We are looking for

The Education and Competence Studies Group at Wageningen University is seeking a PhD candidate in the field of computer-supported collaborative learning (CSCL). The PhD candidate will be part of a research team investigating the effects of various computer-support systems on collaborative learning processes and outcomes. Research on learning sciences has recently been influenced by developments in technology-enhanced environments focusing on the role of computer-support systems on effectiveness, development, and quality of collaborative learning processes and outcomes. A variety of instructional approaches such as online coaching, scripting, digital games, automated and adaptive feedback have been embedded in the online environments to facilitate various aspects of the learning processes and outcomes. The PhD candidate is expected to design and conduct a set of experimental studies to investigate the effects of various types of computer-support systems on collaborative learning processes and outcomes, domain-general (e.g. knowledge on higher-order skills and argumentation) and domain-specific knowledge acquisition.

We ask

The PhD candidate is expected to

· complete a PhD dissertation (in English) within the four year period,

· conduct empirical research,

· write high quality scientific articles (based on PhD chapters),

· participate in research meetings of the chair group

· Follow training and supervision plan in the WASS and ICO graduate schools,

· present papers at (international) conferences.

Requirements

· completed MSc degree (or near-completion) in one of the following or related disciplines: educational sciences, learning sciences, artificial intelligence, educational technology, digital media, educational psychology,

· Research master degree is certainly a plus,

· proficiency in English (oral and written),

· computer programing and informatics background is certainly a plus,

· excellent academic record (as shown by a list of MSc grades),

· proficiency in planning and conducting empirical studies,

· familiarity with data analysis tools such as SPSS.

We offer

We offer a PhD-candidate position in the midst of the dynamic environment within a team of senior scientists as well as colleague PhD-candidates. You will receive training from WASS and ICO graduate schools. The position is for fulltime employment (38 hours a week) for 18 months with a possible extension of 30 months after a positive evaluation. The gross salary is € 2.115,- per month in the first year and will increase to € 2.704,- per month in the fourth year (based on fulltime employment).

Please send your application (including a motivation letter and recent CV) before 15 July 2013 Dutch local time by means of email to omid.noroozi@wur.nl .
Applications that are incomplete or are otherwise faulty will not be taken into account.

The starting date is 1 September 2013.

Interviews will take place in July.

We are

Wageningen UR (University & Research centre)

Wageningen University & Research centre delivering a substantial contribution to the quality of life. That's our focus – each and every day. Within our domain, healthy food and living environment, we search for answers to issues affecting society – such as sustainable food production, climate change and alternative energy. Of course, we don’t do this alone. Every day, 6,500 people work on ‘the quality of life’, turning ideas into reality, on a global scale.

Could you be one of these people? We give you the space you need.

Chair group Education and Competence Studies

The mission of the chair group Education and Competence Studies Group is to explore competence to improve the quality of learning for life and society. ECS provides academic education and conducts scientific research on the identification of competence needs within the agri-food complex and the societal context of that, the design of competence-based education, and the analysis of effects of competence-based learning for pupils, students, citizens, consumers, workers, managers, entrepreneurs, organizations and the agri-food complex as a whole. The chair group aims specifically on the study of issues of competence development within themes that are core business of Wageningen University and Research Centre, such as systems innovation and international chains, innovative entrepreneurship, sustainability, corporate social responsibility, intercultural education and the design and implementation of integrated beta-gamma education.

For further information about working at Wageningen UR, take a look at www.wageningenur.nl/en/Jobs.htm.

Additional information

Omid Noroozi, Tel: 0317 482710; 0639802957; Email:omid.noroozi@wur.nl
More information about employer Wageningen UR (University & Research centre)