Postdoctoral Scholar in Artificial Intelligence and the Future of Education

The successful candidate will join a highly collaborative and interdisciplinary research environment focused on exploring how AI can transform education while ensuring responsible, ethical, and evidence-based implementation. Working closely with College faculty, university partners, educational organizations, and industry collaborators, the Postdoctoral Scholar will develop an independent research agenda while contributing to high-impact research, grant development, and strategic initiatives.

This position is designed to support the transition to an independent research career through structured mentorship in research, scholarly publishing, grant writing, leadership development, and professional engagement., The Postdoctoral Scholar will conduct high-impact research related to artificial intelligence and its implications for the future of education. Responsibilities include developing scholarly publications, contributing to externally funded research proposals, and supporting the translation of research into educational practice through professional learning initiatives applicable to faculty and students in the USF College of Education.

Potential areas of research include:

• AI-supported teaching and learning
• AI literacy and workforce readiness
• Generative AI and large language models (LLMs) applied in educational settings
• Educator productivity enhanced by AI
• Responsible and ethical AI
• Learning analytics and educational data science
• Design, implementation, and evaluation of AI-enabled educational innovations

The scholar will receive mentorship from College faculty and have opportunities to engage in interdisciplinary research collaborations, national conference leadership, grant development, and partnerships that support educational innovation.Doctoral degree from an accredited institution and appropriate experience and training within a selected area of specialization. Must meet university criteria for appointment to the rank of Postdoctoral Fellow., * Research Statement outlining current and future research interests related to AI and the future of education

• One or two representative scholarly publications or samples of scholarly work

• Names and contact information for three professional references Review of Applications Review of applications will begin August 21, 2026, and continue until the position is filled.Working at USF, The University of South Florida is an equal opportunity employer that does not discriminate against any employee or applicant for employment based on any characteristic protected by law. The University maintains programs for protected veterans and individuals with disabilities in accordance with all applicable federal and state laws. \n Family and Medical Leave Act (FMLA) \n Applicants for USF employment are entitled to request reasonable accommodation(s) in the application process. A request is to be made at least five (5) working days prior to the time the accommodation(s) is needed. Visit the Central Human Resources ADA Accommodations webpage for more information on requesting an accommodation during the application/interview process. \n Equal Employment Opportunity \n The University of South Florida is an equal opportunity employer that does not discriminate against any employee or applicant for employment based on any characteristic protected by law. The University maintains affirmative action programs for protected veterans and individuals with disabilities in accordance with all applicable federal and state laws. This job description does not constitute an employment contract.Key R esponsibilities Research and Scholarship

• Develop an independent and collaborative research agenda focused on artificial intelligence and the future of education.
• Design and conduct rigorous quantitative, qualitative, mixed-methods, computational, or design-based research.
• Lead and contribute to peer-reviewed publications, conference presentations, technical reports, and related scholarly work.
• Collaborate with faculty across the College and University on interdisciplinary research initiatives.
• Contribute to the preparation of externally funded grant proposals.
• Advance the College’s national profile in AI, teaching, learning, and educational innovation.

Knowledge Translation and Faculty Development

The Postdoctoral Scholar will work with faculty and campus partners to translate research into practical applications that improve teaching and learning. Responsibilities include developing faculty development programs, workshops, consultations, and educational resources that promote effective and responsible uses of AI in educational settings. The scholar will also contribute to professional learning opportunities for educators and educational leaders.

Strategic Initiatives and Partnerships

The scholar will collaborate with the College of Education’s Office of Undergraduate Studies, the David C. Anchin Center for the Advancement of Teaching and the Office of Research. Additional responsibilities include supporting major College initiatives, such as Microsoft’s AI partnership, teaching development programs, and the annual AI in Education Summit, while representing the College through scholarly engagement and professional partnerships.

• An earned Ph.D. (or equivalent) by the position start date in Curriculum and Instruction, Teacher Education, Educational Psychology, Educational Leadership, Higher Education, Educational Technology, Learning Sciences, Computer Science, Artificial Intelligence, Data Science, Human-Computer Interaction, or a closely related field.
• Demonstrated research experience related to AI in education, educational technology, learning sciences, human-centered AI, or related areas.
• Experience designing and conducting rigorous research using quantitative, qualitative, mixed-methods, computational, or design-based methodologies.
• Strong written and verbal communication skills, including evidence of scholarly dissemination.
• Demonstrated ability to collaborate effectively within interdisciplinary research environments., * Research focused on generative AI, large language models, or AI-supported learning in educational contexts.
• Experience working with PK-12 schools, higher education institutions, or educator professional learning initiatives.
• Hands-on experience developing, implementing, or evaluating generative AI or LLM-based applications.
• An emerging record of peer-reviewed publications and national or international conference presentations.
• Experience contributing to externally funded research projects, grant proposals, or entrepreneurial endeavors.
• Strong knowledge of artificial intelligence, emerging technologies, and human-centered AI.
• Demonstrated ability to translate research findings into practical educational applications.
• Excellent project management, communication, and collaborative leadership skills.
• A commitment to responsible, ethical, and evidence-based AI innovation.

USF Postdoctoral Scholars are eligible for a comprehensive benefits package, including:

• Medical, dental, and vision insurance
• Life and disability insurance
• Retirement plans
• Paid time off
• Additional university employee benefits

The USF College of Education prepares educators and educational leaders while conducting research that improves learning and educational outcomes across PK-12 schools, higher education institutions, and community settings.

Recognized for innovation and collaboration, the College is strengthening interdisciplinary partnerships across the university in areas such as artificial intelligence, cybersecurity, computing, and emerging technologies. Faculty and researchers work together to advance educational excellence through research, educator preparation, professional learning, and technology-enabled innovation., With approximately 16,000 employees, the University of South Florida is one of the largest employers in the Tampa Bay area. We are dedicated to cultivating a talented, engaged and driven workforce that strives to be bold. Employees excel in USF’s rich academic environment, which fosters their development and advancement. In 2025, Forbes recognized USF as one of Florida’s best large employers, ranked No. 1 among the state’s 12 public universities. Our first-class benefits package includes medical, dental and life insurance plans, retirement plan options, employee and dependent tuition programs, generous leave, and hundreds of employee perks and discounts. \n About USF \n The University of South Florida is a top-ranked research university serving approximately 50,000 students from across the globe at campuses in Tampa, St. Petersburg, Sarasota-Manatee and USF Health. USF is recognized by U.S. News & World Report as a top 50 public university and the best value in Florida. U.S. News also ranks the USF Health Morsani College of Medicine as the No. 1 medical school in Florida and in the highest tier nationwide. USF is a member of the Association of American Universities (AAU), a group that includes only the top 3% of universities in the U.S. With an all-time high of $738 million in research funding in 2024 and as a top 20 public university for producing U.S. patents, USF uses innovation to transform lives and shape a better future. The university generates an annual economic impact of more than $6 billion. USF’s Division I athletics teams compete in the American Athletic Conference. Learn more at www.usf.edu . \n Compliance and Federal Notices \n This position may be subject to a Level 1 or Level 2 criminal background check. \n Applicants have rights under Federal Employment Laws : \n