Job Announcement: Assistant Director of STEM Education, Northwestern University

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:

- Reflective, evidence-informed, and innovative pedagogical practices

- Student success and instructor vitality

- Assessment to drive substantive course and curricular change

- 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.

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

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.

For more information on this position, please visit, https://searle.northwestern.edu/about/open-positions.html .