Postdoctoral Research Associate: STEM Education and AI Literacy

Posting Number: G/R34924PWorking Title: Postdoctoral Research Associate: STEM Education and AI LiteracyDepartment: COE-AI in STEM EducationAbout the University of Georgia: Chartered by the state of Georgia in 1785, the University of Georgia is the birthplace of public higher education in America and is the state’s flagship university (https://www.uga.edu/). The proof is in our more than 240 years of academic and professional achievements and our continual commitment to higher education. UGA is currently ranked among the top 20 public universities in U.S. News & World Report. The University’s main campus is located in Athens, approximately 65 miles northeast of Atlanta, with extended campuses in Atlanta, Griffin, Gwinnett, and Tifton. UGA employs approximately 3,100 faculty and more than 7,700 full-time staff. The University’s enrollment exceeds 41,000 students including over 31,000 undergraduates and over 10,000 graduate and professional students. Academic programs reside in 19 schools and colleges, including our newly established School of Medicine.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 COEis 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.College/Unit/Department website: https://coe.uga.edu/directory/ai4stem/Advertised Salary: Commensurate with ExperienceAnticipated Start Date: 11/16/2026Posting Date: 10/19/2026Closing Date: Open Until Filled Special Instructions to Applicants: Review of applications will begin immediately. The position will remain open until filled.Location of Vacancy: Athens Area EOO Statement: The University of Georgia is an Equal Opportunity employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to age, color, disability, genetic information, national origin, race, religion, sex, or veteran status or other protected status. Persons needing accommodations or assistance with the accessibility of materials related to this search are encouraged to contact Central HR (hrweb@uga.edu).USG Core Values Statement: The University System of Georgia is comprised of our 25 institutions of higher education and learning, as well the System Office. Our USGStatement of Core Values are Integrity, Excellence, Accountability, and Respect. These values serve as the foundation for all that we do as an organization, and each USG community member is responsible for demonstrating and upholding these standards. More details on the USG Statement of Core Values and Code of Conduct are available in USG Board Policy 08.02.18.01.02. Additionally, USG supports Freedom of Expression as stated in Board Policy 06.05 Freedom of Expression and Academic Freedom. Duties/ResponsibilitiesDuties/ResponsibilitiesConducts research on STEM education, AI literacy, and AI-enhanced teaching and learning across K–12 and higher educationDesign and study instructional innovations that integrate generative AI into STEM curricula, assessments, and classroom practicesLead or co-lead professional development to support teachers’ understanding and classroom use of AI toolsPublish scholarly work and disseminate findings to researcher, practitioner, and policy communitiesSupport the Center Director on initiatives related to STEM education, outreach, and interdisciplinary programsAdvise and mentor graduate and undergraduate students conducting research in STEM education, AI literacy, and technology-enhanced learningPercentage of time: 100 Position InformationPosition 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. More information about the Center can be found at: https://coe.uga.edu/directory/ai4stem/.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 in Position:A doctorate in STEM education, learning sciences, computer science, or a closely related field by the start dateResearch training and evidence of expertise in STEM teaching and learning, STEM pedagogy, or technology-enhanced learningExpertise with AI literacy frameworks, generative AI tools, or the application of AI in educational settingsHigh-quality publications related to STEM education, learning sciences, or AI-enabled instructionAbility to work on campus and engage collaboratively with interdisciplinary teamsKnowledge, Skills, Abilities and/or Competencies Strong commitment to advancing AI literacy and responsible AI use in STEM classroomsExpertise in designing or studying teacher professional development in STEM or AI literacyBackground in formative assessment, active learning, or equity-centered STEM pedagogyExpertise developing, implementing, and evaluating software systems that use machine learning, natural language processing, generative AI, and/or computer visionAbility to translate complex AI tools and concepts into accessible learning experiences for teachers and studentsAn established, active record of scholarship and productivityStrong communication, organization, responsiveness, and collaborative teamwork skillsPhysical 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.Background Investigation Policy: Offers of employment are contingent upon completion of a background investigation including, a criminal background check demonstrating your eligibility for employment with the University of Georgia; confirmation of the credentials and employment history reflected in your application materials (including reference checks) as they relate to the job-based requirements of the position applied for; and, if applicable, a satisfactory credit check. You may also be subject to a pre-employment drug test for positions with high-risk responsibilities, if applicable. Please visit the UGA Background Check website. Contact Details: For questions concerning this position or recruitment progression, please refer to the Recruitment Contact: Xiaoming Zhai Email: Xiaoming.Zhai@uga.edu Required DocumentsResume/CVCover LetterList of References with Contact Information