AST Research Scientist (RS)

University of Florida; Gainesville (FL); On-site; USD 61,000 - 83,000; Full time

Job summary

The University of Florida is seeking an AST Research Scientist to advance applied research in CS and AI education in Florida. You will work with CS faculty to design studies, develop scalable professional learning models, and disseminate findings to educators and researchers.

The role will focus on teacher PD, inclusion of students with disabilities, and statewide initiatives, with opportunities to contribute to grant writing and to supervise student researchers.

Qualifications

• Doctoral degree in Computer Science Education, educational technology, or a related field.
• 3+ years of experience in K-12 CS/AI professional development for in-service teachers.

Responsibilities

• Lead a program of applied research focused on CS/AI education, teacher professional learning, students with disabilities, and statewide initiatives.
• Design and conduct research studies on development, implementation, effectiveness, and scaling of CS/AI PD models and instructional approaches.
• Lead the development of evidence-informed professional learning, including microcredentials, short courses, and scalable models for educators to teach CS and AI.
• Lead or contribute to scholarly dissemination through peer-reviewed publications, conference presentations, reports, briefs, and other products.

Education

Doctoral degree in Computer Science Education

Job description

AST Research Scientist (RS)

Job No: 541712

Work Type: Full Time

Location: In the State of Florida

Categories: Education/Training/Instructional Design, Computer Science, Grant or Research Administration

Department: 18050000 - ED-STL SCHL-TEACH - LEARN

Job Description

Works collaboratively with CS Everyone faculty and staff to:

• Lead a program of applied research focused on computer science and artificial intelligence education, with particular emphasis on 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 the research and development of evidence-informed professional learning, including microcredentials, short courses, and other scalable models for preparing educators to teach CS and AI.
• Lead or contribute substantially to scholarly dissemination, including peer-reviewed publications, conference presentations, research reports, briefs, and other products that communicate findings to research and practitioner audiences.
• Lead and contribute to the development of competitive external grant proposals, including identifying funding opportunities, conceptualizing research aims, developing research designs and evaluation plans, coordinating proposal components, and contributing to grant writing and submission.
• Supervise and mentor undergraduate and graduate research assistants in research design, data collection, analysis, scholarly writing, and responsible conduct of research.

Because this position involves 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.

Expected Salary

$72,000

Required Qualifications

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

Preferred

• A minimum of 3 years of experience in K‑12 CS/AI professional development for in‑service teachers.
• Experience working with South Florida districts or leading statewide PD initiatives.
• Experience designing and managing micro‑credential or short‑course offerings.
• Experience with writing and managing externally funded projects.
• Ability to translate and communicate complex topics across a variety of forums, tailoring communications to effectively fit and influence the targeted audience.
• 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 as well as in a team structure; flexibility and multi‑task management skills.

Health Assessment Required:No

Applications Close: 29 October 2026

Our Commitment

The University of Florida is an Equal Employment Opportunity Employer.

Hiring is contingent on eligibility to work in the U.S. The University of Florida is a public institution and is subject to all requirements under Florida Sunshine and Public Record laws. If an accommodation due to a disability is needed to apply for this position, please call 352-392- 2477 or the Florida Relay System at 800-955-8771 (TDD) or visit Accessibility at UF.