Postdoctoral Scholar in AI and the Learning Sciences

About the role

The Department of Learning and Performance Systems in the College of Education at Penn State invites applications for a Postdoctoral Scholar in AI and the Learning Sciences. This is a full-time, one-year in-residence position at the University Park campus.

Responsibilities

• Collaborate with faculty across multiple projects to design, implement, and study AI-supported learning environments
• Contribute to design-based and mixed-methods research, including qualitative and case-based studies
• Support pilot studies and early-stage project development (e.g., instrument design, data collection, and analysis)
• Conduct analyses of learning processes and outcomes, including interaction, discourse, and artifact-based analyses
• Work across a multi-PI, interdisciplinary portfolio of projects
• Mentor graduate and undergraduate students engaged in research
• Participate in collaborative writing, team meetings, and research planning activities
• Identify and pursue opportunities for complementary independent research aligned with the broader project portfolio
• Contribute to research-practice partnerships with schools and community-based organizations
• Help establish and maintain project management systems (e.g., timelines, IRB protocols, and data stewardship plans)
• Support the design and development of external grant proposals
• Lead and co-author scholarly publications, conference presentations, and grant reports
• Support translation of research into design principles, tools, and guidance for educators
• Contribute to outputs for both academic and practitioner audiences

Qualifications

• Ph.D. (by start date) in Learning Sciences, Education, Educational Technology, Human-Computer Interaction, or a closely related field
• Demonstrated experience conducting empirical research in educational or community settings
• Strong writing, collaboration, and project management skills
• Evidence of scholarly productivity and ability to contribute to research dissemination
• Interest in or experience studying AI in learning environments or pedagogical practices
• Interest in learning across settings (e.g., schools, workplaces, informal or community-based environments)
• Experience contributing to manuscripts for publication or grant proposal development
• Ability to work effectively across multiple concurrent projects and teams

Appointment details

This is a full-time, one-year postdoctoral appointment based at Penn State’s University Park campus, with an anticipated start date in Fall 2026. The annual salary is anticipated between $63,480 and $65,000. The scholar will receive four weeks of vacation, a travel fund for conference participation, and medical insurance and other standard university benefits. The scholar will be formally supervised by the Head of the Department of Learning and Performance Systems (Dr. Heather Toomey Zimmerman) and will be integrated into a collaborative network of faculty mentors based on research alignment.

Application materials

• Cover letter describing research interests, theoretical and methodological expertise, and fit with this position
• Curriculum Vitae
• One representative writing sample (candidates should describe their contributions to this manuscript in the cover letter)
• Names and contact information for three professional references

System limitations

To meet the 5-document limit, applicants should combine materials to meet the requirement.

Review of applications

Review of applications will begin immediately and continue until the position is filled. Priority consideration is given to applications received by July 26, 2026.