Post-Doctoral Associate - Reading + Learning Lab

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Job ID

361843

Location

Twin Cities

Job Family

Academic

Full / Part Time

Full-Time

Regular / Temporary

Regular

Job Code

9546

Employee Class

Acad Prof and Admin

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About the Job

Position Overview

The Department of Educational Psychology at the University of Minnesota invites applications for a Postdoctoral Research Scholar position in the Reading + Learning Laboratory directed by Panayiota (Pani) Kendeou.

The position is focused on examining the use of AI and Generative AI in education (K-12 and higher education), and specifically on establishing theory-driven approaches to improving student and teacher understandings and use of AI (e.

g., AI Literacy) in various domains (e.g., reading, writing, coding, misinformation).

The post-doctoral associate will be a full-time, 12-month employee of the University of Minnesota. The post-doctoral associate will work closely with and be primarily supervised by Dr.

Kendeou and Dr. Allen in the Department of Educational Psychology. Initial appointment will be one year, with an option for a second year based on performance and continued availability of funding.

The post-doctoral associate should be committed to producing original research and publishing their work in highly ranked journals (as appropriate) and conference proceedings.

The candidate will be involved in studies with K-12 and college students across multiple sites. Ideal candidates are interested in working in an active, highly collaborative research lab and various projects.

Job Responsibilities

Research (100%)

Work closely with existing lab members to conduct interdisciplinary research related to learning processes in relation to AI (e.

g., learning analytics, AI Literacy, misinformation detection and correction, and code comprehension).

• Assist with mentoring graduate students on AI-related education projects.
• Lead and / or assist with the preparation of research articles, reports and grants.
• Disseminate research findings at academic conferences and journals.
• Lead independent research projects related to AI / Generative AI
• Apply AI-driven methods to existing large datasets to improve learner experiences.

Qualifications

All required qualifications must be documented on application materials for fullest consideration.

Required Qualifications

• A Ph.D. in psychology, educational psychology, data science, information science, computer science, cognitive science, learning analytics, or a related field.
• A very strong technical background with demonstrated experience developing computational models / algorithms / tools and / or applying data science methods to large data sets.
• Proficiency in one or more of the following : Python, Java, C++, R, or related languages.
• Strong organizational and communication skills.
• Strong professional writing skills, including research reports, peer-reviewed research articles, or other print and electronic publications.
• Ability to work well with diverse populations.

Preferred Qualifications

• Experience in leading independent research projects related to AI or Generative AI topics and methodological approaches
• Experience in collaborating as a member of a research team.
• Experience with one or more of the following : machine learning, natural language processing, LLMs

About the Department

Department Overview

The Department of Educational Psychology provides training in the cognitive, emotional, and social learning processes that underlie education and human development across the lifespan, including : the psychological foundations of education, quantitative methods in education, the practice and science of counseling psychology, school psychology, and special education.

Faculty and students provide leadership and consultation to the state, nation, and international community. The department's scholarship and teaching enhance professional practice in schools and universities, community mental health agencies, business and industrial organizations, early childhood programs, and government agencies.

College Overview

The College of Education and Human Development (CEHD), the third largest college and the University, contributes to a just and sustainable future through engagement with the local and global communities to enhance human learning and development at all stages of the life span.

We know diversity is necessary to do our best work and foster our humanity. That's why the CEHD community is collectively dedicated to cultivating an inclusive and equitable environment, embracing and celebrating all identities of our students, staff, and faculty.

These values are also a moral imperative requiring continuous proactive measures and a firm stance against prejudice, discrimination, and systemic injustice.

Benefits

Working at the University

At the University of Minnesota, you'll find a flexible work environment and supportive colleagues who are interested in lifelong learning.

We prioritize work-life balance, allowing you to invest in the future of your career and in your life outside of work.

The University also offers a comprehensive benefits package that includes :

• Competitive wages, paid holidays, and generous time off
• Continuous learning opportunities through professional training and degree-seeking programs supported by the Regents Tuition Benefit Program
• Low-cost medical, dental, and pharmacy plans
• Healthcare and dependent care flexible spending accounts
• University HSA contributions
• Disability and employer-paid life insurance
• Employee wellbeing program
• Excellent retirement plans with employer contribution
• Public Service Loan Forgiveness (PSLF) opportunity
• Financial counseling services
• Employee Assistance Program with eight sessions of counseling at no cost
• Employee Transit Pass with free or reduced rates in the Twin Cities metro area

Please visit the Office of Human Resources website for more information regarding benefits.

How To Apply

Applications must be submitted online. To be considered for this position, please click the Apply button and follow the instructions.

You will have the opportunity to complete an online application for the position and attach a cover letter and resume. Upload additional documents after submitting your application by accessing your "My Job Applications" page and uploading documents in the "My Cover Letters and Attachments" section.

To be considered for this position, please include :

• Letter of Interest (including your relevant background and research skills)
• Curriculum Vitae
• Three relevant publications (conference proceedings or journals)
• Names, e-mail addresses, and phone numbers of three references

Review of applications will begin in two weeks. For questions about the position please contact Drs. Panayiota Kendeou (kend0040@umn.

edu) and Laura Allen ([email protected]). For questions about the application process please contact [email protected] .

To request an accommodation during the application process, please e-mail [email protected] or call (612) 624-8647. .

Diversity

The University recognizes and values the importance of diversity and inclusion in enriching the employment experience of its employees and in supporting the academic mission.

The University is committed to attracting and retaining employees with varying identities and backgrounds.

The University of Minnesota provides equal access to and opportunity in its programs, facilities, and employment without regard to race, color, creed, religion, national origin, gender, age, marital status, disability, public assistance status, veteran status, sexual orientation, gender identity, or gender expression.

To learn more about diversity at the U : http : / / diversity.umn.edu

Employment Requirements

Any offer of employment is contingent upon the successful completion of a background check. Our presumption is that prospective employees are eligible to work here.

Criminal convictions do not automatically disqualify finalists from employment.

About the U of M

The University of Minnesota, Twin Cities (UMTC)

The University of Minnesota, Twin Cities (UMTC), is among the largest public research universities in the country, offering undergraduate, graduate, and professional students a multitude of opportunities for study and research.

Located at the heart of one of the nation's most vibrant, diverse metropolitan communities, students on the campuses in Minneapolis and St.

Paul benefit from extensive partnerships with world-renowned health centers, international corporations, government agencies, and arts, nonprofit, and public service organizations.

At the University of Minnesota, we are proud to be recognized by the Star Tribune as a Top Workplace for 2021, as well as by Forbes as Best Employers for Women and one of America's Best Employers (2015, 2018, 2019, 2023), Best Employer for Diversity (2019, 2020), Best Employer for New Grads (2018, 2019), and Best Employer by State (2019, 2022).