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Open Positions

Submissions for this position are due by February 2, 2026.

Job Description: Assistant Director of STEM Education

The Searle Center for Advancing Learning and Teaching at Northwestern University stays at the forefront of emerging trends by combining more than 30 years of experience with the latest research to accelerate pedagogical innovation and meet unexpected challenges with agility.

We’re excited to launch our search for Assistant Director of STEM Education. At an institution committed to enhancing the quality of teaching and deepening the learning of all students, this role advances four strategic priorities: 

  1. Reflective, evidence-informed, and innovative pedagogical practices 
  2. Student success and instructor vitality 
  3. Assessment to drive substantive course and curricular change 
  4. Center reach and visibility  

In this role, you’ll enrich high-quality signature programs and elevate high-profile strategic initiatives, while benefiting from mentorship that expands your skillset as an educational developer. 

What You’ll Get to Lead and Learn 

  • Catalyze STEM Teaching Excellence through initiatives that infuse learner-centered teaching practices fostering resilience and sense of belonging, including leadership of the CIRTL Certificate Program. 
  • Increase instructors’ self-efficacy to enrich first-year STEM courses with evidence- and strengths-based practices that bolster academic integration, learning, and success for all students. 
  • Partner with the STEM Education Advisory Board on assessment and curricular development projects targeting gateway, large-enrollment, lab, and high-attrition courses, and integrating high-impact practices like e-Portfolios. 
  • Design and deliver transformative programs, including the Course Delivery Lab, Course Design Institute, and the University Practicum, shaping teaching at scale while deepening your expertise in active learning and innovative pedagogy. 
  • Champion pedagogical approaches that are agile and responsive to the changing higher education landscape, including generative AI, ensuring continuity of learning while safeguarding instructor vitality. 
  • Convene communities of practice to scaffold Scholarship of Teaching and Learning projects, and develop open educational resources to elevate both Searle’s reach and your own scholarly profile.  

Ready to Make an Impact? 

If you feel inspired by these possibilities, we invite you to review the qualifications and to check out our website to learn more about the Searle Center for Advancing Learning and Teaching at Northwestern University—where “creating the conditions in which students and educators can thrive is a collective endeavor.” 

Preferred Qualifications (abbreviated list) 

  • PhD in STEM field or the equivalent combination of education, training, and experience from which comparable skills can be acquired  
  • 2 years’ higher education experience as a classroom instructor 
  • 2 years’ program/project development/administration or other relevant experience 
  • Represents the Center’s values of critical reflection, multi-vocal evidence, and a collaborative spirit 
  • Exhibits deep curiosity and desire for continued professional growth 
  • Works in a highly professional manner as both a self-starter and as a collaborative team member 

Explore our Careers Resources to learn more about the vibrancy of our academic community and what makes Northwestern University one of the world’s premier research institutions. If you have any remaining questions after reviewing the extended job description, please contact the Associate Director, Dr. Veronica Womack. To apply, please submit a cover letter highlighting your interests and unique qualifications, along with your CV, by the February 2, 2026 submission deadline. We encourage early applications, as review will begin upon receipt.

View the job posting and apply (external applicants)

VIEW THE JOB POSTING AND APPLY (CURRENT NORTHWESTERN EMPLOYEES)

Northwestern University is an Equal Opportunity, Affirmative Action Employer of all protected classes, including veterans and individuals with disabilities. Consistent with its obligations under the law, Northwestern will provide reasonable accommodation to any employee with a disability who requires accommodation to perform the essential job responsibilities.