AST Research Scientist (RS)

University of Florida • In the State of Florida, FL

2d • $72,000 - $72,000

About The Position

The Research Scientist works collaboratively with CS Everyone faculty and staff to lead applied research focused on computer science and artificial intelligence education. The work emphasizes teacher professional learning, students with disabilities, South Florida school districts, and statewide initiatives. The role involves designing and conducting studies on the development, implementation, effectiveness, and scaling of CS/AI professional learning models and instructional approaches; developing evidence-informed educator professional learning, including microcredentials and short courses; disseminating findings to research and practitioner audiences; contributing to competitive external grant proposals; and supervising and mentoring undergraduate and graduate research assistants.

The position requires regular travel to partner districts and educational communities throughout Florida, particularly in South Florida. The successful candidate should be based in, or have ready access to, South Florida to support frequent statewide travel. This is a time-limited position.

Requirements

• Doctoral degree in Computer Science Education, educational technology, or a related field.

Nice To Haves

• At least 3 years of experience in K-12 CS/AI professional development for in-service teachers.
• Experience working with South Florida districts or leading statewide professional development initiatives.
• Experience designing and managing microcredential or short-course offerings.
• Experience writing and managing externally funded projects.
• Ability to translate and communicate complex topics across forums, tailoring communications to influence target audiences.
• Agility in making and following up on strategic decisions.
• Ability to plan for long-term sustainability and statewide capacity building.
• Experience supporting students with disabilities in CS/AI contexts.
• Ability to work independently and in a team, with flexibility and multitasking skills.
• Based in or having ready access to South Florida to support frequent statewide travel.

Responsibilities

• Lead an applied research program focused on computer science and artificial intelligence education, particularly teacher professional learning, students with disabilities, South Florida school districts, and statewide initiatives.
• Conceptualize, design, and conduct research studies examining the development, implementation, effectiveness, and scaling of CS/AI professional learning models and instructional approaches.
• Lead research and development of evidence-informed professional learning, including microcredentials, short courses, and other scalable educator-preparation models.
• Lead or substantially contribute to scholarly dissemination, including peer-reviewed publications, conference presentations, research reports, briefs, and other products for research and practitioner audiences.
• Lead and contribute to competitive external grant proposals, including identifying funding opportunities, conceptualizing research aims, developing research designs and evaluation plans, coordinating proposal components, and contributing to writing and submission.
• Supervise and mentor undergraduate and graduate research assistants in research design, data collection, analysis, scholarly writing, and responsible conduct of research.
• Travel regularly to partner districts and educational communities throughout Florida, particularly in South Florida.

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Senior
• Education Level: Ph.D. or professional degree