Research assistant – casual position

Start date: Will commence when a suitable candidate is found

Application deadline: Will remain until filled

Supervisor: Dr. Oscar Lin

Faculty: Faculty of Science and Technology

AI in Education

Overview

Dr. Oscar Lin of School of Computing and Information Systems, Faculty of Science and Technology, Athabasca University is looking for a part-time Research Assistant to work on a newly approved NSERC Discovery Grant research --- “Eliciting Adaptive Sequences for Online Learning” (2021-2026).

Starting this fall, we will be involved in a research program on the formulation and simulation of adaptive learning environments, focusing on Knowledge Graphs for domain modeling, Explainable AI algorithms for student modeling, adaptive sequencing engine, and interactive and auto-assessed learning objects.

As a researcher, you will contribute to this research by developing mathematical models and computer algorithms for representing and predicting student knowledge proficiency and making decisions/recommendations about instructor pedagogical strategies and in this system with the goal to provide personalized learning paths, learning activities, exercises, assessments, and feedback.

You may also be involved in other research projects at the Intelligent Educational Systems Group focusing on knowledge space modelling, student modeling and machine learning and simulation across a wide range of applications (e.g., interactive auto-assessed exercises).

Main duties include, but are not limited to:

  • Conduct novel research at the intersection of AI/machine learning and education.
  • Participate in group meetings (online, usually bi-weekly. You can work from home).
  • Participate in the writing of articles and of other documents related to research activities.

Qualifications

Applicants should have completed or be about to complete their BSc. in Computer Science or a related technical field. We expect a strong scientific background and proven track record in AI, machine learning/data mining, Statistics, computer programming (e.g., Python or R or JavaScript). Furthermore, we expect excellent communication skills in English.

We offer

The start date is any date from the Fall 2023. We will follow the AU policy.

How to apply

When applying, please send the following documents:

  • Cover letter
  • CV
  • 102 reference publications if any
  • Names of two references

to Dr. Oscar Lin at oscarl@athabascau.ca.

Athabasca University and the researchers here are committed to equity in employment opportunities. We encourage applications from women, Indigenous Peoples, persons with disabilities, racialized minorities, 2SLGBTQI+ people, and anyone who identifies with a historically marginalized group. Applicants are welcome, but not required, to self-identify in their letter of application.

For more information or to ask questions about this opportunity, please contact Dr. Oscar Lin (oscarl@athabascau.ca).

Oscar Lin
Professor, Computing and Information Systems
Faculty of Science and Technology
Athabasca University
Phone: 1-866-539-8664

Assistantship