Description

The Research in Mathematics Education unit at Southern Methodist University seeks a full-time postdoctoral research associate to conduct research related to application of natural language processing, machine learning, and/or artificial intelligence in intervention settings for students experiencing mathematics difficulty (MD). The successful candidate will join an interdisciplinary team of education researchers and practitioners. They will play a key role in applying machine learning and artificial intelligence techniques in conducting research and practice within this context. They will contribute to ongoing efforts to use machine learning and artificial intelligence approaches to monitor and improve adherence to the intervention program through direct measures and formative feedback.

The postdoctoral researcher will have opportunities to collaborate with faculty, graduate students, and project staff from all project sites including Southern Methodist University, University of Texas at Austin, and University of Missouri. The postdoctoral researcher will be expected to develop and lead their own complementary research activities aligned with the scope of the research unit.  

The postdoctoral research associate will have expertise in education, mathematics, statistics, artificial intelligence, and/or psychometrics. Applicants must demonstrate promise for a tenure-track appointment at a research college or university. 

Requirements

Statement of Duties and Responsibilities

Support implementation of research activities for the U.S. Department of Education Office of Education Innovation and Research-funded project: S411B210032. Mentor graduate and undergraduate students, oversee data organization and processing, participate in communication with the external evaluation team. Contribute to manuscript preparation, grant-related reporting, and other dissemination efforts. Conduct research complementary to the existing research activities to establish one's own research agenda. 

Qualifications

Minimum Qualifications

Applicants must have completed requirements for a doctoral or other terminal degree in education, learning sciences, data science, computer science, or related fields within the past five years or have evidence of completion of all requirements for the doctoral degree by the start date.

Evidence of scholarly activity/potential is required. 

Preferred Qualifications

Demonstrated experience with natural language processing, machine learning, and/or artificial intelligence, including programmatic use of large language models (e.g., via APIs, model fine-tuning, or pipeline development). Programming experience in Python or R, with willingness and ability to work in Python-based research pipelines. Ability to design and manage reproducible research pipelines and large-scale data processing workflows. Content expertise in mathematics education. Relevant research and publications. Demonstrated commitment to mentoring undergraduate and graduate students.  

Salary and Appointment

The initial appointment is for one year with the possibility of renewal for an additional year, based on satisfactory performance. The preferred start date is August 1, 2026. The salary is competitive and commensurate with experience and relevant research. 

Submission Materials

• Application
• CV
• Cover letter should include detailed information about qualifications for this position, including a clear statement of research interests and relevant experience in artificial intelligence
• 1-3 relevant publications with a description of applicant’s contribution
• 3-5 professional references, including doctoral dissertation advisor (Letters may be requested.)

Hiring is contingent upon the satisfactory completion of a background check. SMU is an equal opportunity employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, national origin, sex, age, disability, genetic information, veteran status, sexual orientation, or gender identity and expression.