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Job Description
Quantum Education Temporary Researcher
Requisition Number:
72004
Location:
Boulder, Colorado
City
Boulder
State
Colorado
Employment Type:
Research Faculty
Schedule:
Part-Time
Posting Close Date:
21-May-2026
Date Posted:
19-May-2026
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The PhET Interactive Simulations project (https://phet.colorado.edu) at the University of Colorado Boulder has an opening for a Temporary Researcher to contribute to the PhET Quantum Education Initiative. This four-year research initiative — funded by research grants from the National Science Foundation (IUSE program) and the Gordon and Betty Moore Foundation — is modernizing PhET's collection of quantum physics simulations, developing paired instructional resources for learners from middle school through graduate school and into the workforce, and conducting research on simulation design and student learning of quantum physics.
CU is an Equal Opportunity Employer and complies with all applicable federal, state, and local laws governing nondiscrimination in employment. We are committed to creating a workplace where all individuals are treated with respect and dignity, and we encourage individuals from all backgrounds to apply, including protected veterans and individuals with disabilities.
Founded in 2002 by Nobel Laureate Carl Wieman, the PhET Interactive Simulations project at University of Colorado Boulder is a world leader in the design and use of interactive math and science simulations for advancing STEM education. The PhET team is dedicated to high-quality STEM education for all students, disseminating PhET simulations as open (free) education resources globally and pioneering approaches for making interactive content accessible to all learners. Today, PhET simulations are used more than 225 million times per year globally and translated into more than 100 languages.
The PhET team is a passionate, creative, and productive group, including STEM education, simulation, and inclusive design experts, education researchers, software engineers, quality assurance specialists, and more. Our project is a blend of an academic research project, an outreach project, and an innovative education technology company, housed within the Department of Physics and working with diverse partners at CU Boulder and around the world. PhET’s work has received numerous international awards, including being named a 2017 WISE Awards Winner, a 2011 Tech Award Laureate, and winner of the 2014 Reimagine Education Award.
- The successful candidate will join the PhET research team to support a central research activity of the initiative's first year: the 2026 Summer Working Group meeting at CU Boulder (July 27–30), which will convene college faculty and K–12 educators to co-develop classroom and informal-learning activities paired with PhET quantum simulations and to provide research input on simulation designs. The role includes contributing to the working group's planning, vision, and agenda; preparing background materials and reviewing the research literature on PhET simulation use in quantum and modern physics education; helping facilitate the working group meeting and beginning to build relationships with faculty participants; and supporting documentation throughout.
- The position is well suited to an early-career physics education researcher with training in qualitative methods, experience working with physics learners across educational levels, and an interest in quantum education and the development of high-quality open educational resources. PhET's mission is to create STEM learning tools that the whole world can enjoy using. As part of that effort, we aim to build STEM simulations that can be used by everyone.
The hiring rate for this position is $35 per hour, 20 hours per week.
Temporary positions at the University of Colorado are not benefits-eligible, however, all positions are eligible for paid sick leave.
Be ambitious. Be pioneering. Be Boulder.
- PhD in physics, physics education research, or a closely related discipline, completed or expected by the appointment start date.
- Demonstrated research experience in physics education research at the undergraduate and/or K–12 level.
- Research experience related to quantum education, quantum workforce preparation, or upper-division/modern physics teaching and learning.
- Experience teaching physics or a related STEM discipline at the undergraduate or K–12 level.
- Experience designing or developing instructional activities, lessons, or curriculum materials for physics or related STEM disciplines at the K–12 or college level.
- Strong qualitative research skills, including study design, qualitative data collection, and qualitative analysis.
- Demonstrated record of scholarly writing in physics education research, including peer-reviewed publications and/or conference proceedings.
- Excellent written and verbal communication skills.
- Ability to translate research-based learning goals into well-designed instructional activities and lesson plans, including activities that integrate interactive simulations.
- Ability to plan, support, and facilitate research-based working group meetings and educator convenings.
- Ability to engage productively and substantively with college faculty and K–12 educators around shared research and design questions.
- Strong literature review and synthesis skills, including the ability to quickly come up to speed on a new research area.
- Excellent written and verbal communication, including the ability to document research activities and meeting outcomes clearly and accurately.
- Ability to work both independently and collaboratively within a research team.
- Strong organizational and time management skills, with the ability to coordinate multiple aspects of a project to meet research milestones.
- Research focus on physics laboratory courses, project-based or inquiry-based physics learning, or student perspectives on physics learning environments.
- Experience teaching or supporting science learning in K–12 settings, including informal STEM outreach or community-based science programs.
- Experience leading or supporting professional workshops, working groups, or research convenings that bring together educators across institutional contexts.
- Familiarity with PhET Interactive Simulations and PhET's research-based design principles.
- Familiarity with participatory or visual qualitative research methods (e.g., photovoice).
- Bilingual proficiency, particularly Spanish/English.
To apply, please submit the following materials:
- Resume or CV
- Cover letter addressed to the Search Committee briefly describing your qualifications, professional goals, and specific interest in this position.
If you are selected as the finalist, your degree will be verified by the CU Boulder Campus Human Resources department using an approved online vendor. If your degree was obtained outside of the United States, please submit a translated version as an optional attachment.
During the application process you will need to enter contact information for a reference who may be contacted to provide a letter of recommendation and additional materials, if needed, as the search progresses.
For consideration, please apply by May 21, 2026.
Note: Application materials will not be accepted via email. For consideration, please apply through CU Boulder Jobs.
Posting Contact Information
Posting Contact Name: Boulder Campus Human Resources
Posting Contact Email: [email protected]