Brentwood School is expanding the scope of independent research opportunities associated with the
BCIL. As such, the School is seeking an experienced Research Lead to join a newly formed innovation
group.
About the Belldegrun Center for Innovation and Leadership
The Belldegrun Center for Innovation and Leadership engages K-12 students with real-world challenges
that culminate in a multi-year independent study program. Students develop their skills as creative,
curious, and critical thinkers; collaborators and communicators; innovative problem solvers, and
researchers. Independent Study opportunities in the BCIL focus on depth of understanding and span
STEM, the arts, humanities, civics, policy, and entrepreneurship.
Position Overview
The Computer Science Innovation Group Lead will mentor exceptional high school students working on
independent study projects at the forefront of the most transformative fields in the discipline. This role
requires a professional researcher who can mentor cutting-edge research projects in applied computer
science, AI, and quantum computing.
In addition to on-campus research facilities, the Group Lead will also work to place students with leading
researchers and companies shaping these technologies. The role also includes teaching 1-2 sections of
traditional computer science, with the goal, in addition to quality instruction, of broadening student
participation in independent research projects.
As the program's internal aspects grow and succeed, the BCIL also has externally focused goals, including
creating and supporting a network of public school teachers to teach advanced CS topics and defining
and supporting community-wide projects.
Primary Responsibilities
Leadership & Mentorship
● Lead the Applied CS, Quantum Computing & AI vertical within the Innovation Group's advanced
independent study program
● Mentor students in AI/ML techniques, quantum computing principles, algorithm development,
and computational thinking
● Develop students' programming capabilities, mathematical foundations, and research
methodologies
● Foster understanding of both the technical possibilities and ethical implications of AI and
quantum technologies
● Guide students through the complete research or development cycle from problem formulation
to implementation and evaluation
● Teach up to two sections of traditional computer science (AP level)
○ Demonstrate classroom experience and knowledge teaching computer science
courses
○ Demonstrate experience and knowledge teaching in a classroom setting
synchronously (not asynchronously or online)
○ Show proficiency and fluency in one or more text-based programming languages
(e.g., Java, python, C++, with a strong emphasis on python and/or Java)
○ Show proficiency and fluency in one or more block-based programming
languages (e.g., Scratch, AppInventor, Snap, MakeCode, with a strong emphasis
on Scratch)
Project Development & Supervision
● Serve as Principal Investigator for student projects in machine learning, deep learning, natural
language processing, computer vision, quantum algorithms, and AI applications
● Design experiences involving real datasets, computational challenges, and opportunities for
novel contributions
● Provide technical guidance on model development, algorithm selection, evaluation metrics, and
optimization
● Supervise work with frameworks and tools (PyTorch, TensorFlow, Qiskit, scikit-learn, etc.)
● Support students in publishing research, contributing to open-source projects, or competing in
ML/AI competitions
Professional Network & Placement
● Connect students with Computer Science research labs at UCLA, USC, Caltech, the California
Institute for Immunology and Immunotherapy, and industry research divisions in the Los Angeles
area and Israel.
● Facilitate internships or research placements at tech companies, AI startups, quantum
computing firms, or university research groups
● Arrange mentorship with researchers, ML engineers, data scientists, or quantum computing
specialists
● Build relationships with the Southern California AI/quantum ecosystem, including startups,
accelerators, and investment firms
Curriculum & Program Innovation
● Integrate emerging developments in large language models, generative AI, quantum machine
learning, reinforcement learning, or AI safety
● Create interdisciplinary projects applying AI to biotechnology, creative arts, social sciences, or
other verticals
● Develop computational resources and access to GPUs, cloud platforms, or quantum computing
simulators
● Address ethical dimensions of AI, including bias, fairness, transparency, and societal impact
Qualifications
Required
● Advanced degree in computer science, physics, mathematics, or related field, or equivalent
demonstrated expertise
● Experience leading a research team
● Significant experience with machine learning/AI development, quantum computing research, or
both
● Strong programming skills and experience with modern AI/ML frameworks and tools
● Track record of research publications, deployed AI systems, open-source contributions, or
recognized technical work
● Deep understanding of both theoretical foundations and practical applications
● Active engagement with the AI/quantum computing research or professional communities
What We Do
Brentwood School is an independent K-12 coed day school with two campuses, located four blocks apart, in the Brentwood neighborhood of Los Angeles. Brentwood School inspires every student to: Think critically and creatively. Act ethically. Shape a future with meaning.
