Postdoctoral Research & Evaluation Associate - The Dynamics of Cross- Disciplinary Science and Technology Research

University of Delaware Education Research & Development Center Delaware Biotechnology Institute

Position Description: We seek a recent Ph.D. to join an exciting collaboration at the intersection of the social studies of science and science and technology (S&T) project evaluation. The person in this two-year position will play a major role in an NSF-funded ethnographic study of innovation and organizational change in two emerging multidiscipline university research centers. The position will also involve participating in mixed-methods evaluations of NSF and NIH- funded cross-disciplinary research initiatives in Delaware. These S&T studies and evaluation activities are complementary efforts to understand the social structure, cultural dynamics, and project management of cross-disciplinary S&T research.

The Research & Evaluation Associate will work closely with the project leader and other team members to develop and implement innovative methods of data collection, analysis, and reporting. The Associate will assist in supervising and mentoring graduate and undergraduate research assistants. In addition to co-authoring evaluation reports, the Associate will have the opportunity to co-author research articles based on these projects for peer-reviewed journals.

Qualifications: Applicants must have a Ph.D. in science & technology studies, anthropology, sociology, education, evaluation, or a related field. Candidates who have conducted ethnographic studies of groups or organizations are strongly preferred. In addition, the strongest candidates will possess some or all of the following:

* Familiarity with social network analysis and/or bibliometric analysis.
* Subject matter knowledge of science, technology, engineering, and/or medicine.
* Experience in mixed-method research and/or project evaluation

This position calls for a person who can manage multiple tasks, respond creatively to ambiguity and unexpected challenges, and collaborate across disciplines. The work will sometimes require a car to travel to field sites.

Salary & Start Date: This is a two-year position, with the possibility of a third year if funding is available. Annual salary is $50,300, plus medical and other benefits. A start date in September-October, 2007 will be negotiated.

Application Information: Review of applications will begin immediately and continue until the position is filled. Applicants should send (by postal service or email) 1) cover letter, 2) curriculum vitae, 3) graduate transcript (unofficial is acceptable), 4) sample of academic writing relevant to this position, and 5) contact information for three professional references to:

Steve Fifield, Ph.D.
University of Delaware
Delaware Education Research and Development Center
108B Pearson Hall
Newark, DE 19716