Liberatory Tech Research Associate

Penn State University; University Park (IL); On-site; USD 42,000 - 60,000; Full time

Job summary

Penn State University seeks a candidate to collaborate on the Liberatory Tech Project, analyzing human-AI interfaces and developing new interaction patterns. The role involves archival data work, data analysis, and preparing datasets for machine learning research in digital archives.

You will also serve as a liaison for Douglass Day 2027 programming and participate in leadership discussions on AI usage in archives projects.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in computer science, information science, or closely related field.
• Experience with Human-Centered Design and Development.
• Experience or educational background in archives, museum studies, or related area.

Responsibilities

• Work with Dr. Dancy and Graduate researchers to analyze human-AI interface design and develop new interfaces and interaction patterns.
• Assist with archival and data processes for digital archives and ML datasets, including data analysis and augmentation.
• Serve as a communication liaison between Liberatory Tech and Douglass Day projects for 2027 programming.
• Engage in discussions with project leadership on AI use in digital archives contexts.

Skills

Human-Centered Design

Education

Bachelor’s degree in computer science or information science

Job description

JOB DESCRIPTION AND POSITION REQUIREMENTS

Job duties to include:

• Working directly with Dr. Dancy and Graduate researchers in the Liberatory Tech Project to analyze human-AI interface design and develop new interfaces and interaction patterns based on that analysis

• Work on archival and data processes that will be used for developing new human-AI systems related to digital archives. This may involve help with analysis of digital archive meta-data, as well as entry and analysis of those data. The work will also involve help with exploratory data analysis, and data augmentation and organization that will be important for datasets to be used in machine learning research.

• Serving as a communication liaison between the Liberatory Tech and Douglass Day projects in the Center for Black Digital Research for the purposes of Douglass Day 2027 programming

• Engaging in critical discussions with LibTech project and Douglass Day project leadership regarding AI use in related digital archives work.

Requirements, qualifications, and/or competencies:

• Bachelor’s degree in computer science, information science, or closely related field

• Experience with Human-Centered Design and Development

• Experience or educational background in archives, museum studies, or related area of study

BACKGROUND CHECKS/CLEARANCES

Employment with the University will require successful completion of background check(s) in accordance with University policies.

CAMPUS SECURITY CRIME STATISTICS

Pursuant to the Jeanne Clery Disclosure of Campus Security Policy and Campus Crime Statistics Act and the Pennsylvania Act of 1988, Penn State publishes a combined Annual Security and Annual Fire Safety Report (ASR). The ASR includes crime statistics and institutional policies concerning campus security, such as those concerning alcohol and drug use, crime prevention, the reporting of crimes, sexual assault, and other matters. The ASR is available for review here.

EEO IS THE LAW

Penn State is an equal opportunity employer and is committed to providing employment opportunities to all qualified applicants without regard to race, color, religion, age, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability or protected veteran status. If you are unable to use our online application process due to an impairment or disability, please contact 814-865-1473.

Penn State is committed to and accountable for advancing equity, respect, and belonging. We embrace individual uniqueness, as well as a culture of belonging that supports equity initiatives, leverages the educational and institutional benefits of inclusion in society, and provides opportunities for engagement intended to help all members of the community thrive. We value belonging as a core strength and an essential element of the university’s teaching, research, and service mission.

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