October 19, 2021

Los Angeles, CA, USA
Posted 3 years ago

Website USC - University of Southern California

The Learning Science group at the University of Southern California’s Institute for Creative Technology (ICT) is searching for a Postdoctoral Scholar – Research Associate to join our team. The Learning Science group leverages AI, Machine Learning, and other emerging technologies to personalize learning so that students of all ages and backgrounds can learn better and achieve their goals. We work to establish new genres of AI tools that can empower educators, under-served groups, and public/government organizations to make the greatest impact for the learners who need it most.

The Postdoc will help to create prototype software and provide technical lead to team for prototype development. The Postdoc should have strong expertise in multiple areas, and should be interested and able to learn other areas where they do not have substantial experience.

This is a one year fixed-term appointment and renewable on the recommendation of the faculty mentor.

Job Accountabilities:

Serves as a research trainee for the purpose of enhancing and developing research competencies. Participates in planning, designing and conducting highly technical and complex research projects under the direction of a supervisor.
Identifies, researches, compiles and evaluates data sources, background information and/or technology related to area of specialization.
Engages in data analytics, interpretation and presentation.
Write proposals for funding and suggests novel aspects for research
Writes and publishes results. Contributes to the development of research documentation for publication and/or prepares technical reports, papers and/or records.
Provide leadership to students and junior staff

Preferred Experience:

Expertise in systems design and modern software engineering for web-based and /or mobile applications.
Knowledgeable about AWS and server requirements
Knowledgeable about IRB processes and requirements for human subject testing. Able to document, submit for IRB approval and execute studies.
Publications in peer-reviewed journals in same or related field
Knowledgeable about conferences and publications researching advanced learning technologies, AI/machine learning, learning science, and related areas.

Preferred Education/Field of Expertise:

Ph.D. in Computer Science, Learning Sciences, AI/ML, or related fields

Application Link: Please apply for this position at the USC Job Site at this posting. This is a one year fixed-term appointment, renewable on the recommendation of the faculty mentor.
https://usccareers.usc.edu/job/los-angeles/postdoctoral-research-associate-learningtechnologies/1209/15462696624

Supplemental Materials: When applying for this position, please provide any materials that you feel represent your body of work in addition to your cover letter and cv:

Code samples, open-source projects, websites, and/or demos that you feel represent you.
These may be provided as a page of links with descriptions or supplemental materials that you upload with your resume/cover letter during the application process.

Please title attached files with your LAST NAME, FIRST NAME – Postdoc Learning Science Team – Object Type (eg.Cover Letter, Resume, Code Samples)

Your work will push the boundaries of how technology benefits society, by accelerating learning, improving health outcomes, and sharing scientific findings with the world. Additionally, the work at ICT will give you the opportunity to meet intriguing people from all walks of life, including technologists, writers, producers, social scientists, military/government personnel, community partners, and philanthropists. We put a premium on satisfaction in the workplace at ICT and encourage all associates to maintain a quality work-life balance.

USC Institute for Creative Technologies: The University of Southern California’s Institute for Creative Technologies is where academia, entertainment, and the military meet. Located in the heart of Silicon Beach/Playa Vista, no other institute offers a more diverse collaborative environment where basic and applied research work hand in hand to develop cutting edge technologies. We find ICT to be an exciting place to work and expect you will too.

We are world leaders in virtual human research, artificial intelligence, virtual and augmented reality, computer training simulations, computer graphics, and immersive experiences that improve human decision making, cultural awareness, leadership, and health. ICT employees are encouraged to develop themselves both professionally and personally, through workshops, invited guest talks, movie nights, social events, various sports teams, a private gym and a personal trainer. The atmosphere at ICT is informal and flexible, while also encouraging initiative, personal responsibility, and a strong work ethic.

Research Examples – Learning Science: To get a feel for the research we conduct here, you can view introductions to a few projects with the links below:

Personal Assistant for Life-Long Learning (Overview):

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=tT1LsakbyWk

CareerFair.AI / MentorPal: Mentors Creating their Own Virtual Conversational Agents

https://mentorpal.org/ (v1 Web-Based System)

https://ict.usc.edu/news/press-releases/researchers-to-build-mentoring-platform-leveraging-ai-to-increase-participation-in-stem/ (v2 Project Announcement)

Tar AR Augmented Reality Experience with La Brea Tar Pits (Presentation):

https://docs.google.com/presentation/d/1KjVZatG4DQ3sqzmIVEKrCYALrZNtilJBLQwtFzpOcL4/

Captivating Virtual Instruction for Training (Overview):

https://youtu.be/kd8NdAYWIXE

Semi-Supervised Detection of Engagement (Presentation):

https://youtu.be/335u9BB4Paw

OpenTutor: Dialog-Based Tutoring (Publication)