Postdoc in Educational Data Mining/Learning Analytics

Job Summary

The Institute of Cognitive Science at the University of Colorado Boulder anticipates hiring a full time Postdoc in educational data mining/learning analytics. The project focuses on improving educational outcomes for historically marginalized youth and involves research-practice partnerships (for example with Saga Education; https://www.sagaeducation.org/ ) where projects are co-designed, tested, and deployed in the field.

In this position, you will develop and apply computational techniques to analyze data from students’ log files in conjunction with other signals (e.g., speech, facial expressions, learning artifacts) during small group human tutoring, intelligent tutoring, and collaborative problem solving. You will also assist with integrating computational models into educational technologies where their performance and impact can be assessed in the real-world.

For early career scholars, this position offers a unique training experience and unsurpassed publishing opportunities within multi-department and multi-institution grant-funded projects. You will be encouraged to develop advanced technical skills, conduct real-world impactful research, strengthen your research portfolio via publications, gain interdisciplinary experience by working with a diverse team, develop leadership skills, and gain expertise in co-authoring grant proposals. More experienced researchers will have the opportunity to hone their skills within a world-class research environment offering outstanding professional development options and an exceptional collaborative environment.

The University of Colorado Boulder is committed to building a culturally diverse community of faculty, staff, and students dedicated to contributing to an inclusive campus environment. We are an Equal Opportunity employer, including veterans and individuals with disabilities.

Who We Are

You will work with Dr. Sidney D’Mello ( www.sidneydmello.com ) and will play a collaborative and co-leadership role in a vibrant research team encompassing researchers in Computer Science, Cognitive Science, and Education. We are housed in the Institute of Cognitive Science (ICS; https://www.colorado.edu/ics/ ), whose mission is to enhance human cognition, learning, and development through the creation of interdisciplinary partnerships. ICS fosters rich scientific interchange across researchers from a broad range of fields including Artificial Intelligence, Linguistics, Psychology, Neuroscience, Computer Science, Philosophy, and Education. ICS serves as an incubator of research centers and institutes such as the NSF National AI Institute for Student-AI Teaming ( www.isat.ai ). The candidate may also request an appointment at the Computer Science Department.

What Your Key Responsibilities Will Be

• Develop and apply computational techniques for learning assessment and intervention (i.e, learner modeling).
• Embed computational models into learning platforms to improve learning outcomes.
• Dissemination of project results by leading publication efforts and reporting requirements.
• Manage projects including supervising project staff and students.

What You Should Know

• 1-3 year position. Initial contract is for one year. Second year contract is based on performance and extension to a third year and beyond is possible.
• Start date Spring 2023 (desired), Summer 2023, or Fall 2023.

What We Can Offer

• Salary ranging from $70,000 to $100,000 based on experience and qualifications.
• Relocation of $4,000.00 will be given.
• This position is eligible for medical, dental and life insurance, retirement benefits programs, and is eligible for monthly vacation and sick leave accruals.

Benefits

The University of Colorado offers excellent benefits , including medical, dental, retirement, paid time off, tuition benefit and ECO Pass. The University of Colorado Boulder is one of the largest employers in Boulder County and offers an inspiring higher education environment. Learn more about the University of Colorado Boulder .

Be Statements

Be ambitious. Be groundbreaking. Be Boulder.

What We Require

• Ph.D. in Computer Science or a related technical field (at the time of appointment).
• Published research in student modeling (e.g., IRT, BKT, deep KT) or reinforcement learning applied to educational problems.

What We Would Like You to Have

• Experience in machine learning (especially deep learning), and/or advanced statistical modeling (e.g., multilevel modeling).
• Experience integrating and testing machine-learning models in learning technologies.
• Experience working within large, interdisciplinary teams and evidence of leadership.
• Strong writing skills and ability to conduct independent research as evidenced by first author publications.

Special Instructions

To apply, please submit the following materials:

1. Resume or CV
2. Cover letter addressed to the Search Committee briefly describing your qualifications, professional goals, and specific interest in this position (maximum 2 pages).
3. Two or three representative publications [as one pdf]

If you are selected as the finalist, your degree will be verified by the CU Boulder Campus Human Resources department using an approved online vendor. If your degree was obtained outside of the United States, please submit a translated version as an optional attachment.

Review of applications will begin immediately and continue until 5/16/23. Women and underrepresented minorities are particularly encouraged to apply.

Note: Application materials will not be accepted via email. For consideration, applications must be submitted through CU Boulder Jobs .

Posting Contact Information

Posting Contact Name: Boulder Campus Human Resources

Posting Contact Email: Recruiting@colorado.edu