Staff Scientist Educator: Physical Science

SUMMARY

The Exploratorium has been a professional home and hub for preK-12 teachers and leaders and a local laboratory for global science learning for decades. The Exploratorium Teaching & Learning Department works with educators and leaders in both formal and informal settings to create and facilitate transformative learning experiences for educators that impact science teaching and learning. Our team’s inquiry-based pedagogy is foundational to the work of the Exploratorium. We work with educators around the world, prioritizing the San Francisco Bay Area and California as well as the needs of undersupported teachers, leaders, and learners.

The Staff Scientist Educator is a PhD scientist who is passionate about improving preK-12 public education and excited to work in our informal education setting. The Staff Scientist Educator works closely with a faculty of veteran classroom teachers, PhD scientists, and educational researchers to develop and implement programs for preK-12 science teachers and leaders. This role provides content support for programs, including the creation of hands-on, inquiry-based activities for teaching science. The Staff Scientist Educator reports to the Director, preK-12 Teacher Professional Learning.

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS

• Collaborate on the design, organization, and delivery of teacher leader and/or educator professional development workshops throughout the year
• Develop preK-12 science activities and learning experiences, including written descriptions, for dissemination by the Exploratorium
• Lead and develop new professional learning programming to advance the team’s repertoire of projects and partnerships
• Center equity and liberatory practices in the design and facilitation of all of our team’s offerings
• Teach, communicate, and present science effectively to a variety of audiences, including preK-12 public school teachers, the general public, and museum professionals
• Provide strategic scientific guidance to the Teaching & Learning team’s Senior Scientist and Directors in relation to preK-12 education and in support of transformative teaching and learning experiences
• Provide doctoral level scientific expertise and pedagogical support to the Teaching & Learning team and the Exploratorium, including consultation for other educators, exhibit designers, conducting training for floor staff, collaborating with lab scientists, and assisting with museum public programs when needed
• Represent the Exploratorium’s commitment to supporting preK-12 science teaching and learning and advocacy for science
• Communicate and represent the vision, goals, impacts and activities of the team within the museum, to other organizations, and within the field of professional development
• Co-develop a scientific agenda with the Teaching & Learning team’s Director of Learning Experiences and Senior Scientist, with a secure funding stream, that informs and improves the work of the Teaching & Learning team
• Publish and disseminate successful activities and strategies within the area of science teacher professional learning

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS

• PhD in a physical science field, including but not limited to physics, chemistry, geology, astronomy, earth science, environmental science, engineering or equivalent, required
• Five years of formal or informal teaching experience, with a preference for experience working with youth or science teachers
• Experience designing learning activities and/or experiences for non-scientist audiences
• Proven ability to communicate science effectively; explain complex ideas using basic principles from multiple science disciplines
• Proven ability to be proactive and highly organized
• Demonstrated publication record in science and/or science education or equivalent
• Experience in designing, making, and troubleshooting lab and/or classroom equipment and materials
• Ability to work independently and within a team of scientists, veteran science educators, and educational researchers
• Track record of being proactive and highly organized
• Exceptional interpersonal skills and communication skills (both oral and written)
• Ability to participate in Exploratorium programs and events that may occur outside of normal working hours
• Ability and willingness to travel to workshops and conferences locally, nationally, and internationally to attend meetings, run workshops, and present at conferences

PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS

• Successful track record in grant development, grant reporting, and project management

PHYSICAL REQUIREMENT

The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

• This position is based in San Francisco, California with staff expected to work onsite a certain number of days per week based on department requirements
• Able to move from place to place and to utilize a computer terminal and general office equipment
• Able to travel domestically and internationally as needed

APPLICATION DEADLINE

The Staff Scientist Educator position starts in June 2026, and the first application review date is March 1, 2026.

HOW TO APPLY

This is a fixed-term (approximately June 2026–June 2027), full-time (37.5 hours per week), exempt, union position that includes benefits. The starting range for this role is $66.15 to $70.00. This range represents steps 1-3 on a 6 step union pay scale. All new educators / teachers are initially hired on a fixed-term basis during their first teaching year. Rehire to a regular teaching appointment is based on management’s review of the employee’s performance and suitability for the Exploratorium’s teaching environment. Please, no phone calls in regards to this job. To apply, please visit the Exploratorium job page.

The Exploratorium is proud to be an equal opportunity employer and values diversity, inclusion and respect. We welcome and strongly encourage applicants from all backgrounds. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment.

Exploratorium

Piers 15/17, San Francisco, CA 94111

Website: https://www.exploratorium.edu/about/jobs. No phone calls, please

The Exploratorium is committed to an inclusive workforce.

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