Part-Time Research Assistant - Farooque/Saha – AI in Education Project

The Pennsylvania State University; Ferguson Township (PA); Hybrid; USD 20,000 - 29,000; Part time

Job summary

The Pennsylvania State University in University Park is seeking a part-time research assistant to join an innovative project at the intersection of artificial intelligence and education. The RA will help develop a personalized recommendation engine for microlearning content, leveraging student performance data to tailor learning experiences.

Anticipated start date April 10; end date June 30; up to 15 hours per week; compensation $18/hour; location flexible (in-person at University Park, remote,

Qualifications

• Familiarity with artificial intelligence/machine learning techniques and data analysis.
• Experience with programming (Python or similar) and handling educational data is a plus.
• Self-motivated with good communication skills. Ability to work independently and collaboratively in an interdisciplinary team.

Responsibilities

• Data Analysis: Assist in collecting and analyzing student performance data to inform the recommendation engine.
• Algorithm Development: Contribute to designing, prototyping, and testing algorithmic models for personalized content recommendations.
• System Evaluation: Support the evaluation of the recommendation engine’s effectiveness (e.g. running experiments or user studies to assess learning outcomes).
• Documentation: Help document the system design, development process, and experimental results for project reports or publications.
• Collaboration: Work closely with the project lead and team, participating in regular meetings and brainstorming sessions.

Skills

AI/ML techniques

Data analysis

Python

Communication

Tools

Python

Job description

JOB DESCRIPTION AND POSITION REQUIREMENTS

We are seeking a part time research assistant to join an innovative project at the intersection of artificial intelligence and education. This project, led by Dr. Mahfuza Farooque in the School of EECS at Penn State, focuses on developing a personalized recommendation engine for microlearning content. The RA will play a key role in leveraging student performance data to deliver tailored learning experiences. This position is a unique opportunity to contribute to cutting-edge research that can enhance student learning outcomes. Qualified applicants may include students or other individuals with relevant skills and interest in AI, data analysis, and educational technologies.

Position Details

Anticipated Start Date: 10th April End Date: 30th June Weekly Hours: Maximum 15 hours per week per student Compensation: $18 per hour Location: Flexible (in-person at University Park, remote, or hybrid arrangement)

Key responsibilities include

• Data Analysis: Assist in collecting and analyzing student performance data to inform the recommendation engine.
• Algorithm Development: Contribute to designing, prototyping, and testing algorithmic models for personalized content recommendations.
• System Evaluation: Support the evaluation of the recommendation engine’s effectiveness (e.g. running experiments or user studies to assess learning outcomes).
• Documentation: Help document the system design, development process, and experimental results for project reports or publications.
• Collaboration: Work closely with the project lead and team, participating in regular meetings and brainstorming sessions.

Preferred Qualifications

• Technical Skills: Familiarity with artificial intelligence/machine learning techniques and data analysis. Experience with programming (Python or similar) and handling educational data is a plus.
• Other Skills: Self-motivated with good communication skills. Ability to work independently and collaboratively in an interdisciplinary team.

BACKGROUND CHECKS/CLEARANCES

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

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.

Our values are as follows; Integrity, Respect, Responsibility, Discovery, Excellence, and Community. We Are Penn State. One Community. Impacting Many.