Appointed by the Dean of the Cato College of Education, subject to approval by the Provost and Vice Chancellor for Academic Affairs, the Director of the Center for Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics Education (CSTEM) is responsible for promoting effective teaching and learning in STEM for grades PK–20 through collaborative partnerships with campus faculty and personnel in schools, community colleges, business and industry, and local, state, and national agencies. As one of the University of North Carolina mathematics and science education centers, the Center’s primary mission is to (1) strengthen the quality and increase the size of the state’s teaching force in mathematics and science education and (2) increase the number of students graduating from North Carolina high schools prepared to pursue careers in mathematics and science (N.C. General Assembly, 1984).
Vacancy Open to
All Candidates
Description of Work
The University of North Carolina at Charlotte recognizes the differentiation of mission, goals, and objectives inherent in the diversity of disciplines represented by its colleges and departments. Thus, the Job Responsibilities and Essential Functions for Tenured and Tenure Track Faculty should be interpreted in the context of the related departmental and collegiate goals.
Teaching, Advising, Curriculum and Instructional Development – Faculty responsibilities and essential functions with respect to teaching may include but are not limited to: subject matter competence, course design, course presentation, advising and consultation, directing student research, curriculum and instructional development, and grading student work.
Scholarly Research, Creative, and Other Professional Activities – All tenured and tenure-track faculty are expected to participate in expanding the knowledge base of their academic field by conducting research or engaging in other creative activities as appropriate to the faculty member’s discipline. Faculty responsibilities and essential functions with respect to research may include but are not limited to: research/creative activity that generates new knowledge and/or synthesizes and/or integrates existing knowledge, publication, an on-going agenda for research, scholarly, and creative activity, and are expected to seek extramural support for their work.
Service to University, the Public, and the Profession – All tenured and tenure-track faculty are expected to engage in a program of service appropriate to their discipline. Faculty responsibilities and essential functions with respect to service may include but are not limited to: service to the administration and governance of the University, public service, and service to the profession.
To view the complete Job Responsibilities and Essential Functions for Tenured and Tenure-Track Faculty document visit our website: http://provost.uncc.edu/academic-budget-personnel/handbook/search-committee
Essential Duties and Responsibilities
The Director is responsible for all Center programs and, in collaboration with university faculty and personnel in regional schools and state and national organizations, plays a leadership role in securing external funding to support STEM education research, projects, and programs. The Director also provides direct supervision and leadership for Center personnel, including the Associate Director, Pre-College Program Director, Assistant Pre-College Program Coordinator, Office Manager, and administrative support associates (Assistant Coordinator), ensuring effective staffing, professional development, performance management, and alignment of staff responsibilities with Center goals. Working with university faculty; PK–12 teachers; staff in the North Carolina Department of Public Instruction; members of state, national, and international professional societies; staff in local, state, and national agencies; and other stakeholders, the Director’s responsibilities include the following:
- Teacher Professional Development: Develop and implement professional development programs in science, technology, engineering, and mathematics for teachers in grades PK–12.
- Student Academic Enrichment: Provide STEM academic enrichment opportunities for PK–20 students in North Carolina that improve preparation and achievement in STEM disciplines, particularly among students not yet prepared to pursue those fields, while also encouraging academically talented students.
- Active Research Agenda: As the Center is integral to the University’s designation as a Research 1 institution, the Director is expected to develop and implement a research agenda aligned with CSTEM priorities.
- External Funding: Develop funding proposals in collaboration with campus faculty; PK–12 educators; faculty across the UNC system and other state, national, and international institutions; researchers and staff in partner organizations; and community-based and informal education groups to secure external funding for STEM teacher professional development, curriculum and materials development, and student academic enrichment programs and competitions.
- Visibility that Links with Related Organizations: Develop and implement ongoing strategies to promote the mission, goals, and resources of CSTEM.
Minimum Experience/Education
UNC Charlotte gives primary consideration to the earned doctorate or terminal degree in the teaching discipline or a related discipline..
Preferred Education, Skills and Experience
Required Qualifications include: (1) an earned doctorate in a STEM or STEM education field. (2) established research agenda as evidenced by peer-reviewed publications and evidence of securing (or significant interest in pursuing) external funding, (3) demonstrated excellence in teaching online graduate level courses at the college or university level, (4) demonstrated record of service and leadership at the local, state, and/or national levels, and (5) evidence of collaboration with faculty, students, and other stakeholders.
Preferred Qualifications include: (1) K–12 and post-secondary teaching experience in a STEM-related field, (2) extensive record of funded impactful research, experience managing grant activities and staff, commensurate with experience level, (3) applied experience designing and developing learning environments based on established educational theories and instructional design practices, (4) record of excellence in mentoring master’s and doctoral students, including chairing and serving on dissertation committees, and (5) demonstrated ability to contribute to course and program development
Necessary Licenses/Certifications
(Are any certifications or Licenses required for this position?)
Special Notes to Applicants
Application. Materials should include:
- A cover letter addressing the required qualifications and preferred qualifications if applicable
- A concise statement of teaching philosophy
• Unofficial graduate transcripts (“Official” transcripts required for finalists) • A list of names, addresses (including titles and institutions), telephone numbers, and email addresses of three professional references
- Optional: Other supporting materials that are relevant to the applicant’s teaching, including course evaluations or other evidence of teaching effectiveness
- The review of applications will begin on November 1, 2026 and will continue until the position is filled.
All applications must be submitted online at https://jobs.charlotte.edu/. Only electronic submissions will be accepted and references will only be contacted if the candidate advances to the interview stage.
For more information: Questions about the position may be directed to search committee chair, Dr. Premkumar Pugalenthi,
[email protected]. Please visit:
cstem.charlotte.edu or
education.charlotte.edu for additional information about CSTEM and the Cato College of Education.
As an EOE/AA employer and an ADVANCE Institution that strives to create an academic climate in which the dignity of all individuals is respected and maintained, the University of North Carolina at Charlotte encourages applications from all underrepresented groups. All finalists are subject to criminal background checks.
Date Review of Applications will Begin
11/01/2026
Proposed Hire Date
07/01/2027
If time-limited, please indicate appointment end date
Contact Information
Please visit: cstem.charlotte.edu or education.charlotte.edu for additional information about CSTEM and the Cato College of Education.
