Research Assistant

**Institute of Eductaion, Chair for Natural Science Education, Prof. Dr. Kai Niebert**
**Research Assistant 50 %**: Start of employment Start date is immediate or by arrangement. The position is initially limited to three years with the possibility of extension.

Our research group focuses on educational/faculty development through the disciplinary lens of the STEM fields (Science, Technology, Engineering, Mathematics). Our work aims to improve teaching and learning science in higher education and to create more overlaps between the fields of science education and educational development research.

Increasing diversity of student populations and rapid developments in technology, especially the rise of artificial intelligence, are prompting changes in how we teach and assess. Our research group wonders how university science instructors are responding and how they can be motivated and supported to keep pace with change, for example via evidence-based instructional and curricular practices. In this context, we are looking for a new member to join our Science Education and Faculty Development team as soon as possible. Our current projects include analysis of impact of face-to-face and massive open online versions of the course, “Teaching Science at University,” large sample surveys of faculty at two universities, and focus-group work with faculty developers. Our current team includes experienced faculty development specialists balancing day-to-day teaching support work with research.

**Your responsibilities**:

- Co-development and implementation of a research project at the interface of faculty development and science education
- Developing and working on your own research topic as part of a PhD dissertation
- National and international publications and contributions to relevant research conferences
- Preparation, implementation, and support of courses in higher education development (currently 2 teaching hours per week)
- Administrative and organizational work to support the chair

**Your profile**:

- A relevant university degree (e.g., master's degree in science, education, science education, or a related field)
- Interest in the interface between science faculty development, disciplinary cultures, and evidence-based instructional practices
- Oral and written communication skills in English, ideally also German

**What we offer**:
**Work-Life Balance**
- Flexible working models (such as part-time positions, mobile working, job-sharing)
- Childcare at the kihz foundation of UZH and ETH

**Learning and Development**
- Wide range of continuing education courses of UZH and the Canton of Zurich
- Language Center run jointly with ETH Zurich

**Food**
- Food and drinks at reduced prices in the UZH cafeterias
- Lunch-Check-card with UZH contribution

**Healthcare**
- Special conditions on the Academic Sports Association ASVZ
- Free seasonal flu vaccinations
- Rest and relaxation at the quiet room in the university tower

**Discounts**
- Private traffic: Carsharing, rent a vehicle, parking space
- Digitalization: Hardware, software, mobile phone subscriptions
- Special conditions on hotel reservations

**Conditions of Employment**
- Policies of the UZH
- Most UZH staff are employed according to public law

**International Services**
- Support for people from outside Switzerland

**Campuses**
- Campuses Zurich City, Zurich Irchel, Oerlikon and Schlieren
- Sites Zurich West, Old Botanical Garden, Botanical Garden and Lengg

**Location**:
**Institute of Eductaion, Chair for Natural Science Education, Prof. Dr. Kai Niebert***:Kantonsschulstrasse 3, 8001 Zürich, Switzerland

**Further information**:
**Questions about the job**:
**Prof. Dr. Kai Niebert**
- Chair of Natural Science Education

**Jsabel Menz**
- Chair Office

**Working at UZH**: