Research Fellow in Gaming, Learning, and Motivation
SciPlay at the New York Hall of Science
SciPlay, the Sara Lee Schupf Family Center for Play, Science, and Technology
Learning, located at the New York Hall of Science (NYSCI), is searching for a
research fellow for a leadership role in a new National Science Foundation-
funded project in the Research and Evaluation on Education in Science and
Engineering program, “Investigating the Capacity of Game-based Design
Elements to Enhance Affective Dimensions of Genetics Learning.” The project
will systematically investigate changes in learning (high school genetics) and
motivation when game-based elements of narrative, conflict, and community
are added to a project-based science curriculum (designed around Concord
Consortium’s well-researched dragon breeding software). This project is in
collaboration with Concord Consortium, Parsons The New School of Design,
Filament Games, Michigan State University, New York University, and New York
City Department of Education.
Position Responsibilities:
Coordinate and contribute to the design of the game-based interventions
Construct measures to capture changes in science learning and motivation
Lead the planning and execution of the research study
Oversee data collection
Analyze data using mixed methods
Prepare publications and reports on findings
Present findings at national conferences
Serve as liaison to participating schools
Requirements:
–
Education research experience conducting trials and analyzing data using
mixed methods
Knowledge of measures of motivation
Experience with statistical software such as SAS, SPSS, or STATA
Excellent written and oral communication skills
Ability to work well with a team comprised of a diversity of disciplines
Ideal candidates have (or will soon complete) a Ph.D. in the learning
sciences, science education, psychology, or a related field.
Candidates with a Master’s degree in one of the above areas with
significant experience conducting related educational research are also
encouraged to apply.
Knowledge of high school biology, in particular genetics, is a plus.
Experience designing instruction and/or teaching science is a plus.
Demonstrated interest in informal science learning is a plus.
Salary is commensurate with qualifications: $50,000 – $60,000 with full
benefits. The position is full-time for a maximum of three years, starting
September 2011.
Applicants should contact Dr. David Kanter, Director, SciPlay, c/o Ayesha Ware
(aware@nysci.org; 718-699-0005 x348). To apply, please email a one-page cover
letter and a separate c.v. Review of applications will begin immediately. The
New York Hall of Science is an Equal Opportunity, Affirmative Action employer.
Hiring is contingent upon eligibility to work in the United States. Employment
Eligibility verification required upon hire.
SciPlay is a national center that aims to advance our understanding of how to
promote science learning through play. SciPlay pursues a program of design-
based research, designing playful learning environments and studying the impact
of such environments in NYSCI’s natural laboratory to educe design principles
for playful science learning. Ultimately, SciPlay applies its findings to develop
and disseminate new approaches, to bridge informal and formal science learning
environments to build a seamless national infrastructure for lifelong science
learning.
