Position Summary: We invite applications for a three-year postdoctoral position, to begin 1 January 2016, to develop and test metrics for the assessment of communication effectiveness and activity, using both traditional methods and social media. The candidate selected will join a multi-disciplinary team from UConn’s departments of Ecology & Evolutionary Biology, Journalism, Communication, and Educational Psychology focused on improving the ability of STEM graduate students to communicate with colleagues, policy-makers, journalists and the public. We are expanding an existing training program and developing tools that will measure the success of programs designed to improve communication skills. We are looking for candidates who have strong quantitative skills and expertise in analysis of social media data in the context of science, communication, educational progress, or behavioral change that can complement our strengths in science, science communication and educational theory.

The selected candidate will coordinate a traditional assessment program in which large numbers of undergraduate students evaluate graduate students’ communication effectiveness, and will conduct a separate assessment program that uses readily available social media data to assess grad students’ activity and effectiveness in online communication. The candidate will assist in development of new metrics to assess communication activity and effectiveness and then will analyze comparisons of the metrics’ usefulness in measuring students’ progress.

Essential Qualifications:

Applicants must have completed the requirements for the Ph.D. by December 1, 2015. The successful applicant may not be employed by another institution during the term of their appointment at the University of Connecticut.

Applications will be evaluated on the basis of the applicant’s previous accomplishments and the applicability of their interests and experience to our research. Candidates will, at a minimum, have experience with social media analytics and appropriate statistical methods as well as management of large datasets. Preferred candidates will have a background in the natural sciences, educational assessment and/or communication.

Application Deadline: We will begin reviewing applications on November 2, 2015, and the review process will continue until the position is filled.

Instructions for Applying: Submit application materials, AS A SINGLE UNITARY PDF, via email, to margaret.rubega@uconn.edu

A complete application file will include the following:

* A cover letter expressing the applicant’s interest in and qualifications for the position.

* A current curriculum vitae.

* A scholarly paper or dissertation chapter (not to exceed 12,000 words) representing your scholarly achievement or potential, and preferably demonstrating familiarity with statistical methods and/or social media analytics appropriate to our project.

* Contact information for two referees who would be able to comment specifically on your qualifications for this position. We will contact referees from whom we wish to receive letters of reference.

Stipend: An annual stipend of $42,840 is offered with this position.

The University of Connecticut is an equal opportunity employer and all qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability status, protected veteran status, or any other characteristic protected by law.

Questions should be emailed to: margaret.rubega@uconn.edu