Research Scholar

North Carolina State University; United States; On-site; USD 86,000 - 90,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Medical, Dental, and Vision

Flexible Spending Account

Retirement Programs

Disability Plans

Life Insurance

Paid Time Off

Tuition and Academic Assistance

Job summary

A leading educational institution is seeking a Research Scholar to focus on AI and computer science education, collaborating with various educational stakeholders. The ideal candidate will have a Ph.D. or a Master's degree with extensive experience in professional development and instructional design. Responsibilities include leading initiatives in educational technology and developing partnerships for sustainability. This full-time position offers a competitive salary and numerous benefits in a dynamic work environment.

Qualifications

• Ph.D. or Master's with at least 5 years of professional experience.
• Experience in AI education and technology integration.
• Ability to build relationships with various educational stakeholders.

Responsibilities

• Provide leadership in AI and computer science education.
• Design professional learning programs for effective project implementation.
• Serve as contact for partnerships and ensure alignment across projects.
• Develop initiatives for digital learning sustainability.
• Ensure compliance with research ethics and grant requirements.

Skills

Project management

Instructional design

Collaboration

Technical expertise in AI

Effective communication

Education

Ph.D. in relevant field or Master's degree with 5 years experience

Tools

Research analytics software

Microsoft Suite

Learning management systems (Moodle, Canvas)

Canvas

Job description

1 day ago Be among the first 25 applicants

Posting Details

• Posting Number: PG194385EP
• Internal Recruitment: No
• Working Title: Research Scholar
• Anticipated Hiring Range: $86,000- $90,000
• Work Schedule: Monday - Friday, 8 am - 5 pm
• Job Location: Raleigh, NC
• Department: Friday Institute

About The Department

The Friday Institute for Educational Innovation is a large, multi-faceted Institute housed in a 33,000 square foot state-of-the-art facility on NC State University’s Centennial Campus in Raleigh. Our work encompasses educational research, professional development, policy and program evaluation, and direct services to schools, districts, state departments of education and public- and private sector organizations. We are deeply involved in working throughout North Carolina, leading some of the major statewide K‑12 education initiatives and working closely with the Department of Public Instruction, the State Board of Education, and the majority of school districts in the State on the transition to digital teaching and learning. Since opening in 2005, the Friday Institute has developed a strong national presence, working with organizations throughout the country, and is increasingly developing international connections. More information is available at .

Wolfpack Perks And Benefits

As a Pack member, you belong here, and can enjoy exclusive perks designed to enhance your personal and professional well‑being. As you consider this opportunity, we encourage you to review our Employee Value Proposition and learn more about what makes NC State the best place to learn and work for everyone.

• Medical, Dental, and Vision
• Flexible Spending Account
• Retirement Programs
• Disability Plans
• Life Insurance
• Accident Plan
• Paid Time Off and Other Leave Programs
• 12 Holidays Each Year
• Tuition and Academic Assistance
• And so much more!

Attain Work‑life balance with our Childcare benefits, Wellness & Recreation Membership, and Wellness Programs that aim to build a thriving wolfpack community.

Disclaimer: Perks and Benefit eligibility is based on Part‑Time or Full‑Time Employment status. Eligibility and Employer Sponsored Plans can be found within each of the links offered.

Essential Job Duties

The Friday Institute seeks a Research Scholar to support efforts in artificial intelligence education, computer science education, and emerging technologies. This role will be pivotal in supporting a variety of national, state, and local projects with educational institutions, researchers, and educators. The successful candidate will be a strong project manager with a depth of experience in professional development, instructional design, and integration of emerging technologies (classroom, school, or district). They should excel in collaborating with varied teams, building relationships with the education community, and leveraging their experience with instructional design and learning sciences. We are particularly interested in individuals who have experience that extends across elementary, middle school, and high school grades.

• Educational Leadership: Provide strategic and policy‑focused leadership in AI, computer science, and emerging technology education by aligning research, systems design, and instructional goals with state and national priorities. Collaborate with education agencies, school systems, and research institutions to co‑develop frameworks, guidance documents, and strategic plans that shape future‑ready technology integration and open new opportunities for collaboration and growth.
• Professional Development: Lead the design and refinement of professional learning programs that support the effective implementation of project‑aligned resources and tools. Ensure content quality, usability, and alignment with partner needs by coordinating development, field‑testing, and continuous improvement cycles.
• Partner Liaison: Serve as a key point of contact for school, district, and research partners to ensure timely communication, shared understanding, and alignment across project activities. Coordinate updates, track milestones, and maintain clear documentation of deliverables and partner engagement. Identify opportunities for future collaboration and funding in partnership with internal and external stakeholders.
• Program Development: Contribute to the sustainability and growth of digital learning initiatives by identifying new partnership opportunities, supporting grant development, and aligning project proposals with funder and partner priorities.
• Research Compliance & Operational Support: Ensure adherence to research ethics, district policies, and grant requirements across all project activities. Coordinate logistical and operational support to keep internal teams and external partners aligned and on track. Support the development of grant proposals and reporting processes that sustain and grow project work.
• Technical Expertise: Leverage knowledge of artificial intelligence, machine learning, natural language processing, computer vision, and digital learning technologies to inform the development of research‑based resources, tools, and programs.

Typical Responsibilities

• Organize and lead working groups composed of internal and/or external partners to advance project objectives.
• Facilitate discussions, meetings, and trainings related to digital learning and emerging technologies, with a focus on translating research findings into practice.
• Develop curriculum, programs, and trainings for a variety of audiences, topics, and priorities.
• Create, review, and publish materials and resources accessible for all educators, learners, and audiences, incorporating insights from research findings.
• Manage projects and partner communications.
• Build and foster relationships with internal teams, state partners, and community organizations to achieve digital learning goals.
• Provide thought leadership and strategy around digital learning, AI, and computer science, informed by ongoing research and innovation.
• Monitor and evaluate effectiveness of digital learning programs and initiatives.
• Provide technical support and guidance to educators, partners, and participants in digital learning programs.
• Advocate for practices and policies that promote digital learning and emerging technologies in K‑12 education, higher education, and the workforce.

Other Responsibilities

• Facilitate and/or participate in convenings, trainings, and other opportunities.
• Coordinate project meetings, organization structures, and communications.
• Prepare, maintain, and update project materials for online and print dissemination.
• Contribute to project and grant proposals.
• In‑ and out‑of‑state travel to school sites, conferences, meetings, and events (up to 25%).
• Report in‑person to NC State University duty station a minimum of two days each week to support collaboration, team engagement, and project success.
• Other tasks and responsibilities may be assigned based on the needs of the organization and evolving priorities.

Qualifications

• Minimum Education and Experience: Relevant Ph.D. degree (or relevant terminal degree), or relevant Master’s degree with at least 5 years of formal post‑degree professional work experience.
• In rare instances, an individual with a comparable professional experience but less than a master’s degree, plus 8 years of exceptional relevant professional experience may be considered.

Other Required Qualifications

• Domain expertise in one or more of the following areas: artificial intelligence applied to teaching and learning; leadership in teacher professional learning for novel, innovative technologies; experience developing hybrid, virtual, and in‑person professional development.
• Ability to develop business opportunities and secure external funding.
• Ability to work in a fast‑paced, rapidly changing, multi‑team environment.
• Willingness to take initiative and learn new skills, especially related to digital learning and emerging technologies.
• Skill in establishing and maintaining effective working relationships.
• Ability to communicate effectively to academic and practitioner audiences.
• Skill in planning, organization, coordination of activities; proven excellence for organizational and time‑management skills.
• Skill in research analytics software; design and word processing; knowledge of the Microsoft Suite, Google Workspace, Canva, and major social media outlets.
• Ability to develop instructional materials for in‑person and online audiences; knowledge of learning management systems (Moodle, Canvas, etc).
• Skill presenting to groups, facilitating trainings, and working with a range of audiences.
• Proficiency in task management, including organizing development task priorities, managing deliverables, and ensuring timely completion of milestones across multiple projects.

Preferred Qualifications

• Relevant master’s degree in education or computer science (with emphasis on K‑12 education) preferred.
• Direct experience developing and/or deploying educational tools, platforms, or systems.
• Familiarity with classroom environments through teaching experience or working closely with educators and schools.
• Demonstrated success managing cross‑functional teams, including engineering, design, and research.
• Preference for basic understanding of technical and coding languages, understanding of metrics like user engagement, familiarity with AI concepts such as computer vision, planning, machine learning, and AI ethics.

Required License(s) Or Certification(s)

• N/A

Recruitment Dates and Special Instructions

• Job Open Date: 12/16/2025
• Anticipated Close Date: Open Until Filled

Special Instructions to Applicants: Please include as attachments a resume/CV, cover letter, and contact information for at least 3 professional references.

Position Details

• Position Number: 00111765
• Position Type: EPS/SAAO
• Full Time Equivalent (FTE): 1.0
• Appointment: 12 Month Recurring
• Valid NC Driver's License required: No
• Commercial Driver's License required: No

EEO

NC State University is an equal opportunity employer. All qualified applicants will receive equal opportunities for employment without regard to age, color, disability, gender identity, genetic information, national origin, race, religion, sex (including pregnancy), sexual orientation, and veteran status. The University encourages all qualified applicants, including protected veterans and individuals with disabilities, to apply. Individuals with disabilities requiring disability‑related accommodations in the application and interview process are welcome to contact 919‑513‑0574 to speak with a representative of the Office of Equal Opportunity.

If you have general questions about the application process, you may contact Human Resources at (919) 515‑2135 or [e-mail].

Final candidates are subject to criminal & sex offender background checks. Some vacancies also require credit or motor vehicle checks. Degree(s) must be obtained prior to start date in order to meet qualifications and receive credit.

NC State University participates in E‑Verify. Federal law requires all employers to verify the identity and employment eligibility of all persons hired to work in the United States.