Assistant Professor of Science Education
About The Position
Ball State University’s Department of Biology, in collaboration with the STEM Education Center, is seeking a tenure-track Assistant Professor of Science Education beginning August 2027. This is a full-time, on-campus, nine-month, benefit-eligible position with a competitive salary. The successful candidate will teach undergraduate science education courses for secondary and/or elementary teachers, including methods courses and a biology content course for elementary educators. There may also be opportunities to teach other undergraduate and graduate courses, supervise student teachers, and support local school district programs through professional development school relationships. The typical teaching load is three courses (nine credit hours) per semester. The candidate will develop an externally funded science education research program, ideally involving undergraduate and graduate students and complementing or collaborating with faculty in the Department of Biology and the STEM Education Center. The position is supported by the Department of Biology, the interdisciplinary STEM Education Center, facilities in the Foundational Sciences Building, and a formal partnership with Muncie Community Schools. Applicants must hold an earned doctorate in Science Education or a closely related field by the appointment date, have at least 24 months of K–12 teaching experience, and provide evidence of K–12 science education research through at least one peer-reviewed journal publication. The strongest candidates will bring accomplished K–12 experience, engagement with local schools, and a record of peer-reviewed publications supporting a well-defined research program with strong external funding potential.
Requirements
- Earned doctorate in Science Education or a closely related field by the date of appointment.
- At least 24 months of experience teaching in a K–12 setting.
- Evidence of K–12 science education research demonstrated by at least one publication in a peer-reviewed journal.
Nice To Haves
- Current or previous K–12 teaching licensure or certification.
- Undergraduate teaching experience relevant to science teacher preparation.
- Partnership experience with K–12 public schools.
- Record of science education scholarship related to K–12 teacher preparation or professional development, such as peer-reviewed publications, conference presentations, postdoctoral research, or comparable scholarly accomplishment.
- Experience applying for external research grants; funded proposals are an additional strength.
Responsibilities
- Teach undergraduate science education courses for secondary and/or elementary teachers.
- Teach courses that may include Introduction to Science Teaching, Methods of Secondary Science Teaching, Curriculum & Research, and Using Science Methods and Materials.
- Teach methods courses paired with field experiences, addressing planning, instruction, and assessment in the science classroom.
- Develop an externally funded science education research program, ideally engaging undergraduate and graduate students.
- Complement and collaborate with faculty in the Department of Biology and the STEM Education Center.
- Potentially teach other undergraduate and graduate courses, supervise student teachers, and support local school district programs through professional development school relationships.
Benefits
- 12 paid sick days per year.
- 10 paid holidays per year.
- Six weeks of paid parental leave.
- Affordable health and dental insurance.
- Long-term disability insurance.
- Life insurance.
- Retirement benefits.
- Coverage of 90 percent of the employee’s child’s or children’s undergraduate tuition at Ball State University.
- Eligible new residents may qualify for relocation incentives and community benefits through the City of Muncie’s MakeMyMove program, including up to $5,000 cash for relocation, co-working space, Ball State University Library access, a one-semester Rec Fit pass, discounted athletics tickets, a local-resource help desk, an opportunity for board participation, and a six-month YMCA membership. Eligibility and availability vary.
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What This Job Offers
Job Type
Full-time
Career Level
Entry Level
Education Level
Ph.D. or professional degree
