The Howard Hughes Medical Institute (HHMI) has announced an exciting fellowship opportunity to contribute to the work of HHMI’s Educational Media and Outreach group at the Institute’s headquarters in Chevy Chase, MD. HHMI’s Educational Media and Outreach group provides engaging supplemental science education media for high school and college audiences. Educational media includes: animations, short films, virtual laboratories, and print materials such as curriculum guides and hands on activities. The materials feature the process of science and the connection between data and understanding of the natural world. The selected Science Education Fellow will focus on outreach and evaluation targeted at understanding how to increase awareness of HHMI BioInteractive among college instructors, and how to better serve college students and faculty. The work of the fellow within the context of outreach and evaluation will involve extensive interaction with faculty, media developers, and potential partner organizations.

Candidates must have a strong science background and experience in science teaching and/or educational outreach. Candidates should also have excellent time-management skills and a proven track record of prioritizing and handling multiple projects. The Educational Media and Outreach group provides a fast-paced, deadline-driven, highly-collaborative environment. The Fellow will be assigned to specific project areas, but also contribute to many facets of the group’s mission. The tenure of the fellowship is for one year with a possibility for renewal of an additional year.

Principal Responsibilities:

• Take the lead in expanding and supporting a growing network of college and university science educators who serve as content developers, reviewers, workshop presenters, field testers, and ambassadors for HHMI BioInteractive.
• Research, design and implement strategies for increasing awareness and adoption of HHMI BioInteractive resources in the higher education community.
• Contribute to forming research questions and developing evaluation plans related to media development, learning gains, and outreach strategies.
• Collaborate on the design, planning, and execution of in-person professional development programming and special events held at science education and professional society conferences.
• Contribute to the design and development of an online professional development experience for high school and/or undergraduate educators.
• Participate in the interpretation of ongoing evaluation efforts, including workshop evaluations, field tests, focus groups, surveys to evaluate existing resources, and formative assessment for new products.
• Identify and develop relationships with organizations that complement the Educational Media and Outreach group’s mission.
• Represent HHMI at science education meetings and education sessions at scientific meetings and deliver presentations of BioInteractive materials.
• Work with other group members to review and produce science education resources, as needed.
• Contribute as part of a small team with multiple overlapping roles.

Preferred Qualifications:

• A college or advanced degree in biology, biochemistry, environmental science, or science education
• Familiarity with the U.S. science education landscape, particularly at the college level, including some awareness of current trends and reform efforts
• Minimum two years’ experience teaching undergraduates at a two- or four-year institution, including role as a TA or course assistant.
• Experience organizing and conducting science outreach and/or teacher professional development a plus
• Experience evaluating science outreach or teacher professional development programs, and/or curriculum materials a plus
• Excellent presentation and communication skills, written, verbal, and interpersonal
• Curriculum development expertise, particularly for an undergraduate audience a plus
• Working knowledge of evaluation methods and practices a plus
• Willingness to travel frequently, including some weekends
• Keen interest in all areas of science and a passion for science education and a desire to work in a mission-driven environment
• Comfort using standard office productivity software, including spreadsheet programs and presentation tools
• Understanding of social media, new media, and shifting modes of educational delivery a plus

Required materials for application:
1) a letter of application that includes a short paragraph explaining the interest in this position and a description of past teaching and/or outreach experience;
2) a resume or curriculum vitae;
3) three professional references; and
4) a written assignment (described below)

Description of Written Assignment: As part of the application process, we are asking candidates to submit a description of which features of the BioInteractive.org website in terms of the content and how it is presented, seems most valuable and useful to professors teaching introductory biology courses, and any suggestions for improvements to better serve that audience (limit 500 words). 

To Apply:
To apply, please submit the following application materials: Application Page

Application Deadline:

Open Until Filled