Postdoctoral Research Associate: STEM Education and AI Literacy

Georgia 4-H; Athens (GA); On-site; USD 52,000 - 70,000; Full time

Job summary

The University of Georgia invites applications for a Postdoctoral Research Associate in STEM Education and AI Literacy, housed in the AI4STEM Education Center at the Mary Frances Early College of Education, Athens campus. This 12-month renewable appointment focuses on AI literacy and responsible AI use in STEM classrooms.

Responsibilities include designing AI-integrated curricula, conducting cross-disciplinary studies, mentoring students, and disseminating findings to educators and policy

Qualifications

• A doctorate in STEM education, learning sciences, computer science, or a closely related field by the start date.
• Research training and evidence of expertise in STEM teaching and learning, STEM pedagogy, or technology-enhanced learning.
• Expertise with AI literacy frameworks, generative AI tools, or the application of AI in educational settings.
• High-quality publications related to STEM education, learning sciences, or AI-enabled instruction.

Responsibilities

• Conducts research on STEM education, AI literacy, and AI-enhanced teaching and learning across K–12 and higher education.
• Design and study instructional innovations that integrate generative AI into STEM curricula, assessments, and classroom practices.
• Lead or co-lead professional development to support teachers’ understanding and classroom use of AI tools.
• Publish scholarly work and disseminate findings to researcher, practitioner, and policy communities.
• Support the Center Director on initiatives related to STEM education, outreach, and interdisciplinary programs.
• Advise and mentor graduate and undergraduate students conducting research in STEM education, AI literacy, and technology-enhanced learning.

Skills

AI literacy

STEM education

Interdisciplinary collaboration

Research productivity

Communication skills

Education

Doctorate in STEM education or related field

Research training in STEM pedagogy

Tools

AI tools

NLP / ML concepts

Educational software design

Job description

Postdoctoral Research Associate: STEM Education and AI Literacy

Posting Number G/R34924P. Department: COE-AI in STEM Education, Mary Frances Early College of Education, The University of Georgia. Location: Athens area. Full-time, 8-5 M-F. Advertised salary: commensurate with experience. Anticipated start date: 11/16/2026. Review of applications will begin immediately, and the position will remain open until filled.

About the College/Unit/Department

As the 4th largest public college of education in the country and the 3rd largest college at UGA, the Mary Frances Early College of Education (MFE COE) improves the lives of residents of Georgia and beyond through our instruction, research, and service. The MFE COE is a comprehensive college with disciplines focused on teacher preparation, counseling and human development, communication sciences, human movement sciences, career development, student affairs, and educational administration and policy. We place significant emphasis on graduate education with approximately 40% of our students at the graduate level, making us the second largest college at UGA with respect to graduate education.

Duties/Responsibilities

• Conducts research on STEM education, AI literacy, and AI-enhanced teaching and learning across K–12 and higher education
• Design and study instructional innovations that integrate generative AI into STEM curricula, assessments, and classroom practices
• Lead or co-lead professional development to support teachers’ understanding and classroom use of AI tools
• Publish scholarly work and disseminate findings to researcher, practitioner, and policy communities
• Support the Center Director on initiatives related to STEM education, outreach, and interdisciplinary programs
• Advise and mentor graduate and undergraduate students conducting research in STEM education, AI literacy, and technology-enhanced learning

Position Summary

The AI4STEM Education Center at the University of Georgia’s (UGA) Mary Frances Early College of Education invites applications for a Postdoctoral Research Associate position with a focus on STEM teaching and learning, artificial intelligence (AI) literacy, and the responsible and effective use of AI in STEM classrooms. The position is a 12-month renewable full-time appointment based at the Athens campus.

University of Georgia recently launched the Presidential Interdisciplinary Faculty Hiring Initiative in Data Science and Artificial Intelligence, aiming at attracting leading scholars in the fields of data science and artificial intelligence. UGA will be recruiting 70 faculty members to teach and advance research through this initiative.

The successful candidate will be housed in the AI4STEM Education Center. The AI4STEM Education Center is an interdisciplinary hub hosting scholars from the disciplines of STEM, education, computer science and AI, engineering, and data science. The Center aims to foster interdisciplinary collaboration, specifically focusing on using AI to advance STEM education. The candidate will actively contribute to the design, development, and evaluation of AI applications to advance AI literacy and STEM education across K–12 and higher education.

Relevant/Preferred Education, Experience, Licensure, Certification

• A doctorate in STEM education, learning sciences, computer science, or a closely related field by the start date
• Research training and evidence of expertise in STEM teaching and learning, STEM pedagogy, or technology-enhanced learning
• Expertise with AI literacy frameworks, generative AI tools, or the application of AI in educational settings
• High-quality publications related to STEM education, learning sciences, or AI-enabled instruction
• Ability to work on campus and engage collaboratively with interdisciplinary teams

Knowledge, Skills, Abilities and/or Competencies

• Strong commitment to advancing AI literacy and responsible AI use in STEM classrooms
• Expertise in designing or studying teacher professional development in STEM or AI literacy
• Background in formative assessment, active learning, or equity-centered STEM pedagogy
• Expertise developing, implementing, and evaluating software systems that use machine learning, natural language processing, generative AI, and/or computer vision
• Ability to translate complex AI tools and concepts into accessible learning experiences for teachers and students
• An established, active record of scholarship and productivity
• Strong communication, organization, responsiveness, and collaborative teamwork skills

Physical Demands

Extended periods of sitting, computer use, and viewing digital screens. Duties involve frequent communication, movement throughout office and campus environments, and occasional lifting of materials up to 25 pounds.

Required Documents

Resume/CV, Cover Letter, and List of References with Contact Information