[Maths-Education] Principal Investigator post in South Africa for EU Science in Society Research Project

[Toni Beardon]

This post would particularly suit a South African with experience of 
research in mathematics education who is interested in returning to 
South Africa from overseas.

AIMSSEC is the Schools Enrichment Centre of AIMS (African Institute 
for Mathematical Sciences) established in 2003 to extend of 
educational opportunities for disadvantaged communities in South 
Africa, particularly teachers from rural areas. AIMSSEC runs distance 
learning professional development courses for primary and secondary 
teachers, subject advisers and field trainers from all over South 
Africa. In 2012 AIMSSEC won the UNESCO-Hamdan Prize for Outstanding 
Practice and Performance in Enhancing the Effectiveness of Teachers 
in developing countries within marginalized or disadvantaged 
communities.

Principal Investigator (Researcher)
__________________________________


The African Institute for Mathematical Sciences Schools Enrichment 
Centre (AIMSSEC), in Muizenberg, is looking for a principal 
investigator (PI) for the European Commission research project 
FP7-SCIENCE-IN-SOCIETY-2013-1. The post is a full-time contract 
position with start date 1 March 2014 (or as soon as possible) till 
31 December 2016.

Project Title: Improving progress for lower achievers through 
Formative Assessment in Science and Mathematics Education (FaSMEd).

Abstract: This three year international project involving AIMSSEC and 
eight European partners aims to research the use of technology in 
formative assessment classroom practices in ways that allow teachers 
to respond to the emerging needs of low achieving learners in 
mathematics and science so that they are better motivated in their 
learning of these important subjects. The project will adapt and 
develop existing research-informed pedagogical interventions 
(developed by the partners), suited to implementation at scale, for 
working with low attaining pupils and transforming teaching. Duties: 
For AIMSSEC as participant in this project the description of work 
for our PI can be summarised with reference to the seven work 
packages: Project design; Landscape collection of data and review of 
literature and systemic practices; Design and production of toolkit 
for teaching and assessment; Intervention cases; Cross comparison 
analysis of historical and intervention cases; Final synthesis - 
policy recommendations - identified future research needs; 
Exploitation and Dissemination.

For a detailed job description visit aimssec.aims.ac.za/en/vacancies/

Requirements: Proven research experience with a PhD in Mathematical 
Education; research publications; well-developed computer skills; a 
passion for mathematics and for improving educational opportunities 
for underprivileged learners; good interpersonal, team leadership and 
people management skills; excellent oral and communication skills and 
planning and organising skills; energy, flexibility and willingness 
to go the extra mile to achieve project goals. The incumbent must be 
in possession of a valid unendorsed drivers' license. Applicants for 
positions in South Africa must have a valid South African work permit 
or be a permanent resident.

Recommendations: Experience in working with provincial government or 
their districts and familiarity a university environment.

Commencement of duties: 1 March 2014 or as soon as possible 
thereafter.

Closing date: 10 January 2014.

Enquiries: Dr Barrie Barnard, AIMSSEC Academic Manager, tel. 
021-7879326 or barrie at aims.ac.za

For more information, visit http://nexteinstein.org 
http://aimssec.aims.ac.za http://aims.ac.za

Prospective candidates must submit a detailed CV, together with the 
names of at least two referees and a covering letter motivating their 
application to: The Academic Manager, AIMSSEC, 6 Melrose Road, 
Muizenberg, 7945, or electronically to aimssecpost at aims.ac.za.

Only short listed candidates will be contacted for interviews on 24 
January 2014.
 
Toni Beardon
African Institute for Mathematical Sciences
Schools Enrichment Centre  
6 Melrose Road   Muizenberg   7945   South Africa
Tel. +27 (0)21 787 9326  Fax +27 (0)86 263 1268    
Cell 072 3088 186
http://aimssec.edu.glogster.com/aimssec-2012/

University of Cambridge 
Centre for Mathematical Sciences
Wilberforce Road   Cambridge CB3 0WA
Tel. +44 (0)1223 560582    Fax +44 (0)870 751 8332   
Cell 07714 357042
http://mmp.maths.org