NOTE: Only applicants in the United States are eligible for this position.
Beyond Benign invites applications for a Postdoctoral Research Fellow position in STEM education research, preferably in chemistry. This position offers early-career scholars a unique opportunity to develop skills in green chemistry education research and gain experience in faculty professional development through the Community of Practice lens. The position is designed to prepare early career researchers by integrating them into the Chemistry Education Research community, providing mentorship in research and green chemistry education, and supporting the development of a collaborative professional network.
The position is funded by a National Science Foundation grant that aims to build the capacity of faculty educators to teach green chemistry. The Postdoctoral Research Fellow will contribute to a collaborative, interdisciplinary project that will support educators to adapt and implement green chemistry throughout the chemistry curriculum. The Postdoctoral Research Fellow will be based remotely at Beyond Benign and will work closely with faculty at Monmouth University. In addition, the Postdoctoral Research Fellow will have an opportunity to contribute to additional project activities related to green chemistry education, including potential contributions to curriculum design and implementation, and contributing to teaching at Monmouth University, if they desire.
Funding to support this position is available for up to 5 years.
Essential Job Duties
The Postdoctoral Fellow at Beyond Benign will work with researchers at Monmouth University and Beyond Benign in the research and evaluation portion of the project. This includes:
- Utilizing methods, tools, and mechanisms to support data collection and assessment of the outputs and outcomes of the project;
- Exploring research methodologies and evaluation practices in chemical education and how they apply to the project structures;
- Connecting theoretical concepts to the methodologies to inform the answers to the research questions;
- Developing and administering regular surveys of the participants in the project;
- Conducting semi-structured interviews with the participants and collecting participant reflective diaries and field notes from annual summits and individual participant meetings; and
- Analyzing the collected data (both quantitative and qualitative) and writing reports and research articles to summarize and disseminate the results.
Additional Responsibilities
- Represent Beyond Benign at conferences, webinars, and partner events.
- Contribute to broader Beyond Benign initiatives and cross-program collaboration.
- Preparing conference presentations and/or organizing conference symposia and sessions to disseminate the results and communicate with the greater chemistry education community.
- Travel for conferences and events (all expenses covered by Beyond Benign as part of the grant scope).
Preferred Qualifications
- A Ph.D., Ed.D., or equivalent degree in a field that is STEM and/or education focused. The degree must have been awarded in the last 5 years. Candidates who are ABD (All But Dissertation) may be considered, provided that all degree requirements are completed prior to the employment start date.
- Experience conducting both quantitative and qualitative research, including human subjects research.
- Experience with data collection and analysis, including survey administration and conducting and transcribing semi-structured interviews.
- Familiarity with green chemistry, sustainability, and/or science education is highly desirable.
Personal Attributes
- Strategic thinker with strong organizational skills and attention to detail.
- Passionate about sustainability and education reform.
- Proactive and adaptable with a collaborative, team-oriented mindset.
- Comfortable with remote work environments and digital communication tools.
We welcome candidates seeking a variety of work arrangements. Our goal is to find the right person for the position, and we’re open to discussing a structure that works best for both you and our team. We also welcome applicants from all backgrounds and with diverse identities to this position, including but not limited to: sex, gender identity, gender expression, race, ethnicity, age, sexual orientation, Indigenous identity, invisible and/or visible disabilities, cultural and/or religious upbringing, nationality, socio-economic status, body size and appearance, and/or intersections of these identities.
Terms: This is a full-time contract position for up to 5 years during the grant period. Contracts may be negotiated for a duration that is shorter than the grant period. The incumbent will be supervised by Dr. Nikita Burrows at Monmouth University and Drs. Amy Cannon and Jonathon Moir at Beyond Benign.
Compensation: Salary is negotiable and will be based on experience and qualifications. Benefits package, paid time off (PTO), and professional development opportunities are available.
About Beyond Benign
Beyond Benign, a 501(c)3 nonprofit, envisions a world where the chemical building blocks of products used every day are healthy and safe for humans and the environment. Beyond Benign’s mission is to foster a green chemistry community that empowers educators to transform chemistry education for a sustainable future. Beyond Benign works to equip educators from K-20 with the ability to teach chemistry and STEM through a lens of sustainability grounded in the 12 principles of green chemistry. By providing educators with tools, training and peer support networks, educators are equipped to train the next generation of scientists and citizens with the skills and knowledge to create and choose products that are safe for human health and the environment.
Beyond Benign is fully committed to creating a working environment where all can contribute and feel welcome. We believe that making green chemistry accessible to all means practicing our work through a lens of belonging and respect. This means respect and engagement for everyone in our organization, along with ensuring equity in areas such as compensation, benefits and career growth and opportunities.
Co-founded in 2007 by Dr. John Warner, the co-founder of the field of green chemistry, and Dr. Amy Cannon, who holds the world’s first Ph.D. in Green Chemistry, Beyond Benign has an extensive history of service. Over the past 15 years, Beyond Benign has trained over 6,500 K-12 teachers in sustainable science and green chemistry, designed over 250 open-access lessons, reached over 1.5M students and educators & partnered with over 250 universities to transform chemistry education. Together we can catalyze the development of green technological innovations that result in safer products and processes in support of a sustainable, healthy society.
How to Apply
NOTE: Only applicants in the United States are eligible for this position.
Applicants should submit the following materials to hr@beyondbenign.org.
1. Cover letter
2. Curriculum vitae (CV)
3. Contact Information for 3 References
Review of applications will begin December 1, 2025 and will continue on a rolling basis until the position is filled.
