Learning & Design Education Specialist

Job Summary

Cosmic Data Stories (CosmicDS) is a project funded by the NASA Science Activation program.

The CosmicDS team develops online pathways that teach people how to interact with and learn from data, through “data stories” told by NASA astronomers.

Auto req ID

58836BR

Job Code

RS0056 Researcher II Humanities

Location

USA - MA - Cambridge

Business Title

Learning & Design Education Specialist

Sub-Unit

------------

Salary Grade

056

Time Status

Part-time

Union

00 - Non Union, Exempt or Temporary

Basic Qualifications

• BS degree in astronomy/physics with demonstrated expertise in education .At least 2 years experience in teaching (in high school, Astro 101, or informal learning environments) or STEM research
  
  
• Experience with online tools and digital learning environments
  
  
• Experience with software development, especially open source projects
  
  

Additional Qualifications and Skills

• Masters or higher degree in education preferred, with demonstrated expertise/background in astronomy/physics/data science.
• Superb written, verbal and interpersonal communication skills, including the ability to communicate and work with individuals from diverse cultural backgrounds
  
  
• Extensive knowledge of effective practices in curriculum development
  
  
• Web design and/or UX design
  
  
• Expertise in creating, editing, designing audio/visual digital media
  
  
• Ability to think analytically and strategically and to manage multiple competing priorities effectively and efficiently
  
  
• Familiarity with WorldWide Telescope and/or glue visualization software
  
  

Additional Information

• All formal offers will be made by FAS Human Resources.
  
  
• We regret that Harvard University does not provide visa sponsorship for this position.
  
  

Department

Harvard College Observatory

Pre-Employment Screening

Education, Identity

Schedule

24.5 hours per week

Job Function

Research

Position Description

• Participate in curriculum design and build new online content for CosmicDS:
  • Assist in defining key concepts for new Cosmic Data Stories in terms of science content and data skills and practices
  • Scaffold online instruction as appropriate for each Data Story audience
  • Co-write engaging, compelling stories that put the online data interactives in appropriate scientific and historical context
  • Build new content using the CosmicDS software infrastructure
  • Stay current with research-based best practices in online learning and data science to incorporate into CosmicDS design
• Collaborate on activities to ensure that CosmicDS meets the needs of learners:
  • Work with student focus groups to identify areas where CosmicDS instructional materials need to be improved
  • Co-design focus group surveys to identify topics (astronomy content + data skills/practice) that would be most useful to our educator audiences
  • Engage with subject matter experts to ensure scientific accuracy of CosmicDS content
  • Collaborate with project evaluator to identify assessment questions that align with the learning objectives of each CosmicDS
  • Incorporate feedback from evaluator’s formative reports into CosmicDS improvements
• Support educators who use CosmicDS and disseminate to new users:
  • Participate in workshops to teach educators how to implement CosmicDS in their learning environments
  • Co-develop and maintain all instructional materials on the CosmicDS website, including user tutorials and instructor guides
  • As needed, guide new users in the creation and use of CosmicDS educator & student accounts
  • Write up relevant project updates that can be shared on the CosmicDS website and through social media

School/Unit

Faculty of Arts and Sciences

EEO Statement

We are an equal opportunity employer and all qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, disability status, protected veteran status, gender identity, sexual orientation, pregnancy and pregnancy-related conditions, or any other characteristic protected by law.

Working Conditions

The University requires all Harvard community members to be fully vaccinated against COVID-19 and remain up to date with COVID-19 vaccine boosters, as detailed in Harvard’s Vaccine & Booster Requirements . Individuals may claim exemption from the vaccine requirement for medical or religious reasons. More information regarding the University’s COVID vaccination requirement, exemptions, and verification of vaccination status may be found at the University’s “COVID-19 Vaccine Information” webpage: http://www.harvard.edu/coronavirus/covid-19-vaccine-information/ .

Commitment to Equity, Diversity, Inclusion, and Belonging

Harvard University views equity, diversity, inclusion, and belonging as the pathway to achieving inclusive excellence and fostering a campus culture where everyone can thrive. We strive to create a community that draws upon the widest possible pool of talent to unify excellence and diversity while fully embracing individuals from varied backgrounds, cultures, races, identities, life experiences, perspectives, beliefs, and values.