ANDRILL seeking Education Outreach Coordinator

The ANDRILL Science Management Office at the University of Nebraska-Lincoln (UNL) has an immediate opening for the new position of Coordinator of Education and Public Outreach.

The ANDRILL Science Management Office at the University of Nebraska-Lincoln (UNL) has an immediate opening for the new position of Coordinator of Education and Public Outreach. ANDRILL (ANtarctic geological DRILLing) is a multinational, multidisciplinary program investigating Antarctica’s role in global environmental change over geological time. Attention to polar scientific research will be high during the upcoming anniversary of the International Polar Year (2007-2009). We have an opportunity to broaden exposure of key scientific issues regarding climate change and the polar areas, as well as highlight the character and energy of a large international research team in action and on the edge of discovery. ANDRILL’s integrated science approach will use rock drilling and sediment core analysis, combined with geophysical surveys and numerical modeling, to address Antarctica’s geological and climatic history. ANDRILL seeks an inspired and committed educator to coordinate an ambitious and innovative Education and Public Outreach program. Nations contributing funds to the currently supported ANDRILL projects include Germany, Italy, New Zealand, and the United States. U.S. support for the ANDRILL Program and this new position is through the National Science Foundation’s Office of Polar Programs.

If appropriate, the Coordinator will hold a position of Assistant Research Professor for Education and Outreach within the Department of Geosciences at UNL. Their roles will be: (i) a partner with international scientists and educators for developing educational products and activities based upon the intellectual and material resources of the ANDRILL Program to meet the educational needs of the public in both formal and informal settings; (ii) a coordinator to facilitate communication and integration of media and other public outreach activities between national and international educational programs that focus on polar science awareness, and (iii) a leader of the ARISE Program (ANDRILL Research Immersion for Science Educators), which will host six international educators in Antarctica during each drilling season.

Responsibilities include:

Developing a comprehensive education program directed toward the goals of the ANDRILL Science Plan and the U.S. Science Support Program. Leading a community engagement effort involving the development of information materials, museum exhibits, and outreach activities to national education and scientific organizations, youth organizations, schools and media organizations. Identifying and developing programs with appropriate educational partners, working with partners to develop proposals for funding new projects or project enhancements, developing program/project assessment strategies, and promoting diversity in ANDRILL’s educational activities per the guidelines of NSF, DOE, and other federal, state and private organizations. Ensuring that education activities are optimized and coordinated among the constituents of the ANDRILL national and international community by working closely with ANDRILL U.S. Consortium institutions, programmatic science implementation and advisory committees and individual researchers and educators. Coordinating the evaluation (front-end, formative, summative, and demographic) of learning research to be undertaken in conjunction with ANDRILL education and outreach programs. Serving as the primary point-of-contact between the ANDRILL scientific efforts and the media, including serving as a liaison with international and U.S. Consortium universities offices of Public Relations. Traveling to Antarctica to coordinate the on-ice activities of informal and formal educators embedded in the ANDRILL science teams as part of the ARISE Program.

The successful candidate will hold a professional degree or degrees (preferably in the geosciences or education field) with excellent interpersonal and articulation skills critical for successful collaboration, and have a minimum 3 to 5 years of experience in some or all of the following areas: teaching, obtaining and administering grants for education programs, working with pre-service or in-service K-12 teachers, and education program assessment. A previous scientific focus, knowledge of marine or geological science, demonstrated familiarity with federal science education programs, and experience with federal grant and private foundation program procedures are desirable, as is the commitment to serve both the education and science communities. Salary will be commensurate with experience. UNL provides an excellent benefit and retirement package.

Review of applications will begin on June 20, 2006 and will continue until the position is filled or the search is closed. To be considered for the position, please go to http://employment.unl.edu, requisition 060271 and complete the Faculty/Administrative application, attaching required documents.

The University of Nebraska is committed to a pluralistic campus community through affirmative action and equal opportunity. We assure reasonable accommodation under the Americans with Disabilities Act; contact Laura Lacy at (402) 472-6725 for assistance.

It is the policy of the University of Nebraska-Lincoln not to discriminate based on gender, age, disability, race, color, religion, marital status, veteran's status, national or ethnic origin, or sexual orientation, AA/EEO details may be secured by contacting 128 Canfield Administration Building, P.O. Box 880437, UNL, Lincoln, Nebraska 68588-0437, or by telephoning (402) 472-3417. Employment eligibility verification is required for all new hires pursuant to the Immigration and Control Act of 1986.