Research Investigator

Description

The Marsal Family School of Education at the University of Michigan invites applications for a full-time Research Investigator to work on an innovative project funded by the Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation. The project, led by PI Jamaal Matthews (University of Michigan) and co-PI Nia Nixon (University of California, Irvine), focuses on developing and deploying Generative AI (GenAI) tools to support secondary mathematics teachers’ professional learning through equity-centered coaching. The project abstract is below.

The successful candidate will play a key role in advancing the project’s research objectives, which include:

• Developing GenAI models to code mathematics instruction based on the seven dimensions of Belonging-Centered Instruction (BCI).

• Creating AI models capable of coding video-recorded secondary mathematics instruction for generating a strengths and improvement assessment to guide human-facilitated teacher coaching.

• Designing AI-driven learning modules that can suggest culturally relevant and sustaining instructional strategies (as well as point to examples of enactment) for supporting secondary mathematics teachers’ professional learning and instructional improvement.

This is a two-year appointment, with the option for a third year renewal, anticipated to start in summer 2025. 

The position will be based in the Eileen Lappin Weiser Center for Learning Sciences in the Marsal School of Education at the University of Michigan. The research investigator will report directly to Jamaal Matthews and Nia Nixon; however, in year one they will also spend 30% of their weekly time working with Rebecca Quintana and Christopher Quintana on their “ready to hand” GenAI tools project and 10% of their weekly time for integrated collaborative work with the center.   

The Eileen Lappin Weiser Center for Learning Sciences at the University of Michigan is a vibrant hub for innovation and research in education. It offers a multidisciplinary environment for collaboration with experts in psychology, neuroscience, education, and technology. The center is equipped with state-of-the-art facilities and resources that support cutting-edge research in learning sciences. Scholars within the center are encouraged to explore diverse methodologies and apply their work to real-world education challenges, fostering both academic growth and practical impact. The center's collaborative culture, combined with access to thought leaders and a supportive community, makes it an ideal environment for emerging scholars to thrive and contribute to meaningful advancements in learning sciences.

Qualifications

• A Ph.D. (or equivalent) in Computer Science, Education, Learning Analytics, Data Science, Artificial Intelligence or related fields.

• Demonstrated expertise in Natural Language Processing (NLP) and/or machine learning, with experience training and deploying models.

• Strong coding skills and expertise with large language models.

• Deep knowledge of at least one programming language, Python, Java, C++

• Experience with Machine learning and Deep learning frameworks (e.g., TensorFlow, PyTorch, JAX)

• Experience in prompt techniques, zero-shot prompting, fine-tuning, etc, using LLMs through APIs

• Record of independent research resulting in high-quality publications and evidence of growing citation impact.  

• High-level communication skills and ability to represent data in various ways to communicate findings to diverse audiences.  

• Sound interpersonal skills, including demonstrated ability to effectively collaborate with team members, other colleagues in the Eileen Lappin Weiser Center for the Learning Sciences, and external parties. 

Application Instructions

Applicants should submit the following materials:

1. A cover letter detailing your interest in the position and relevant experience.

2. A current CV.

3. A sample publication or research project demonstrating technical expertise and academic writing capabilities.

4. Contact information for three references.

Applications should be submitted through Interfolio.

Equal Employment Opportunity Statement

The University of Michigan is an equal employment opportunity employer.