Postdoctoral Research Fellow

Department: College of Science

Classification: Post Doc 12 month

Job Category: Postdoctoral Faculty

Job Type: Full-Time

Work Schedule: Full-time (1.0 FTE, 40 hrs/wk)

Location: Fairfax, VA

Workplace Type: On Site Required

Salary: Salary commensurate with education and experience

Restricted: Yes

Criminal Background Check: Yes

Works with Minors check: Yes

About the Department:

The Quantum Science and Engineering Center (QSEC) at George Mason University supports the exploration of high-risk high-reward ideas in quantum science and engineering by fostering a collaborative, interdisciplinary, community-focused environment. The mission of the center is to adopt a transdisciplinary approach to advance research and education in quantum computing and algorithms, quantum materials for next-generation technologies, and quantum-enhanced sensing modalities from elementary through graduate school. These efforts provide a unique environment for graduate students, undergraduate students, and postdoctoral researchers to make transformative contributions to quantum technology and education.

George Mason University, a Carnegie Research I institution, is Virginia's largest and most diverse university with more than 39,000 students representing all 50 states and more than 135 countries. Located in Fairfax, Virginia, Mason is part of the Washington DC metropolitan area offering easy access to the scientific and political resources of the nation’s capital.

Our University is committed to advancing inclusive excellence and fostering an environment free from discrimination, harassment, and retaliation throughout our STEM community. At Mason Science, our values include cultivating an organizational culture that promotes belonging, respect, and civility. We believe that varied opinions, cultures, and perspectives are what provides vibrancy, innovation and growth to an academic community. By prioritizing cultural responsiveness in academics, teaching, research, and global engagement, we strive to attract faculty and staff who exemplify the Mason Science mission and vision.

About the Position:

Quantum Education Research for Social Transformation Fellowship will prepare recent doctoral graduates to become leaders in STEM education and workforce development research. Prior knowledge of physics or quantum science is not required for this position. The program is designed to enhance fellows’ research skills and build their understanding of convergence research through a cohort research project on creating a diverse and equitable quantum workforce. We will foster fellows’ post-academic growth and career readiness by providing wrap-around support (e.g., career guidance, mentorship, professional development workshops, access to leaders in related disciplines) of their development as leaders in this field.

Responsibilities:

• Develops and executes a research program, in collaboration with other fellows; and
• Builds research knowledge and skills through coursework, self-study, and work on existing projects in quantum education research. 

Required Qualifications:

• Must have a PhD & experience with education and/or workforce development programs;
• Knowledge of data analysis techniques in at least one discipline;
• Excellent written and oral communication skills;
• Ability to work in a collaborative team environment; and
• Ability to work independently.

Preferred Qualifications:

• PhDs can be in STEM disciplines, education, or a field of social science with application to increasing equity and inclusion in STEM education and workforce development;
• Knowledge of quantitative, qualitative, and mixed methods data analysis as it applies to education research data; and
• Knowledge of social science and/or STEM education research methods and how they apply to understanding barriers to success for underrepresented groups in STEM disciplines.

Instructions to Applicants: 

Must be a U.S. Citizen, National, or Permanent Resident (Green Card holder), and successfully complete a criminal background check as required by federal law.

For full consideration, applicants must apply for Postdoctoral Research Fellow at https://jobs.gmu.edu/. Complete and submit the online application to include three professional references with contact information, and provide;

• Cover letter
• CV
• Research statement that describes previous and current research and future research interests.
• Unofficial transcript

Consideration is contingent upon completion and award of your doctoral degree prior to the first day of employment. If you have not finished your PhD, please provide the month and year your PhD will be awarded.

Posting Open Date: January 30, 2025

For Full Consideration, Apply by:  February 16, 2025

Open Until Filled:  Yes