Department: Physics
FTE: 0.40
Terms: Fall, Winter, Spring
Academic Year: 2026-27
Duties:
Dr. Andrea Goering in the Department of Physics is looking for a well-qualified assistant for an education research project on motivation in core education science classes. The project uses both quantitative and qualitative methods to investigate how students perceive the value of knowledge and skills developed in introductory science courses taken largely by non-STEM majors. To aid in this effort, Dr. Goering is seeking a graduate research assistant with strong written communication skills, careful attention to detail, and curiosity about how college students view the purpose of core education science classes. The research assistant will primarily contribute to qualitative analysis of open-ended survey responses and interview transcripts from introductory astronomy and physics students. A second strand of Dr. Goering’s research will broaden the scope to other general education science classes, investigating critical thinking instruction using a mixed-methods approach (including faculty and student surveys, classroom observations, syllabus and artifact collection, and instructor reflections). Candidates interested in contributing to the design and implementation of this strand should state their interest and in their application and note how this independent design opportunity would articulate with their program of study. Other duties include contributing to written and graphical contents of publications and mentoring undergraduate research students, consistent with the project’s National Science Foundation mentoring plan. Key research tools include Word, Excel, MaxQDA (qualitative analysis software), and R. While experience with MaxQDA and R is a plus, learning these tools concurrently with the research project is possible. The position is hybrid, and includes a weekly hybrid team meeting, weekly or bi-weekly one-on-one appointments with the faculty supervisor, and flexible scheduling for all other responsibilities. This position is planned for one full academic year. Extension to summer 2027 may be possible, contingent on funding. Candidates may choose to drop the FTE to less than 0.4 if needed on a term by term basis.
Preferred Qualifications:
Experience in qualitative research methods using interviews and/or focus groups is preferred. Coursework from the College of Education’s Core Graduate Education Research Methodology Courses (EDUC) courses, either completed or taken concurrently with this position’s active period, would satisfy these preferred qualifications. Other research methods courses or research experiences in psychology, sociology, or education programs may also be appropriate. Human subjects research training (CITI Certification) is required and must be completed prior to working with research data. Individuals enrolled in the College of Education’s PhD in Critical and Sociocultural Studies in Education are particularly encouraged to apply.
Application Procedure:
Submit a cover letter and CV to Dr. Goering via email (ayocom@uoregon.edu) and include “Science Education Research Assistant Application” in the subject line. In your cover letter, please describe your qualifications for and interest in the role. In your CV, list all relevant experience, coursework, and prior GE appointments. Following initial application review, qualified candidates will be invited to a 30-minute interview on Zoom or in person.
Application Email: ayocom@uoregon.edu
Deadline Date: 07/26/26
Open Until Filled: Yes
Open Until Filled, Review Begins On: 07/27/26
Contact Information:
ayocom@uoregon.edu