Postdoctoral position in scientific writing education
Reference number REF 2024-0472
The Division for Language and Communication is looking for a highly motivated postdoctoral researcher interested in research on writing transfer and rhetorical flexibility in scientific publication and science communication, ideally with a focus on the development and evaluation of pedagogical activities. As a successful candidate, you will be working in a stimulating interdisciplinary environment with a vibrant and supportive community of scholars with ongoing international collaborations, and you will have the intellectual freedom to develop your own perspective and innovative ideas within a cutting-edge field.
Project description
The push for open science means that scientific knowledge is increasingly disseminated both inside and outside academia: future scientists need the right tools to communicate with a broad and diverse audience. This requires advanced writing expertise and rhetorical flexibility, well beyond writing for academic purposes. Unfortunately, writing education at the graduate and post-graduate level seldom addresses this need: writing research has not investigated how to promote transfer of writing skills and the development of rhetorical flexibility in the training of future researchers.
For this postdoctoral position, we seek applicants who are interested in addressing this gap. We invite project proposals which use or develop established theories in writing research and educational sciences, and adopt an empirical focus with a rich methodological approach in the investigation of pedagogical practices and task development in writing.
Possible interesting areas of research include but are not limited to (1) research on genre pedagogy in academic settings with a focus on learning dynamics and/or teacher perspectives (2) research on writing transfer (3) research on pedagogical writing-task development, including multimodality, use of LLM/AI, and/or multilingual approaches, 4) research on science communication pedagogy. To address the proposed research questions, we welcome qualitative, quantitative, and mixed-method approaches, as long as the proposed approach is well described and justified, and demonstrates a focus on data richness.
An ongoing international collaboration and a pilot project on multi-genre pedagogy will provide the interested applicants with a strong and reliable support basis, but applicants will be able to develop their postdoctoral work according to their interests and skills, and are therefore encouraged to present creative projects.
Major responsibilities
As a postdoctoral scholar you are expected to be a highly active member of the Language and Communication division and in particular the research groups on Writing in Doctoral Education and Scientific/science Communication, and Learning and Teaching in Higher Education. Depending on your research experience and research interests, you will have the possibility to supervise masters' students and be involved in teaching at the department (max 20% of your time). In addition, in collaboration with colleagues you will be expected to author publications and, potentially, seek external funding for research to enable the establishment of a future research platform involving your own as well as other's research.
Qualifications
The successful applicant has a Ph.D. degree in a field that is relevant to the research project described in their proposal/application (e.g. Educational Linguistics, Educational Psychology, Applied Linguistics, Education, Rhetoric and Composition, and/or STEM education with a focus on writing or communication).
The applicant must have:
• Knowledge of and experience in applying qualitative and/or quantitative research methods (to the extent that this is relevant to the proposed project).
• Excellent verbal and written communication skills in English.
• A publication record in respected journals/conferences relevant to the field of research.
• Excellent ability to collaborate with colleagues and external partners.
It is meritorious if the applicant has pedagogical experience in academic writing and/or genre pedagogy. Additional meritorious qualifications include:
• Experience working with students and/or teachers in close-to-practice educational research.
• Participation in international research networks within the research area.
To qualify for the position of postdoc, you must hold a doctoral degree awarded no more than three years prior to the application deadline (according to the current agreement with the Swedish Agency for Government Employers). Exceptions from the 3-year limit can be made for longer periods resulting from parental leave, sick leave or military service*.
The position requires sound verbal and written communication skills in English. Swedish is not a requirement but Chalmers offers Swedish courses.
* The date shown in your doctoral degree certificate is the date we use, as this is the date you have met all requirements for the doctoral degree.
Contract terms
This postdoc position is a full-time temporary employment for two years.
We offer
Chalmers offers a cultivating and inspiring working environment in the coastal city of Gothenburg.
Read more about working at Chalmers and our benefits for employees.
Chalmers aims to actively improve our gender balance. We work broadly with equality projects, for example the GENIE Initiative on gender equality for excellence. Equality and diversity are substantial foundations in all activities at Chalmers.
Application procedure
The application should be marked with 20240473 and written in English. The application should be sent electronically and be attached as PDF-files, as below. Maximum size for each file is 40 MB. Please note that the system does not support Zip files.
CV: (Please name the document as: CV, Surname, Ref. number) including:
• CV, include complete list of publications
• Previous teaching and pedagogical experiences
• Two references that we can contact.
Personal letter: (Please name the document as: Personal letter, Family name, Ref. number)
1-3 pages where you:
• Introduce yourself
• Describe your previous research fields and main research results
• Describe your future goals and future research focus
• 2-3 page project proposal that fits with the theme of the project
Other documents:
• Attested copies of completed education, grades and other certificates.
Use the button at the foot of the page to reach the application form.
Please note: The applicant is responsible for ensuring that the application is complete. Incomplete applications and applications sent by email will not be considered.
Application deadline: 2024-10-25
For questions, please contact:
Raffaella Negretti Professor, Language and Communication, Communication and Learning in Science,
negretti@chalmers.se
*** Chalmers declines to consider all offers of further announcement publishing or other types of support for the recruiting process in connection with this position. ***
Chalmers University of Technology in Gothenburg conducts research and education in technology and natural sciences at a high international level. The university has 3100 employees and 10,000 students, and offers education in engineering, science, shipping and architecture. With scientific excellence as a basis, Chalmers promotes knowledge and technical solutions for a sustainable world. Through global commitment and entrepreneurship, we foster an innovative spirit, in close collaboration with wider society.
Chalmers was founded in 1829 and has the same motto today as it did then: Avancez – forward.
Academic Europe, the European career network for Academics, Researchers and Scientists
