Details Title Postdoctoral Fellow in Civil Discourse School Faculty of Arts and Sciences Department/Area Derek Bok Center for Teaching and Learning Position Description The Derek Bok Center for Teaching and Learning at Harvard University invites applications for a Postdoctoral Fellow in Civil Discourse. Working closely with Faculty Director Professor Karen Thornber and Assistant Director of Civil Discourse and Classroom Culture, Matthew Sohm, the successful candidate will play a central role in designing and delivering civil discourse pedagogical materials and approaches in collaboration with Bok Center staff and with stakeholders across campus (including the Edmond & Lily Safra Center for Ethics, Harvard College’s Office of Undergraduate Education, and the Graduate School of Arts & Sciences). The Postdoctoral Fellow will contribute to the Center’s expanding efforts to explore, evaluate, and implement innovative approaches to fostering civil discourse in FAS classrooms. The Fellow will join a vibrant team committed to innovative teaching, learning, and research initiatives in pedagogy, Civil Discourse, and AI. Primary responsibilities include: + Designing and leading training sessions for Teaching Fellows (TFs) and Teaching Assistants (TAs), as well as Course Assistants (CAs) + Designing and leading interactive workshops for faculty, postdoctoral fellows, graduate students, and undergraduates. + Conducting research on Civil Discourse-focused educational practices and designing Civil Discourse Discourse pedagogical tools for instructors in collaboration with Bok Center staff and campus partners. + Creating accessible educational content and tutorials, including for use in the Harvard classroom and for TF/TA/CA training. + Delivering presentations to diverse academic audiences at Harvard and beyond. Other responsibilities include: + Collaborating with faculty and staff to ensure alignment of tools to curricular needs in FAS programs and departments and with other stakeholders. + Partnering closely with instructors in the Fellow’s area of academic expertise to develop pedagogical tools that can be tested in those instructors’ courses. + Partnering with staff at the Edmond & Lily Safra Center for Ethics on designing new pedagogical tools and adapting them to a range of curricular and programmatic needs. + Partnering with faculty and research staff in areas of disciplinary fit to test Civil Discourse pedagogy tools in departmental courses. This position is ideal for candidates passionate about Civil Discourse, exploring novel pedagogical approaches, and actively engaging with Harvard’s academic community. Basic Qualifications A Ph.D. in a field taught in the Faculty of Arts & Sciences. Additional Qualifications + Teaching experience at the College / University level. + Proven ability to lead workshops and effectively communicate complex ideas to academic and general audiences. + Strong analytical, problem-solving, and communication skills, with demonstrated capability to work independently and collaboratively. + Ability to build positive relationships and to work professionally with a diverse group of faculty, staff and students. + Strong diplomatic skills and tact, and an ability to adapt to changing circumstances. Special Instructions Contact Information Laura Madden, Director of Administration Contact Email laura_madden@fas.harvard.edu Equal Opportunity Employer We are an equal opportunity employer and all qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, disability status, protected veteran status, gender identity, sexual orientation, pregnancy and pregnancy-related conditions or any other characteristic protected by law. Minimum Number of References Required 3 Maximum Number of References Allowed 3 Keywords Supplemental Questions