E. Desmond Lee Family Endowed Professorship in Science Education

The Department of Educator Preparation & Leadership at the University of Missouri-St. Louis (UMSL)

The Department of Educator Preparation & Leadership at the University of Missouri-St. Louis (UMSL) invites applications for a 9-month, tenure-track Science Education Endowed Professor position (Associate or Full professor rank), beginning August 2025. This full-time, benefits-eligible role is housed within the College of Education. UMSL seeks a distinguished scholar with expertise in science education who can work across multiple STEM disciplines (science, technology, engineering and math) to lead innovative teaching, research, program development and community engagement initiatives. The professor will contribute to science education for K-12 students, support diverse and inclusive learning environments, and drive impactful collaborations within and beyond UMSL. In addition to salary, the position provides an annual distribution from the endowment to carry out the goals and objectives of the E. Desmond Lee Family Endowed Professorship in Science Education.

This position is one of more than 30 endowed professorships in the Des Lee Collaborative Vision, which are distinct from more traditional academic positions in having a responsibility for community engagement and outreach. Therefore, we seek a broadly interactive colleague who is interested in crossing disciplinary boundaries within science and from science to a broad and diverse community.

UMSL has established partnerships with key institutions in the St. Louis region including collaborations with the St. Louis Science Center, Missouri Botanical Garden, Saint Louis Zoo, Danforth Plant Science Center, area school districts, the Cortex Innovation District, and multiple cultural organizations.

The successful candidate will embody a commitment to cultural diversity, social justice, and community engagement, enhancing STEM education for students, faculty, and community partners alike. This role provides an exciting opportunity to lead, inspire, and advance STEM access and knowledge across diverse populations. We seek candidates who will enhance the College of Education's commitment to diversity, equity, and social justice through teaching, research, and service. Candidates from diverse and historically underrepresented communities are highly encouraged to apply for this position.

Responsibilities

• Continue to pursue an active research agenda that advances STEM education scholarship, with an emphasis on collaboration and innovation.
• Recruit, advise, support, and mentor undergraduate and graduate students, contributing to UMSL's mission of student success.
• Provide mentorship to early-career faculty, fostering an environment of academic growth and collegial support.
• Engage with communities beyond the university, particularly those historically underrepresented in science education and related STEM fields, to expand educational access and opportunities.
• Teach courses that support a robust science education curriculum, providing quality learning experiences for students from diverse backgrounds.
• Collaborate with colleagues across department, college, and university levels, assuming leadership roles on committees to support UMSL's mission.
• Connect with other Des Lee Collaborative Vision professors both within and outside the College of Education to extend and amplify UMSL's beneficial reach and presence within the greater St. Louis region and beyond.

• Seek external funding opportunities to further research and program development.
• Champion culturally responsive practices and social justice, actively supporting the College's diversity and inclusion initiatives.

• Earned doctorate with an emphasis in science education.
• National Reputation: Demonstrated through a strong publication record, leadership in professional associations, and recognition as an influential voice in science education.
• Excellence in Research: Demonstrated track record of high-quality, impactful research in science education.
• Excellence in Teaching: Evidence of teaching excellence and the ability to create meaningful and effective learning experiences for students.
• Leadership and Service: Active involvement in the field of science education, for example, having served as an editor, editorial board member, conference organizer, or professional association leader.

Interested candidates should apply online at www.umsl.jobs and submit:

• A letter of interest
• Curriculum Vitae
• Teaching and Research statements that incorporate prior experiences and ideas for Community Engagement and Outreach
• Two academic writing samples
• Contact information for three (3) references (References will only be contacted at the final stage).

Candidates are encouraged to describe how their experiences and expertise align with UMSL's values of diversity and inclusion, contributing to an environment that promotes student success, impactful research, and community engagement.

Applications should be submitted as a single PDF file under the resume section. Only online applications will be reviewed. For inquiries, please contact the search committee chair, Dr. Jerome E. Morris at morrisjer@umsl.edu.

Review of applications will begin on December 16, 2024, and continue until the position is filled.

About the University of Missouri-St. Louis and the Region
The University of Missouri-St. Louis (UMSL) is a leading urban research institution serving over 16,000 students. UMSL is classified as a Community Engaged University through the Carnegie Foundation. As part of a metropolitan area of almost 3 million people, UMSL's location provides access to the vibrant cultural and educational resources of a major U.S. city including museums, theaters, symphonies, impressive parks and greenspaces, medical centers, and recreational facilities. As an anchor institution, UMSL is committed to strengthening the local community and the broader St. Louis region through meaningful engagement and service.

About the College of Education
The College of Education at UMSL is a premier institution for educator preparation in Missouri. Offering a wide range of academic programs, including bachelor's, master's, and doctoral degrees, as well as over 50 state certifications, the College is dedicated to cultivating the next generation of educational leaders. The faculty and staff work to create flexible, accessible pathways for students of diverse backgrounds and life stages, fostering an inclusive academic environment. Our nationally accredited programs, guided by award-winning faculty and staff, provide high-quality education to support a diverse student body, including adult learners, international students, transfer students, students with disabilities, and more.

This position is eligible for University benefits. As part of your total compensation, the University offers a comprehensive benefits package, including medical, dental and vision plans, retirement, and educational fee discounts for all four UM System campuses. For additional information on University benefits, please visit the Faculty & Staff Benefits website at https://www.umsystem.edu/totalrewards/benefits.

Values Commitment

We value the uniqueness of every individual and strive to ensure each person's success. Contributions from individuals with diverse backgrounds, experiences and perspectives promote intellectual pluralism and enable us to achieve the excellence that we seek in learning, research and engagement. This commitment makes our university a better place to work, learn and innovate.

In your application materials, please discuss your experiences and expertise that support these values and enrich our missions of teaching, research, and engagement.

Equal Employment Opportunity

The University of Missouri System is an Equal Opportunity Employer. Equal Opportunity is and shall be provided for all employees and applicants for employment on the basis of their demonstrated ability and competence without unlawful discrimination on the basis of their race, color, national origin, ancestry, religion, sex, pregnancy, sexual orientation, gender identity, gender expression, age, disability, or protected veteran status, or any other status protected by applicable state or federal law. This policy applies to all employment decisions including, but not limited to, recruiting, hiring, training, promotions, pay practices, benefits, disciplinary actions and terminations. For more information, visit https://www.umsystem.edu/ums/hr/eeo or call the Director of Employee and Labor Relations at 573-882-2146.

To request ADA accommodations, please email the Office of Human Resources at umslhr@umsl.edu.