Digital Learning Lab Specialist

University of California - Irvine; Irvine (CA); On-site; USD 66,000 - 91,000; Part time

Job summary

The University of California, Irvine is seeking a half-time Research Specialist in the Digital Learning Lab to support the WRITE AI Center research on teaching and learning with generative AI.

Responsibilities include planning professional development for community college instructors, developing AI-supported instructional resources, mapping project timelines, managing communications, and assisting with publications and IRB-related tasks.

Qualifications

• Outstanding writing and communication; experience teaching college composition.
• Desirable: experience teaching gateway composition courses in community colleges.
• Desirable: experience with PapyrusAI in instruction; professional development experience.

Responsibilities

• Plan and conduct professional development for instructors on AI in writing.
• Develop instructional resources to support AI-assisted writing.
• Develop and evaluate prompts and modules for PapyrusAI writing software.
• Collect and analyze data from research participants on teaching and learning writing with AI.
• Manage communications with participating colleges, instructors, team members, and advisory board members.
• Map project timelines and milestones and ensure staff and research partners meet deadlines.
• Update and submit human subjects protocols.
• Assist with publications and presentations.
• Assist with administrative work in support of the WRITE AI Center.

Skills

Outstanding writing

Excellent communication

Experience teaching college writing

AI in writing education

Education

Bachelor’s degree or equivalent

Master’s degree or equivalent

Terminal degree (Ph.D./M.D.) or equivalent

Tools

PapyrusAI

Job description

Position overview

Salary range: The salary ranges from $65,800 to $91,100.

Application Window

Open date: September 21, 2026

Next review date: Thursday, Oct 22, 2026 at 11:59pm (Pacific Time)

Final date: Monday, Oct 26, 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

A half-time research specialist is needed in the Digital Learning Lab at the University of California, Irvine, to support research for the WRITE AI Center.

• Planning and conducting professional development for community college instructors on use of generative AI in writing
• Developing instructional resources to support thoughtful and evidence-based writing instruction with AI
• Developing and evaluating prompts and modules for the PapyrusAI writing software platform
• Collecting, managing, and analyzing data from research participants on teaching and learning writing with generative AI, including from interviews, surveys, writing measures, and platform logs
• Helping manage communications with participating colleges, instructors, team members, and advisory board members
• 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 of the WRITE AI Center

The starting date for the position is negotiable but no later than early January 2027. The appointment will be for one year with re-appointment for additional years possible. Appointment will be at the Assistant Specialist, Associate Specialist, or Specialist level depending on the educational background and experience of the applicant, with salary commensurate with level.

Requirements: Candidates must possess outstanding writing and communication, prior experience teaching college composition, and expertise in the use of AI in writing education. Desirable qualifications include prior experience teaching gateway composition courses in community colleges, prior experience with use of PapyrusAI in instruction, prior experience with conducting or leading professional development (including on use of AI in writing), prior experience in curriculum development, and research expertise. Occasional travel to community colleges in Orange County may be required. Willingness to work in a team-oriented environment and be a motivated self-starter is also desirable.

Degree Requirements:

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.

Qualifications

Candidates must possess outstanding writing and communication, prior experience teaching college composition, and expertise in the use of AI in writing education. Desirable qualifications include prior experience teaching gateway composition courses in community colleges, prior experience with use of PapyrusAI in instruction, prior experience with conducting or leading professional development (including on use of AI in writing), prior experience in curriculum development, and research expertise. Occasional travel to community colleges in Orange County may be required. Willingness to work in a team-oriented environment and be a motivated self-starter is also desirable.

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
• Sample Paper or Publication - 1-2 sample publications
• Reflective Teaching and Mentoring Statement - See our guidance for writing a reflective teaching statement.
• 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: Affir

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