Job Description

The Human-Computer Interaction Institute at Carnegie Mellon University's School of Computer Science is searching for a postdoctoral fellow who will do research developing innovative assessments as part of a fellowship program to embed postdoctoral fellows in state education agencies funded by Schmidt Futures and the Walton Foundation. This is an excellent opportunity for a technically-oriented postdoc researcher to make an impact in exciting new research and contribute to innovation in the areas of educational data science, student modeling, and educational assessment. The research project the postdoc will work on involves working with Louisiana's Department of Education to develop novel models to characterize and track student mastery as part of their through-year assessment program.

The successful postdoc's core responsibilities will include some of the following:

Collaborative problem-solving toward innovation in assessment with academic and state partners

Design and implement evaluations of innovative assessment designs

Data analyses and modeling using Python/R/or similar programming languages

Co-author research papers on the results of student learning modeling and studies

Design and implement software applications or modify existing software to achieve innovation in assessments

Document new designs, codes, and modifications and manage software code repositories

Attend required meetings and participate in various seminars and training workshops to maintain or update skills

You must demonstrate at least some of the following:

PhD-level research experience in learning technologies, either (or both) digital learning games or intelligent tutoring systems

Collaborative problem-solving skills to work effectively with state assessment professionals toward innovation in assessment

A record of publications in Cognitive Science, Learning Science, AI in Education, and/or Educational Data Mining

Data analysis skills with R/Python/or similar programming languages

Working knowledge of software version control and a solid understanding of object-oriented programming and software engineering

Problem-solving and reasoning skills

The Human-Computer Interaction Institute (HCII) is a living laboratory where we investigate the relationship between computer technology, human activity, and society. Founded in 1993, the HCII is a place where we work to understand and create technology that harmonizes with and improves human capabilities, goals, and social environments through interdisciplinary research and education in design, computer science, and behavioral and social sciences. We research how people work, play, and communicate within groups, organizations, and social structures, then we design, create, and evaluate technologies and tools to support human and social activities.

Flexibility, excellence, and passion are vital qualities within HCII. Inclusion, collaboration, and cultural sensitivity are valued competencies at CMU. Therefore, we are in search of a team member who can effectively interact with a varied population of internal and external partners at a high level of integrity. We are looking for someone who shares our values and who will support the mission of the university through their work.

Qualifications:

PhD in Cognitive Science, Learning Science, Computer Science, or Information Systems, or related fields

Publications in the area of Cognitive Science, Learning Science, AIED, and/or Educational Data Mining is essential

Proven experience (2-4 years) in relevant research, such as developing or evaluating learning or assessment technologies

Carnegie Mellon University does not discriminate and Carnegie Mellon University is required not to discriminate in admission, employment, or administration of its programs or activities on the basis of race, color, national origin, sex or handicap in violation of Title VI of the Civil Rights Act of 1964, Title IX of the Educational Amendments of 1972 and Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973 or other federal, state, or local laws or executive orders.