Job Description: Senior Lecturer in Battery Workforce Development and Curriculum Development

The Naval Postgraduate School invites applications for a full-time faculty position as a Senior Lecturer in the Energy Academic Group (EAG). This position is non-tenure track. The candidate will work with a variety of students, staff, and faculty across NPS, the Navy, and DOD to help bridge the gap between science and policy relevant to energy security and energy resilience.

The position will directly support research leading to battery supply chain and workforce development solutions, as well as the development of relevant curricular material for the education of military and civilian students.

The EAG is an interdisciplinary group of NPS faculty and staff that conducts energy research and consultation throughout government and provides coordination and awareness of the energy activities at NPS.  The focus areas of the EAG are Scientific and Technological Research, Curriculum Development, Security Cooperation, and Climate Security.

Position Overview: We are seeking a dynamic and experienced Senior Lecturer in Battery Workforce Development to join our innovative team. In this role, you will be responsible for instructing and leading/conducting research initiatives aimed at advancing the knowledge and skills of the battery industry workforce. A senior lecturer hired at the more senior level will be solely responsible for the outcomes of his research and instruction; at the mid-level, significant guidance will be offered.  The level at which a senior lecturer will be hired depends on the experience and qualifications of the candidate. 

Your contributions will directly impact the growth and sustainability of the battery sector, addressing emerging challenges and opportunities.

Key Responsibilities:

1. Research Leadership: Lead and execute comprehensive research projects focused on battery workforce development. Collaborate with cross-functional teams to define research objectives, methodologies, and timelines.  Ensure progress toward desired outcomes.
2. Industry Analysis: Stay current with the latest trends, technologies, and advancements in the battery industry. Analyze workforce needs and identify skill gaps to inform the design of relevant training and educational programs.
3. Curriculum Development: Develop innovative and practical curricula tailored to various segments of the battery workforce, including technicians, engineers, researchers, and management professionals.
4. Program Evaluation: Design and implement assessment frameworks to measure the effectiveness and impact of workforce development programs. Continuously gather feedback and adjust programs as necessary to ensure they meet industry demands.
5. Collaboration: Collaborate with external stakeholders such as industry partners, educational institutions, and government agencies to create partnerships and leverage resources for workforce development initiatives.
6. Publications and Presentations: Produce high-quality research papers, reports, and presentations for conferences, workshops, and industry events to share findings and best practices with a wider audience.
7. Mentorship and Training: Provide guidance and mentorship to junior researchers, contributing to their professional growth and the overall development of the research team.
8. Funding Acquisition: Assist in identifying and securing funding opportunities from government grants, private foundations, and industry associations to support ongoing research efforts.
9. Thought Leadership: Establish yourself as a thought leader in battery workforce development through participation in industry forums, panel discussions, and other knowledge-sharing platforms.
10. Instruction:  Devise syllabi and lead courses in energy and related topics.

NOTICE OF VETERANS PREFERENCE: Department of Defense considers veterans' preference eligibility a positive factor for hiring. Applicants eligible for veterans' preference must include that information in their cover letter or resume and attached supporting documentation (e.g., DD Form 214, "Certificate of Release or Discharge from Active Duty") to their submissions. Although the point-preference system is not used, applicants eligible to claim 10-Point preference must submit a Standard Form (SF) 15, "Application for 10-Point Veteran Preference," and supporting documents required for specific type of preference claimed. (SF 15, which lists the types of 10-Point Preference and the required supporting documents, is available from the Office of Personnel Management Website at www.opm.gov.).

Requirements:

• U.S. Citizenship
• Must be able to obtain and maintain a Secret Security clearance.
• Willingness to travel for conferences, workshops, and collaboration meetings as needed. 

Minimum Qualifications:

• A graduate degree in a discipline that supports the needs of the department or school.
• Broad experience (typically five years or more) with progressively responsible work within an academic environment.
• Demonstrated excellence in communication and interpersonal skills.
• Expert knowledge of, and experience with, the development, delivery, oversight, review, assessment or management of academic programs, as well as familiarity with NPS and DoD.

Preferred Qualifications: 

• An earned doctoral degree in a relevant field (e.g., engineering, education, industrial psychology, geopolitics, organizational management, materials science). 

• Strong understanding of battery technologies, energy storage systems, and their applications across industries. 

• Proficiency in relevant research tools, software, and statistical analysis methods. 

• Familiarity with adult learning principles, curriculum design, and instructional strategies. 

• Proven track record of leading and executing research or other projects, preferably in the context of workforce development, training, or education.  

• Excellent analytical and problem-solving skills, with the ability to translate research findings into actionable recommendations. 

• Exceptional communication skills, both written and verbal, for producing research reports, academic papers, and engaging presentations. 

• Experience in collaborating with industry partners, academic institutions, and government agencies. 
• Demonstrated leadership abilities and the ability to work effectively in multidisciplinary teams. 

• Knowledge or familiarity with NPS and DoD.

A letter of application including CV, statement of interest, and three letters of professional recommendation should be sent (e-mail preferred) by 1 December 2024 to:

Dr. Mary Sims 

Energy Academic Group

Naval Postgraduate School

Monterey, CA 93943

mjsims@nps.edu

About Naval Postgraduate School

The mission of the Naval Postgraduate School is to provide relevant and unique advanced education and research programs to increase the combat effectiveness of commissioned officers of the Naval Service to enhance the security of the United States. In support of the foregoing, and to sustain academic excellence, NPS and the DON foster and encourage a program of relevant and meritorious research which both supports the needs of Navy and Department of Defense while building the intellectual capital of Naval Postgraduate School faculty.

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