Postdoctoral Research in Biology Education Research

We (Kate Wright (RIT), Dina Newman (RIT) and Crystal Uminski (Towson U)) are looking to hire a postdoctoral researcher for our NSF-funded project Tools for Teaching and Assessing Visual Literacy in Molecular Biology. 

This project aims to strengthen undergraduate biotechnology education through the development of students’ visual literacy skills, a critical competency for interpreting and communicating scientific information. The postdoctoral researcher on this project will be working with research team to develop, validate, and disseminate an open-access Visual Literacy Toolkit consisting of two integrated components: the Visual Literacy Assessment for Biotechnology and a suite of Visual Literacy Instructional Materials. Project goals include identifying common visual literacy challenges, developing a reliable and valid assessment of biotechnology visual literacy, and creating instructional materials that address documented learning needs. 

The postdoctoral researcher will be involved in all aspects of the project but will primarily be working on the development, validation and testing of the Visual Literacy Assessment for Biotechnology (VLAB). The postdoctoral researcher will participate in weekly research meetings and will complete annual reviews with their mentors and will prepare publications and presentations that result from the work supported by the grant.

A strong candidate will have experience in biology education research, using evidence-based instructional practices, strong communication skills, and interest in mentoring undergraduate students.

Minimum Education & Experience

• Ph.D. or equivalent terminal degree in Biology, Biology Education, STEM Education, or a related field, or will earn such a degree by December 31, 2026

Timeline

• Position is one year with the potential for renewal for a second year, starting approximately January 4, 2027 (exact start and end dates are flexible).
  

Salary and Benefits

• In addition to an annual salary of $68,000 and full benefits, funds are provided for travel to several professional meetings each year to present research, learn and network.

Eligibility

• Candidates for this position must be eligible to work in the United States. Visa sponsorship is not offered.

• This is an in-person position based at RIT in Rochester, NY. 

What you will need for the application:

1. Your CV, undergraduate and graduate school transcripts (official)

2. Letters from two professional references that can speak to your background and skills (have your letter writers email their recommendation to [email protected])

3. A  research statement about your experience and career goals that includes the following:

• Your Ph.D. research and teaching experience (approximately 500 words)

• The skills and experience that you currently have that would help you successfully contribute to the Visual Literacy Toolkit project (approximately 250 words)

• The skills and experience you plan to develop to successfully contribute to the Visual Literacy Toolkit project (approximately 250 words)

• Your experience with a collaborative group and why it succeeded/failed (approximately 150 words)

Submit your application on Workday: 
https://rit.wd12.myworkdayjobs.com/careers/job/Rochester-NY/Post-doctoral-Research-in-Biology-Education-Research_JR103312

Application review will begin on November 1, 2026 and will remain open until the position is filled. 

More information about this position and the Visual Literacy Toolkit project can be found here:  https://sites.google.com/view/visualliteracytoolkit