Research Associate - NoRILLA - HCII

Applicants please note: this is an in-person part-time position requiring 16 hours of work per week.

Carnegie Mellon University is a private, global research university that challenges the curious and hardworking to deliver work that matters. Our outstanding institution has distinctive areas of excellence and a culture marked by ambition and a deep, practical engagement with challenges facing society. We continue to produce versatile alumni and draw faculty and staff eager to be a part of the university’s creative, dedicated and close-knit community. We place emphasis on practical problem solving, interdisciplinary learning, a transformative spirit, and collaboration.

NoRILLA is based on research in Human-Computer Interaction at CMU. We are developing a new patented mixed-reality educational system bridging physical and digital worlds to improve children’s STEM learning and enjoyment in a collaborative way. It uses depth camera sensing and computer vision to detect physical objects and provide personalized immediate feedback to children as they experiment and make discoveries in their physical environment.

NoRILLA is being used at many school districts, Carnegie Science Center, Children’s Museum of Atlanta, Please Touch Museum in Philadelphia, Children’s Discovery Museum of San Jose, Muse Knoxville, as well as Boys and Girls Clubs and Head Start programs to reach underserved children. Research with over hundreds of children has shown that it improves children’s learning by 5 times compared to equivalent tablet or computer games. It has been awarded the Mister Rogers Scholarship, Sprout’s EdTech Refinery grant, National Science Foundation (NSF) grants and Innovation Fellowship through the Center for Innovation and Entrepreneurship at CMU to turn our research into a startup to benefit society. It also recently received a Golden Award in Cultivating Curiosity at Reimagine Education.

We are seeking a dedicated research associate who will help manage relationships with schools (e.g., observe classrooms, and provide feedback and mentorship to teachers as needed), and participate in research activities related to our funded research goals.

Core Responsibilities:

• Maintaining relationships with research partner schools.
• Coordinating classroom visit schedules, providing first-line customer service support to teacher and school partners.
• Provide support for teacher professional development.
• Perform classroom observations to provide support to partner teachers and gather data for research project requirements.
• Establish and maintain an online learning community for teachers.
• Build and manage teacher certification program and maintain active records.
• Collect teacher feedback on a yearly basis.
• Perform various tasks related to sponsored research project experiments including proctoring surveys, supporting data collection, and recording classroom observations.
• Disseminate information to support recruitment of additional school partners.
• Collaborate on lesson plan development (as qualified).
• Support preparation efforts for new deployments.

Flexibility, excellence, and passion are vital qualities within Carnegie Mellon University. Inclusion, collaboration and cultural sensitivity are valued competencies at CMU. Therefore, we are in search of a team member who is able to effectively interact with a varied population of internal and external partners at a high level of integrity. We are looking for someone who shares our values and who will support the mission of the university through their work.

Qualifications:

• Bachelor's, Master’s or PhD/EdD degree (can be currently enrolled)
• Previous experience in education roles is preferred, experience with mentoring teachers and/or leading professional development is a plus
• Experience with observational research strongly preferred
• Excellent communication and interpersonal skills
• Ability to empower and inspire teachers and students
• Ability to work collaboratively and adapt to a dynamic and fast-paced environment
• Flexible schedule and ability to go to schools as needed
• Familiarity with research methods and Excel
• Having a car for transportation to schools is preferred
• A combination of education and proven experience from which comparable knowledge is demonstrated may be considered.

Additional Information:

• Sponsorship: Applicants for this position must be currently legally authorized to work for CMU in the United States. CMU will not sponsor or take over sponsorship of an employment visa for this opportunity.

Joining the CMU team opens the door to an array of exceptional benefits available to eligible employees.

Those employees who are benefits eligible have the opportunity to experience the full spectrum of advantages from comprehensive medical, prescription, dental, and vision insurance to an enticing retirement savings program offering a generous employer contribution. You can also unlock your potential with tuition benefits and take well-deserved breaks with ample paid time off and observed holidays. Finally, rest easy knowing you are covered by life and accidental death and disability insurance. 

Other perks include a free Pittsburgh Regional Transit bus pass, our Family Concierge Team to help navigate childcare needs, fitness center access, and so much more!

For a comprehensive overview of the benefits that may be awaiting you, explore our Benefits page.

At Carnegie Mellon, we value the whole package when extending offers of employment. Beyond just credentials, we consider the role and responsibilities, your invaluable work experience, and the knowledge gained through education and training. We acknowledge and appreciate your unique skills and the diverse perspective you bring. Your journey with us is about more than just a job; it’s about finding the perfect fit for your professional growth and personal aspirations.

Are you interested in an exciting opportunity with an exceptional organization?! Apply today!

Location

Pittsburgh, PA

Job Function

Researchers

Position Type

Staff – Fixed Term (Fixed Term)

Full Time/Part time

Part time

Pay Basis

Hourly

More Information: