Postdoctoral Fellow-Learning Sciences

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 "Apply Now" link. Please also send email directly to bmclaren@cs.cmu.edu to express your interest.

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