Research Associate, Education and Research Focus - School of Computer Science - HCII
Carnegie Mellon University is a private, global research university that stands among the world’s most renowned education institutions. With ground-breaking brain science, path-breaking performances, creative start-ups, big data, big ambitions, hands-on learning, and a whole lot of robots, CMU doesn’t imagine the future, we invent it. If you’re passionate about joining a community that challenges the curious to deliver work that matters, your journey starts here!
The PLUS - Personalized Learning Squared project, run by the Human-Computer Interaction Institute at Carnegie Mellon University, aims to double the rate of math learning in middle school students, particularly those historically underserved. This project is operated in collaboration with Carnegie Learning and Stanford University and is led by Principal Investigator Prof. Ken Koedinger.
Our program features a hybrid tutoring platform that combines human and AI tutoring to deliver personalized learning for each student. We currently work with Pennsylvania, Maryland, and California school districts, with over a dozen schools on the waitlist. Our team consists of diverse individuals with backgrounds ranging from experienced educators, researchers, and engineers with prior experience in high-tech organizations to small startups, and we operate in a fast-paced and fun environment.
We seek an enthusiastic individual with a keen interest in exploring the role of technology in educational settings. Our work intersects with Artificial Intelligence, Learning Sciences, and Human-Computer Interaction. As a member of our team, you will play a crucial role in advancing our research by contributing to the improvement of tools designed to enhance the effectiveness of tutors in aiding students during their learning sessions. This position offers the unique opportunity to collaborate with and learn from experts at CMU and Stanford. Your contributions will be instrumental in our goal of providing equal educational opportunities to students from varied socio-economic backgrounds. The ideal candidate will be naturally inquisitive and capable of independently identifying and pursuing research questions that emerge during their work, with an emphasis on deriving meaningful insights and contributions.
Core Responsibilities
- Tagging and coding of qualitative data, such as user response data.
- Applying mixed methods analysis of quantitative and qualitative data.
- Conducting quantitative analysis using R/Python or similar statistical packages.
- Creating instructional lessons and materials that are driven by research.
- Conducting literature reviews of education research.
Adaptability, excellence, and passion are vital qualities within Carnegie Mellon University. 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.
Qualifications:
- Bachelor’s Degree required.
- Previous research lab experience required.
- Academic and educational research experience, preferably within K-12 public education.
- Instructional design and/or learning engineering knowledge.
- Experience with content creation, such as creating curriculum and instructional materials.
- Experience with education data analysis or learning analytics is a plus.
- Effective communication skills.
- Some prior publication experience is a plus.
- A combination of education and proven experience from which comparable knowledge is demonstrated may be considered.
Requirements:
- Successful completion of a pre-employment background check
Joining the CMU team opens the door to an array of exceptional benefits.
Benefits eligible employees enjoy a wide array of benefits including comprehensive medical, prescription, dental, and vision insurance as well as a generous retirement savings program with employer contributions. Unlock your potential with tuition benefits, take well-deserved breaks with ample paid time off and observed holidays, and rest easy with life and accidental death and disability insurance.
Additional perks include a free Pittsburgh Regional Transit bus pass, access to our Family Concierge Team to help navigate childcare needs, fitness center access, and much more!
For a comprehensive overview of the benefits available, explore our Benefits page.
At Carnegie Mellon, we value the whole package when extending offers of employment. Beyond credentials, we evaluate the role and responsibilities, your valuable work experience, and the knowledge gained through education and training. We appreciate your unique skills and the perspective you bring. Your journey with us is about more than just a job; it’s about finding the perfect fit for your professional growth and personal aspirations.
Are you interested in an exciting opportunity with an exceptional organization?! Apply today!
Location
Pittsburgh, PAJob Function
ResearchersPosition Type
Staff – Fixed Term (Fixed Term)Full Time/Part time
Part timePay Basis
HourlyMore Information:
Please visit “Why Carnegie Mellon” to learn more about becoming part of an institution inspiring innovations that change the world.
Click here to view a listing of employee benefits
Carnegie Mellon University is an Equal Opportunity Employer/Disability/Veteran.
Statement of Assurance
Skills Required
- Bachelor's Degree
- Previous research lab experience
- Academic and educational research experience in K-12 public education
- Instructional design and/or learning engineering knowledge
- Experience with content creation
- Education data analysis or learning analytics experience
- Effective communication skills
- Prior publication experience
Carnegie Mellon University Compensation & Benefits Highlights
The following summarizes recurring compensation and benefits themes identified from responses generated by popular LLMs to common candidate questions about Carnegie Mellon University and has not been reviewed or approved by Carnegie Mellon University.
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Retirement Support — Retirement support is positioned as a standout, with automatic employer contributions to a TIAA-administered plan at 8% of base salary (and 9.78% for 9‑month academic appointments), plus optional employee deferrals. Vesting after three years is clearly specified, which helps set expectations for long-term value.
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Parental & Family Support — Parental and family support is strengthened by 100% paid parental leave for six weeks and 100% paid maternity leave for 6–8 weeks (delivery-type dependent), effective July 1, 2024. Childcare support is also referenced through a Cyert Center subsidy up to $5,000 per family, alongside no-cost EAP access.
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Wellbeing & Lifestyle Benefits — Wellbeing and lifestyle benefits include free Pittsburgh Regional Transit access and access to fitness classes and facilities, adding recurring non-cash value to the overall package. Pittsburgh’s relatively affordable cost of living can further increase the perceived adequacy of a given salary compared with higher-cost coastal hubs.
Carnegie Mellon University Insights
What We Do
Carnegie Mellon University founder Andrew Carnegie said: "My heart is in the work." No statement better captures the passion and drive of our people to make a real difference. At Carnegie Mellon, we're not afraid of the work. Our educational environment creates problem solvers, drivers of innovation and pioneers in technology and the arts. Employers in every field say our graduates are ready to hit the ground running the day they graduate. So, join us. Whether you're looking for a career or an education. Or both.
