Carnegie Mellon University's School of Computer Science department, Human Computer Interaction Institute is searching for a post-doctoral fellow who will do both research and technical work (i.e., programming) for two new National Science Foundation (NSF) grants. This is an excellent opportunity for a technically-oriented post-doc researcher to make an impact in exciting new research, in the areas of gender studies, digital learning games, and intelligent tutors. The two research projects the post-doc will work on involve, first, studying gender effects in the context of digital learning games for middle school mathematics and, second, studying affect and cognitive skills while students work with an intelligent tutor for high school chemistry.
The successful post-doc's core responsibilities will include:
Conduct research with educational technology in U.S. classrooms, monitor how actual users (students) work with the learning materials
Co-author research papers on the results of classroom studies
Setup software to run in classrooms over the Internet
Port learning technology from Unity to HTML / CSS3 / JavaScript
Design and implement software applications or modify existing software to meet specific research needs
Maintain and extend existing applications and correct systems bugs. Test system upgrades. Maintain/update documentation
Document new designs, codes, and modifications and manage software code repositories
Attend required meetings and participate in various seminars and training classes to maintain or update skills
Perform other related duties as assigned
You must demonstrate:
PhD-level research experience in learning technologies, either (or both) digital learning games or intelligent tutoring systems
A record of publications in AIED, Learning Science, and/or Educational Data Mining
Skills in development with HTML5/CSS3/JavaScript
Familiarity with Javascript frameworks such as Angular and React
Working knowledge of software version control and a solid understanding of object-oriented programming and software engineering
Experience with Unix-based operating systems, containerization technologies such as Docker, and CI/CD tools such as Jenkins
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.
PhD in Computer Science, Information Systems, or Learning Science required
Publications in the area of Learning Science, AIED, and/or Educational Data Mining are essential
Proven experience (2-4 years) in developing and maintaining learning technologies and/or learning research systems
To apply, please submit a short cover letter describing your interests and experiences, your CV, and contact information for 3 references to the
Carnegie Mellon (www.cmu.edu) is a private, internationally ranked research university with programs in areas ranging from science, technology and business, to public policy, the humanities and the arts. More than 12,000 students in the university’s seven schools and colleges benefit from a small student-to-faculty ratio and an education characterized by its focus on creating and implementing solutions for real problems, interdisciplinary collaboration and innovation. A global university, Carnegie Mellon’s main campus in the United States is in Pittsburgh, Pa. It has campuses in California’s Silicon Valley and Qatar, and programs in Africa, Asia, Australia, Europe and Mexico.