Assistant Specialist, Digital Learning Lab

UCI group; Irvine (CA); On-site; USD 66,000 - 73,000; Full time

Job summary

UC Irvine's Digital Learning Lab seeks a full-time Assistant Specialist to support research on AI-assisted education. The role focuses on curriculum development, professional development, data management, and collaboration with instructors and researchers.

Starting January/February 2027 for one year, with potential extension depending on funding. Salary commensurate with educational background and experience. Open to diverse applicants at UC Irvine.

Qualifications

• Master's degree in an education-related field and research experience on AI-assisted and agentic coding for secondary students.
• Experience developing curricula and teaching resources.
• Ability to conduct data collection and analysis in education research.

Responsibilities

• Developing curriculum for AI-assisted and agentic coding.
• Conducting professional development on teaching AI-assisted coding.
• Assisting students with AI-assisted coding tasks.
• Developing instructional resources and managing data from participants.
• Mapping project timelines and ensuring deadlines are met.
• Assisting with publications, presentations, and administrative tasks.

Skills

Curriculum development

AI education research

Data collection & analysis

Professional development delivery

Education

Master's degree in education-related field

BA/BS or equivalent

4–6 years specialized research training/experience (or BA/BS + 3+ years)

Associate Specialist: 5–10 years experience

Specialist (Full): PhD or MD; 10+ years specialized expertise

Job description

Position Overview

Salary range: The salary ranges from $65,800 to $73,200

Application Window

Open date: November 5, 2026
Next review date: Monday, Dec 7, 2026 at 11:59pm (Pacific Time)
Apply by this date to ensure full consideration by the committee.
Final date: Friday, Dec 11, 2026 at 11:59pm (Pacific Time)
Applications will continue to be accepted until this date, but those received after the review date will only be considered if the position has not yet been filled.

Position Description

Pending availability of funding, a full-time Assistant Specialist is needed in the Digital Learning Lab at the University of California, Irvine, to support research on computer science education with artificial intelligence.

The Researcher Will Assist In The Following Activities

• Developing curriculum for teaching AI-assisted and agentic coding
• Conducting professional development on how to teach AI-assisted and agentic coding
• Assisting students who are carrying out AI-assisted and agentic coding tasks
• Developing instructional resources to support AI-assisted and agentic coding
• Collecting, managing, and analyzing data from research participants
• Helping manage communications with participating instructors, team members, and other stakeholders
• Mapping project timelines and milestones and ensuring staff and research partners are meeting deadlines
• Updating and submitting human subjects protocols
• Assisting with publications and presentationsAssisting with administrative work in support AI-assisted and agentic coding projects

The position will begin in January or February 2027. The appointment will be for one year with re-appointment for additional years possible depending on funding. Appointment will be at the Assistant Specialist level depending on the educational background and experience of the applicant, with salary commensurate with level.

Requirements

Candidates must include a master’s degree in an education-related field and research experience on teaching AI-assisted and agentic coding to secondary students, including experience in developing curricula and resources.

Qualifications

Basic qualifications (required at time of application)

• Candidates must include a master’s degree in an education-related field and research experience on teaching AI-assisted and agentic coding to secondary students, including experience in developing curricula and resources.
• Junior Specialist - Baccalaureate degree (BA/BS) or equivalent. Equivalent research experience demonstrating expertise.
• Assistant Specialist - Master's degree or equivalent. 4 to 6 years (or a Bachelor's plus 3+ years) of specialized research training/experience.
• Associate Specialist - Master's degree or equivalent. 5 to 10 years of experience demonstrating specialized expertise.
• Specialist (Full) - Terminal degree (Ph.D. or M.D.) or equivalent. 10 or more years of specialized experience demonstrating high-level expertise.

Application Requirements

Document requirements

• Curriculum Vitae - Your most recently updated C.V.
• Cover Letter - Explain your relevant background and interest in this project.
• Statement of Research (Optional)
• Misc / Additional (Optional)

Reference Requirements

• 3 required (contact information only)

About UC Irvine

The University of California, Irvine is an Equal Opportunity Employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, age, protected veteran status, or other protected categories covered by the UC anti-discrimination policy .

As a condition of employment, the finalist will be required to disclose if they are subject to any final administrative or judicial decisions within the last seven years determining that they committed any misconduct.

• “Misconduct” means any violation of the policies or laws governing conduct at the applicant’s previous place of employment, including, but not limited to, violations of policies or laws prohibiting sexual harassment, sexual assault, or other forms of harassment or discrimination, as defined by the employer.
• UC Sexual Violence and Sexual Harassment Policy
• UC Anti-Discrimination Policy for Employees, Students and Third Parties
• APM - 035: Aff .

As a University employee, you will be required to comply with all applicable University policies and/or collective bargaining agreements, as may be amended from time to time. Federal, state, or local government directives may impose additional requirements.

Job location

Irvine, CA