly through speech and text, and demonstrated ability to manage multiple, complex tasks efficiently.

For questions about the position please contact Dr. Erik Jacobson, Indiana University School of Education, 201 N. Rose Ave. Bloomington, IN 47405-1006, 812-856-8149, erdajaco@indiana.edu

Preferred skills and abilities include experience in K-12 schools as a teacher, teacher educator, or researcher; expertise in mixed method research design, experience with qualitative coding of classroom video, and developing, administering, or analyzing data from survey instruments. Experience in project management and IRB protocol development is highly desired.