Postdoctoral Research Associate

Job Description

This postdoctoral fellowship at the University of Tennessee, Knoxville (UTK) will join a pilot project exploring how AI can support high quality teaching and learning in research methodology courses. The scholar will investigate student and instructor perceptions of AI-assisted learning, evaluate pedagogical frameworks for effective design and implementation, and analyze both computational and qualitative data to refine AI integration in higher education. The position emphasizes building scalable, ethical, and culturally conscious approaches to AI in teaching, while contributing to faculty development and institutional capacity. Outcomes will include evidence-based practices, publications, and positioning UTK for major external funding and industry collaborations. This position will be working in the AIRELab. 

Responsibilities

• Lead and co-author quantitative and mixed-methods studies based on the main project.
• Support experimental and pilot interventions in education and workforce training
• Design and evaluate AI-integrated curricula and learning tools
• Contribute to grant writing, IRB protocols, and peer-reviewed publications
• Support curriculum design and implementation.
• Facilitate professional development workshops for collaborators
• Mentor graduate and undergraduate researchers in quantitative methods
• Collaborate with domestic and international partners on program design and deployment
• Support design of data dashboard

Qualifications

Required Qualifications

• Education: PhD in Education, Computer Science, Learning Sciences, Economics, Psychology, Public Policy, or a related field.
• Experience working across disciplines (education, tech, public policy, health, etc.) Strong training in quantitative methods (e.g., regression, causal inference, psychometrics, experimental & quasi-experimental designs)
• Demonstrated experience with mixed-methods research (integrating qualitative quantitative data)

Knowledge, Skills, Abilities:

• Track record of peer-reviewed publications
• Interest in equity-centered, applied research at the intersection of AI, education, and the labor market
• Comfort translating research into scalable, real-world educational interventions
• Experience with grant writing. 

Work Location 

• Location: University of Tennessee, Knoxville, Tennessee, 37996
• Onsite, Hybrid, or Remote: Onsite 

Compensation and Benefits 

• Anticipated hiring range: 60K-70K
• Find more information on UT Benefits here

Application Instructions 

To express interest, please submit an application with the noted below attachments. To be assured of full consideration, completed applications with all requested materials should be submitted on or before [DATE]

• Resume
• Cover Letter
• List of 3 Professional References
• Two writing samples (peer reviewed journal articles or working papers.

We will begin reviewing candidates after March 30th, and will continue reviewing until the position is filled.

About The College/Department/Division 

The Department of Educational Leadership and Policy Studies (ELPS) prepares administrators for schools and colleges, faculty for colleges and universities, and policy scholars for service in state, regional and national agencies associated with educational and human service enterprises. The department is comprised of nineteen faculty and five staff. 

Job Info

• Job Identification 6837
• Job Category Research
• Posting Date 02/02/2026, 05:02 PM
• Job Schedule Full time
• Locations 1126 Volunteer Boulevard, Knoxville, TN, 37996, US

EEO/AA STATEMENT / NON-DISCRIMINATION STATEMENT

The University of Tennessee is an EEO/AA/Title VI/Title IX/Section 504/ADA/ADEA institution in the provision of its education and employment programs and services. All qualified applicants will receive equal consideration for employment without regard to, and will not be discriminated against on the basis of, race, color, national origin, religion, sex, pregnancy, marital status, sexual orientation, gender identity, age, physical or mental disability, or covered veteran status.

Inquiries and charges of violation of Title VI (race, color, national origin), Title IX (sex), Section 504 (disability), ADA (disability), ADEA (age), sexual orientation, or veteran status should be directed to the (EEO). Requests for accommodation of a disability should be directed to the ADA Coordinator at the EEO office.