Postdoctoral Research Scholar - Evaluation of AI Tools in Higher Education

Description

The ASU Learning Engineering Institute (LEI) invites applications for Postdoctoral Research Scholar to advance cutting-edge research at the intersection of artificial intelligence and higher education. This role is part of a university-wide effort to design, implement, and evaluate AI tools that enhance teaching, learning, and institutional effectiveness.

Postdoctoral Research Scholars will play a key role in large-scale studies that explore the development, deployment, and impact of AI-powered systems in real-world educational settings. Responsibilities include designing and executing research studies, collaborating directly with faculty, staff, researchers, and campus partners to integrate AI tools into learning environments, conducting advanced quantitative and qualitative analyses, and contributing to peer-reviewed publications and competitive grant proposals.

This position offers a unique opportunity to shape the future of AI in education by producing actionable insights that directly inform institutional practice and policy. Researchers will work in a dynamic, interdisciplinary environment alongside experts in AI, learning sciences, software engineering, instructional design, and educational technology.

This is a full time position that carries the rank of Postdoctoral Scholar under the direction of Assistant Director of Intelligent Systems with a preferred start date of November 24, 2025.

Key Responsibilities

• Design and execute large-scale evaluation studies assessing AI-powered tools and interventions.
• Collaborate with faculty, instructional designers, and other team members across campus units to implement research protocols.
• Conduct data analysis using R, Python, or related tools (e.g., statistical modeling, causal inference, learning analytics).
• Contribute to funding acquisition through federal and philanthropic grant writing efforts 
• Disseminate findings through academic publications, presentations, and reports to institutional leaders.
• Work as part of a highly collaborative team applying learning engineering principles to educational improvement.

Qualifications

Required Qualifications

• PhD in Learning Sciences, Educational Psychology, Psychology, Cognitive Science, Data Science, AI in Education, or related field by time of appointment.
• Strong experience with quantitative or mixed-methods research design and analysis.

Desired Qualifications

• Experience evaluating AI or educational technologies in real-world settings.
• Ability to leverage AI (LLMs, machine learning, natural language processing) to develop tools and conduct analyses. 
• Familiarity with learning engineering, learning analytics, or behavioral research methods.
• Prior involvement in multi-stakeholder projects or interdisciplinary teams.
• Experience teaching or designing instruction in a higher education setting
• Experience working with a team to submit grant funding proposals
• Familiarity with higher education teaching and learning contexts.
• Demonstrated ability to collaborate with faculty and campus stakeholders.
• Proficiency in statistical programming languages (e.g., R, Python).
• Strong written and oral communication skills.
• Track record of peer-reviewed publications or institutional research reports.
• Postdoctoral scholar is within five years from receipt of the doctoral degree.

Application Instructions

Submit the following materials via Interfolio.

• CV and cover letter detailing your qualifications and interest in the position
• Research statement describing relevant experience and future goals
• Two writing samples (e.g., publications, technical reports)
• 3 references (name, phone number, email)
• 1 letter of recommendation

Application deadline is November 9, 2025.

Applications will continue to be accepted on a rolling basis for a reserve pool. Applications in the reserve pool may then be reviewed in the order in which they were received until the position is filled.

For questions please contact Courtney Eisma at ceisma@asu.edu

Equal Employment Opportunity Statement

A background check is required for employment. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, disability, protected veteran status, or any other basis protected by law.

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