Postdoctoral Scholar in Artificial Intelligence and the Future of Education

Shape the Future of Education Through Artificial Intelligence

The University of South Florida (USF) College of Education invites applications for a Postdoctoral Scholar in Artificial Intelligence and the Future of Education. This position offers an exceptional opportunity for an emerging scholar to help advance research and innovation at the intersection of artificial intelligence, teaching, learning, and workforce development.

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.

Appointment Details

Position: Postdoctoral Scholar
Location: Tampa, Florida (On-Campus)
Appointment Length: One-year appointment with the possibility of renewal for a second year, contingent upon satisfactory performance and funding availability
Anticipated Start Date: September 14, 2026
Salary: $52,500-$60,000 annually, commensurate with qualifications and experience

Benefits

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

About the USF College of Education

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.

Position Summary

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.

Key Responsibilities

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.

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.

Minimum Qualifications

• 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.

Preferred Qualifications:

• 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.

Application Materials

Applicants should submit the following materials:

1. Curriculum Vitae (CV)
2. Cover Letter describing research interests, experience with artificial intelligence in education, and qualifications for the position
3. Research Statement outlining current and future research interests related to AI and the future of education
4. One or two representative scholarly publications or samples of scholarly work
5. 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.