AI Researcher-in-Residence

AI Researcher-in-Residence (Post-Doctoral Fellowship) for a 100+ employee (and growing) remote education non-profit providing professional learning to K-12 educators nationally
FLSA Classification: Exempt, SalariedCategory: Full-time (Post-Doctoral Fellowship)Note: We envision a fellow would join for 18-24 months, but are open to being flexible with the timeframe of the fellowship for the right candidate.Starting Salary: $75,000Reports to: Chief Operating OfficerSupervises: Often supervises consultants and leads academic partnerships
Teaching Lab is an equal-opportunity employer committed to reflecting the diversity of the students we serve. We pursue equity as both a means and an end and enthusiastically welcome candidates of all backgrounds to apply for this role.
WHO WE ARETeaching Lab Studio incubates high-impact ideas made possible by the dramatic progress in generative AI. We believe that AI-enabled supports and tools can unlock the potential of both educators and learners in ways that haven’t been imagined, especially for those furthest from opportunity. To learn more about Teaching Lab Studio, explore our website at https://www.teachinglabstudio.com.
SUMMARY OF POSITIONThe Teaching Lab Studio seeks to invent, test and productize innovations that dramatically improve how young people learn, make teaching better, and create greater instructional coherence. The AI Researcher Fellow seeks a post-doctoral candidate to support the overall technology and research strategy in line with the organization’s vision, mission, and strategic objectives by developing the Studio’s overall AI research strategies, engaging in A/B testing with internal product owners, and forming and managing external research partnerships. In addition, this position allows for opportunities to engage in academic research that might be formally and informally published.

DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES

• Primary responsibilities for the AI Researcher-in-Residence include:


• AI Research Vision
• With Studio leadership, develop the Studio’s overall AI research strategies in pursuit of instructional coherence and educational equity, for example: Set and lead strategy for short cycles of formative research for programmatic innovations (e.g., A/B testing); Lead and disseminate analysis of results from short cycles of formative research for programmatic innovation
• Engage with internal and external researchers and/or the Learning & Research function to collect data on early indicators of impact of organization’s portfolio of products
• Support the Studio vision for and/or manage the integration of UI/UX into product development; iterate through user feedback data
• Support the Studio vision for and/or manage the integration of AI into product development; iterate through user feedback data
• In collaboration with the Head of Product, support the creation of tools to enable stronger product development for the organization’s portfolio of products
• With Studio leadership, inform the technical research and development budget for the organization in collaboration with Teaching Lab Studio leadership and the Finance department and accurately manage the total cost of ownership based on actual and forecasted expenses


• Research Leadership
• With Studio leadership, support partnerships with external researchers


• Cross-Functional Collaboration
• With the broader leadership team, iterate on the optimal infrastructure of the Innovation Studio to support entrepreneurs and researchers to innovate and improve their products once they’ve joined the Studio
• Learn from and infuse Teaching Lab programmatic practices or ideas into the Studio


• Continuous Learning
• Stay abreast of key research and guidance in the field, attend learning experiences to build skills and competencies in innovation, AI, product development, project design, fundraising, and other relevant areas
• Engage in personal and organized learning opportunities as a team member at an organization which champions racial equity and centers anti-racism
• Create and deliver training to other team members on core skills or competencies within the Head of Engineering, Innovation Lab role which is also transferable and critical for other roles.


• Perform other duties as assigned by the Chief Operating Officer and/or Executive Team.

STRATEGIC OBJECTIVES AND KEY SUCCESS INDICATORS (KSIs)

• The AI Researcher-in-Residence is accountable for achieving goals set in collaboration with their manager, aligned with Teaching Lab’s Annual Goals, and especially, Key Success Indicators (KSI) for their function specific goals.


• As applicable, within the role, model the radical commitments for our values.

ESSENTIAL QUALIFICATIONS

• College degree in Artificial Intelligence, Machine Learning, Education, Computer Science, or a related field
• Minimum of two (2) years of experience in AI research, including experience with AI applications in education or learning environments
• Demonstrated success in developing and implementing research strategies in alignment with organizational goals, particularly within educational technology or product development
• Proven expertise in designing, conducting, and analyzing A/B tests and other formative research methodologies
• Strong analytical skills, with the ability to interpret complex data and effectively communicate findings to both technical and non-technical audiences
• Experience with cross-functional collaboration, particularly with product development teams, including familiarity with UI/UX principles and user-centered design
• Knowledge of data collection methods and tools commonly used in educational research and program evaluation
• Prior experience in developing and iterating AI-driven products, ideally with exposure to integrating user feedback for continuous improvement
• Strong network within the AI or educational research community, including experience with academic partnerships or grant-funded research
• Ability to create and deliver training materials on AI, innovation, or research methodologies to support internal knowledge sharing and skill-building
• Hands-on experience with relevant AI frameworks and programming languages (e.g., Python, TensorFlow, PyTorch)
• Demonstrated commitment to continuous learning, particularly in areas relevant to AI, educational technology, product design, or innovation practices
• Strong communication skills and ability to lead external partnerships and academic collaborations
• Commitment to racial equity, educational equity, and anti-racism, with experience integrating these values into research and development work

DESIRED QUALIFICATIONS

• Advanced degree (Ph.D. or Master’s) in Artificial Intelligence, Machine Learning, Education, Computer Science, or a related field
• Knowledge of budget management and forecasting in relation to research and product development initiatives
• Experience in a leadership role within an innovation lab, educational technology studio, or similar research and development environment
• Familiarity with instructional design and pedagogical approaches, particularly within K-12 education settings

WORKING CONDITIONS AND REQUIREMENTS

• Ability to work a flexible schedule to support operational needs
• Ability to perform the essential project, duties and responsibilities with or without accommodation
• All team members are expected to support program/project needs which could mean that you play multiple roles at Teaching Lab Ventures (i.e., project lead, support, subject matter expert, etc.).
• Travel could be required for the role. Travel is determined based on business needs and can vary depending on partnership/contract requirements.

TEACHING LAB’S VALUES AND COMPETENCIES

• Teaching Lab seeks to fundamentally shift the paradigm of teacher professional learning by reaching more educators every year with the highest impact programming.

Teaching Lab’s ultimate goals are:
• Educators learn more than they would without us
• Students learn more than they would without us, in a way that cannot be predicted by race, gender, or family income
• Educators we serve say they love our approach, and they want to keep doing it to advance educational equity

All employees are expected to embrace Teaching Lab Values, which are necessary to develop Teaching Lab Competencies, which help us to achieve our Ultimate Goals.
• Collaboration & Responsive Service
• Resilient Solution-Finding
• Research & Learning With Humility
• Accountable Excellence
• Equity & Justice

REVIEW DATE

• This position opened on December 5, 2024 and will remain open until filled. All applications received between December 5, 2024 and December 20, 2024 will be reviewed by the hiring team. Any applications received after December 20, 2024 will be reviewed as needed.

Application Terms & Conditions:I understand that any falsification or omission of information from this Employment Application can disqualify me from employment (includes rescinding an offer of employment or if hired, employment termination).
I understand that this Employment Application is not an offer of employment. If employed, employment is at will, and either party can terminate the employment relationship at any time.
I understand that if I am offered a conditional offer of employment, it would be contingent upon successful pre-work checks, which include references and verifications/checks for a social security number, education, employment, criminal records search (national and county), global watch list, and sex offender status. Depending on a specific partnership/contract requirement, the criminal background check process could include fingerprinting. At Teaching Lab’s discretion and with an individual’s signed consent, other checks could be completed based on the nature of the position. Moreover, I understand that Teaching Lab participates in a background monitoring service that provides updates for criminal records and sex offender status.
I understand that if I am offered and accept an offer of employment, I will be required to complete an Employment Eligibility Verification Form (I-9), and provide supporting documents within three days of my hire date. Non-compliance will result in termination of employment. Teaching Lab participates in E-Verify and will provide the federal government with your Form I-9 information to confirm that you are authorized to work in the U.S. If E-Verify cannot confirm that you are authorized to work, Teaching Lab is required to give you written instructions and an opportunity to contact the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) or Social Security Administration (SSA) so you can begin to resolve the issue before any action is taken against you, including terminating your employment. Teaching Lab can only use E-Verify once you have accepted a job offer and completed the Form I-9. EVerify and Right to Work posters.
I understand that if I am offered and accept an offer of employment, if I have a need for an accommodation related to a disabling (medical) condition that the request must be communicated to People & Culture for review and approval. All requests will be considered as part of the Americans with Disabilities Interactive Process.
I understand that if I am offered and accept an offer of employment, Teaching Lab has an expectation to be the primary employer for all employees. Specifically, having another full-time employer in addition to full-time employment at Teaching Lab is not permitted, and no other employment or outside contracting relationship of any kind is permitted unless otherwise disclosed on the Outside Work Disclosure form and approved by the Chief Executive Officer (CEO). Employees who are found in violation of this expectation will be subject to disciplinary action up to and including separation from employment.I understand that if I am offered and accept an offer of employment, I must undergo a 90 day introductory period. During this time, appropriateness for the role and performance are evaluated. At the end of the 90 day introductory period, Teaching Lab and/or the employee can end the employment relationship at will.
Teaching Lab has a payroll direct deposit program. I understand that if I am employed, I am not required to enroll in Teaching Lab’s payroll direct deposit program, and I would be paid via a paper check.
I understand that if I am employed, all work materials/resources that are provided by Teaching Lab are considered property of Teaching Lab, and are solely for the use of work for Teaching Lab.
I understand that if I am employed, I will be required to sign acknowledgment of receipt and abide by all policies and procedures, requirements, and expectations as outlined in the Employee Handbook.
In relation to the position that I am applying for, I voluntarily give Teaching Lab consent to make a thorough investigation of my background, and release from liability all parties in connection with the supply and use of such information.
We retain personal data for one year from receipt to fulfill the purposes for which it was collected. The submission of my application serves as acknowledgment and agreement to the above terms and conditions.