Research Scientist for A Machine LearningLLM Role with the ASSISTments Project
Research Scientist for A Machine LearningLLM Role with the ASSISTments Project
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Job Description
JOB TITLE
Research Scientist for A Machine Learning/LLM Role with the ASSISTments ProjectLOCATION
WorcesterDEPARTMENT NAME
Computer Science NFR JMDIVISION NAME
Worcester Polytechnic Institute WPIJOB DESCRIPTION SUMMARY
Thanks to several new funding sources from the Institute of Education Sciences National Science Foundation and the U.S. Department of Education the ETRIALS Project at WPI is able to fund a fulltime postdoctoral position. The position will support and advance research across dozens of funded projects with Dr. Neil HeffernanIn addition to research the position will be expected to actively learn and assist in grant writing. Because WPIs policy restricts postdocs from serving as CoPIs Dr. Heffernan hires postdocs with the Research Scientist title so he can list these individuals as CoPIs for NSF proposals. This experience will give you a competitive advantage on the job market; the last three postdocs in this role had one or more funded NSF proposals on their CV when they moved on from WPI.
If you have questions please send them to Formal applications must be submitted via WPI and will be reviewed on a rolling basis until filled.
JOB DESCRIPTION
In 2003 Professor Neil Heffernan and Cristina Heffernan created ASSISTments a free online math homework platform. In 2019 the husbandwife team formed The ASSISTments Foundation (TAF) a nonprofit to scaleup ASSISTments. Today Neil Heffernan directs AI research via the platform with his lab at WPI while Cristina Heffernan is the Executive Director of the nonprofit organization (which employs 23 people including teachertrainers and software engineers). This research position is based at WPI but will closely communicate and coordinate with those at TAF. All grant funding is based on a strong partnership between WPI and TAF.
ASSISTments platform itself is a responsive online learning platform that is teacherpaced and evidencebased. ASSISTments is unique in that it supports teachers and students while also supporting researchers who seek to understand pedagogy and learning. The system is one of few available K12 math tools proven effective through rigorous randomized controlled research.
The ASSISTments Project at WPI is a collaborative one that leverages ASSISTments to support researchers to create and test interventions to better help students. New infrastructure (i.e. software features) funded by IES NSF the U.S. Dept of Education and various philanthropy is being developed to reduce the cost and increase the volume of studies conducted by educational researchers using ASSISTments.
The primary responsibilities of this role will include the following:
1. Depending upon your skillset manage the machinelearning infrastructure that is behind ASSISTments. Some experience with machine learning reinforcement learning and/or natural language processing/LLM is required.
2. Learn and hone your grantwriting skills with Dr. Neil Heffernan as he endeavors to increase funding for related projects;
3. Work with Dr. Heffernans PhD students and their masters and undergraduate teams in building out the infrastructure.
Requirements:
A PhD in fields of computer science information sciences or data science or a related field.
Driven to work with small teams in a startup environment. Strong written and oral communication skills and the ability to target communication to various audiences including university academics industry professionals and teacher users of ASSISTments.
Experience coordinating crossteam projects managing timelines and stakeholders and strategizing creative solutions towards clear goals with exceptional attention to detail.
Proactive thoughtful and entrepreneurial work style on both highly independent and team projects.
Experience with the Google suite of office products.
Experience with databases such as AirTable or GoogleSheets (spreadsheets).
Preferred Qualifications:
Experience in K12 education organizations preferred.
Experience in working in a team. The ASSISTments Project is a fast growing start up (and experience in working in teams is preferred.
Applications will be reviewed on a rolling basis until the position is filled. This is typically a paid salary position. If you have any questions please contact Angela Kao at
FLSA STATUS
United States of America (Exempt)WPI is an Equal Opportunity Employerthat actively seeks to increase the diversityof its workplace. All qualified candidates will receive consideration for employment without regard to race color age religion sex sexual orientation gender identity national origin veteran statusor disability. It seeks individuals withdiverse backgrounds and experiences who will contribute to a culture of creativity collaboration inclusion problem solving innovation high performance and change is committed to maintaining a campus environment free of harassment and discrimination.
Employment Type
Full-Time
