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Eminent Scholar & Professor, Whitaker Center of STEM Education
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Position Number: 5867177
Location: Fort Myers, FL
Position Type: Science - Library and Information Science

Eminent Scholar & Professor, Whitaker Center of STEM Education

Job Summary
Florida Gulf Coast University invites applications for an accomplished Eminent Scholar eligible for appointment at the rank of Full Professor in a current department in the College of Arts & Sciences in a STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics) or STEM Education discipline. We seek an internationally recognized leader with a distinguished track record in research, teaching, and mentorship. The candidate is expected to contribute to the growth of research initiatives, strengthen our STEM/STEM Education programs, and build
interdisciplinary collaborations across the university.

Key Responsibilities:
Research Leadership: Conduct and lead cutting-edge research in a specialized field within STEM or STEM Education. Develop a vibrant, externally funded research program that enhances the university's research profile.

Student Mentorship: Advise and mentor students and junior faculty.

Interdisciplinary Collaboration: Collaborate across academic units to foster innovation and integration of STEM/STEM education initiatives. Actively participate in joint research projects, grants, and centers. The position is housed in FGCU's Whitaker Center for STEM Education. The Eminent Scholar collaborates closely with the Center's Director to support STEM and STEM Education initiatives on and off-campus.

Service & Leadership: Provide visionary leadership within the department and university. Serve on key university committees and contribute to the national and international reputation of the institution. Mentor faculty colleagues and provide academic leadership in program development and evaluation.

Community Engagement: Engage in outreach to enhance STEM literacy and education in local, national, and global communities. Build partnerships with educational institutions, industry, government agencies, and other stakeholders.

Florida Gulf Coast University is a comprehensive university dedicated to quality education, research, and service. All faculty are expected to: be excellent teachers, responsive to changing professional needs be committed to innovative delivery of instruction resulting in improved student learning be committed to effective use of technology including distance learning produce peer reviewed scholarship and provide service to the College, University and Community. Teaching assignments may be on the main campus or at off-campus sites within our region.

FGCU is a member of the State University System of Florida and an Affirmative Action and Equal Employment Opportunity and Access Employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, age, disability, sex, pregnancy, national origin, marital status, genetic predisposition, sexual orientation, gender identity/gender expression, veteran status, and any other protected class(es), as required by applicable state and federal law, as well as University regulations and policies.

Job Description

Typical duties may include but are not limited to:

Develop and sustain a high-impact, externally funded research program in a specialized area of STEM or STEM Education.
Publish in top-tier academic journals and present research findings at national and international conferences.
Lead and mentor research teams, including undergraduate, graduate students, and faculty, to achieve research objectives.
Foster interdisciplinary collaborations and seek opportunities for joint research projects across departments and institutions.
Programs by participating in curriculum reviews and development.
Mentor and advise undergraduate and graduate students, guiding them in research, academic development, and career planning.
Serve as a faculty advisor to student organizations or initiatives related to STEM or STEM education.
Support students in securing internships, research opportunities, and employment within STEM fields.
Actively pursue and secure external funding from agencies such as NSF, NIH, DOE, and private foundations to support research initiatives.
Lead and manage large research grants, ensuring proper allocation of resources, adherence to budgets, and timely delivery of research outcomes.
Build and maintain collaborative relationships across academic disciplines, encouraging cross-disciplinary research and teaching efforts.
Establish partnerships with external stakeholders such as industry, government, and other academic institutions to foster impactful research and educational programs.
Serve on departmental, college, and university committees, contributing to strategic planning and policy-making.
Provide leadership in faculty development, mentoring junior faculty in research, teaching, and service.
Contribute to the recruitment and retention of top-tier faculty and students in STEM/STEM Education.
Participate in the accreditation process and other administrative duties as required by the university.
Lead outreach initiatives to improve STEM literacy and public understanding of science and technology, particularly within underserved communities.
Build partnerships with K-12 educators and school systems to enhance STEM education pathways.
Promote the university's role as a leader in STEM by participating in public forums, panels, and media engagements.
Teach assigned courses and adequately perform other duties/responsibilities as articulated on the annual assignment.
Complete mandatory/required training in a timely manner.
Abide by University Policies and Regulations.
Participate in the evaluation process in accordance with the CBA and related documents.
Continued professional development activity is expected at a level commensurate with rank and the mission of the University.
Performs other duties as assigned by supervisor.

Additional Job Description

Required Qualifications

Ph.D. or equivalent terminal degree in a relevant STEM or STEM education field from a regionally accredited institution or equivalent accreditation.
Eligible for appointment at the rank of Full Professor in a current department in the College of Arts & Sciences in a STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics) or STEM Education discipline
Internationally recognized research record in STEM or STEM Education, demonstrated through publications in high-impact journals, citations, and awards.
Demonstrated success in obtaining and managing external research funding (e.g., NSF, NIH, DOE).
Experience in teaching at the undergraduate and graduate levels.
Proven track record of mentoring students and junior faculty. Experience leading interdisciplinary research teams and fostering collaboration across disciplines.
Demonstrated commitment to community support in STEM fields.

Preferred Qualifications

Strong leadership experience in STEM/STEM Education initiatives at national or international levels.
Experience or interest in working with K-12 education systems or in outreach programs aimed at improving STEM education.
Involvement in professional organizations and editorial boards in STEM or STEM Education fields.

Knowledge, Skills & Abilities

Knowledge of major concepts, assumptions, debates, processes of inquiry, and ways of knowing that are central to the discipline(s).
Knowledge of critical thinking processes and understanding how to help learners develop high level questioning skills.
Knowledge and skill in the use of inquiry-based instructional models and strategies.
Knowledge and ability to use technology in various teaching modalities (e.g. Face-to-face, synchronous online or asynchronous online).
Knowledge of core STEM or STEM Education principles and emerging trends. Ability to integrate this expertise into both research and teaching.
Excellent verbal and written communication skills for effective teaching, public speaking, grant writing, and publishing in academic journals.
Commitment to mentoring and developing the next generation of scholars, including students, postdoctoral researchers, and junior faculty.
Ability to collaborate with stakeholders both within and outside the University in the development and delivery of instruction, resulting in improved student learning.
Ability to design, conduct, and lead research initiatives. Expertise in securing external funding, managing large-scale research projects, and ensuring dissemination of research results through high-impact publications.
Ability to provide academic leadership within the department and across the institution. Strong interpersonal skills for fostering collaborative relationships with colleagues, interdisciplinary teams, and external partners.
Ability to develop competitive proposals for national and international funding agencies. Experience managing research budgets and delivering impactful outcomes.
Ability to articulate a clear vision for advancing research, teaching, and outreach in STEM/STEM Education, including plans for expanding collaborations and securing future funding.
Ability to engage with local, national, and international communities to promote STEM education and literacy, fostering partnerships that benefit both the university and external stakeholders.

Special Instructions to Applicants

Appointment will be made on a 12-month multi-year appointment basis available August 2025.

Because applications and materials are subject to public review and retention under Florida's Public Records Law, please DO NOT send examples of your project/scholarship unless requested to do so. Therefore all submitted materials including articles, disks, slides, books, etc., become the property of FGCU and CANNOT BE RETURNED. As applicable, finalists will be notified of the need to submit specific additional materials. Such materials will become the property of FGCU.

Under Florida's Public Records law, applications will be available for public review upon request.

Required Application Materials:

Unofficial Transcripts
Statement of Teaching Philosophy
Statement of Research
Curriculum Vitae
Cover Letter
Names and contact information of five (5) Professional References

Salary commensurate with education and experience.

The position is listed as "open until filled", however applications received by January 31, 2025 will receive priority consideration.

To apply, visit https://fgcu.wd5.myworkdayjobs.com/en-US/eaglejobs/job/Main-Campus/Eminent-Scholar---Professor---Whitaker-Center-of-STEM-Education_R0005765?workerSubType=7606cd1535ba016f9151c43d68012214&workerSubType=7606cd1535ba01e56580c43d68012414&workerSubType=7606cd1535ba014f6fabc43d68012614