Assistant Specialist, Digital Learning Lab

University of California - Irvine; Irvine (CA); On-site; USD 66,000 - 73,000; Full time

Job summary

University of California, Irvine is seeking a full-time Assistant Specialist in the Digital Learning Lab to support research on AI-assisted and agentic coding in K-12 settings. The role emphasizes curriculum development, professional development for educators, and data-driven project coordination.

Initial appointment is one year with potential renewal based on funding. Salary will be commensurate with education and experience, starting at the published range and increasing with credentials.

Qualifications

• Master's degree in an education-related field required.
• Research experience on teaching AI-assisted and agentic coding to secondary students.
• Experience in developing curricula and resources.

Responsibilities

• Developing curriculum for teaching AI-assisted and agentic coding.
• Conducting professional development on how to teach AI-assisted and agentic coding.
• Assisting students with 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 instructors, team members, and stakeholders.
• Mapping project timelines and milestones and ensuring deadlines are met.
• Updating and submitting human subjects protocols.
• Assisting with publications and presentations.
• Assisting with administrative work in support AI-assisted and agentic coding projects.

Skills

Curriculum development

Educational research

Data analysis

Education

Master's degree in education-related field

4–6 years specialized research training/experience

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)

Final date: Friday, Dec 11, 2026 at 11:59pm (Pacific Time)

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 presentations
• Assisting 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