Postdoctoral Position in Science Education Research
Department of Pharmacy, University of Copenhagen
Summary
The European Spallation Source (ESS) in Lund, Sweden, is a future large-scale research facility for neutron-based investigation of materials. ACCESS will develop digital twins of four of the first ESS instruments to aid university STEM students in becoming competent users of neutron facilities. The digital twins, built with the McStas simulation framework, will allow students to perform virtual experiments that mimic the full experimental pipeline. The digital twins will be embedded in research-based teaching modules, initially in a specialist neutron scattering course and a broad neutron/X-ray course. The project employs a design-based research methodology with iterative cycles of design, testing, and refinement.
Job description
Project Description
The European Spallation Source (ESS) in Lund, Sweden, is a future large-scale research facility for neutron-based investigation of materials. ACCESS will develop digital twins of four of the first ESS instruments to aid university STEM students in becoming competent users of neutron facilities. The digital twins, built with the McStas simulation framework, will allow students to perform virtual experiments that mimic the full experimental pipeline. The digital twins will be embedded in research-based teaching modules, initially in a specialist neutron scattering course and a broad neutron/X-ray course. The project employs a design-based research methodology with iterative cycles of design, testing, and refinement.
The Postdoctoral Position
The Postdoc will be responsible for the science education research activities of ACCESS at the Department of Science Education and will have the opportunity to shape a coherent research profile within the project's framework. The Postdoc will co-create research-based learning material together with the neutron scientists and teachers in the project, help with the implementation of the digital twins in teaching, and collect and analyse data from the implementations.
Expected Tasks Include
- Co-creating research-based learning material and teaching modules built around the digital twins, in collaboration with neutron scientists and university teachers at DTU and UCPH
- Participating in the design-based research cycles of design, testing, and refinement of the digital twins in real educational settings
- Collecting empirical data from course implementations, for example through classroom observations, interviews with students, and questionnaires
- Analysing qualitative and quantitative data related to student learning, conceptual understanding, and transfer
- Publishing research results in high-quality international journals, in collaboration with the PhD student and the wider ACCESS team
- Participating actively in the local research environment and project activities, including cross-institutional collaboration between DTU, UCPH, and ESS
- Teaching and dissemination activities corresponding to approximately 20% of working time, primarily within teacher education and science education courses at the Department of Science Education
Who Are We Looking For?
We are looking for a highly motivated and independent researcher with a strong interest in university science education and the use of digital and virtual learning environments in STEM teaching.
Applicants Must
- Hold a PhD and have a clearly documented research profile in science education research, physics education research, chemistry education research, engineering education research, or a closely related field
- Have experience with mixed-methods research, combining qualitative approaches (e.g. interviews, classroom observations, design-based research) with quantitative or analytical methods as appropriate
- Be able to communicate research clearly in spoken and written English
- Be able to work independently as well as collaboratively in an interdisciplinary research team
- Have documented teaching proficiency in higher education/teacher education (for example, university level courses in science education)
It Is Considered An Advantage If The Applicant Has
- Experience with research on digital technologies, simulations, or virtual experiments in science education
- Familiarity with experimental methods such as neutron or X-ray scattering from either physics, chemistry or material engineering perspectives
- Experience with design-based research or collaborating with university teachers on course development
- Experience with research on learning at, or training for, large-scale research facilities
Requirements
- Hold a PhD and have a clearly documented research profile in science education research, physics education research, chemistry education research, engineering education research, or a closely related field
- Have experience with mixed-methods research, combining qualitative approaches (e.g. interviews, classroom observations, design-based research) with quantitative or analytical methods as appropriate
- Be able to communicate research clearly in spoken and written English
- Be able to work independently as well as collaboratively in an interdisciplinary research team
- Have documented teaching proficiency in higher education/teacher education (for example, university level courses in science education)
- Experience with research on digital technologies, simulations, or virtual experiments in science education
- Familiarity with experimental methods such as neutron or X-ray scattering from either physics, chemistry or material engineering perspectives
- Experience with design-based research or collaborating with university teachers on course development
- Experience with research on learning at, or training for, large-scale research facilities
Benefits
- Training and certification in university pedagogy
Company overview
The Department of Pharmacy at the University of Copenhagen is a premier academic institution dedicated to pharmaceutical education and cutting-edge research in pharmaceutical sciences. As part of Denmark's oldest and most prestigious university, the department focuses on advancing pharmaceutical analytical chemistry, drug development, and pharmaceutical technology. It houses the Center for Advanced Drug Analysis (CADA), which combines three specialized research groups: Pharmaceutical Analytical Chemistry, Drug Toxicology, Metabolism and Analysis, and Protein Analysis Group. The department offers comprehensive bachelor's, master's, and PhD programs in pharmaceutical sciences, providing students with rigorous theoretical training and hands-on laboratory experience. Research activities span modern analytical chemistry techniques including liquid chromatography-mass spectrometry, capillary electrophoresis, microfluidics, and mass spectrometry imaging for drug analysis. The department maintains strong collaborations with pharmaceutical industry partners such as Novo Nordisk, Roche, and Biogen, facilitating translational research and student opportunities. With a focus on both fundamental pharmaceutical research and applied drug development, the Department of Pharmacy plays a crucial role in training the next generation of pharmaceutical scientists and advancing pharmaceutical innovation in Denmark and internationally.