Postdoctoral position in AI and Professional Competencies - Hiring in process/Finished, not possible to apply

Postdoctoral position in AI and Professional Competencies

The Department of Information Technology holds a leading position in both research and education at all levels. We are currently Uppsala University's third largest department, have around 350 employees, including 120 teachers and 120 PhD students. Approximately 5,000 undergraduate students take one or more courses at the department each year. You can find more information about us on the department of Information Technology website. 

Project description
We are in search of a postdoctoral fellow for a research project regarding the influences Generative AI has on the IT industry and education in Computing. As a postdoctoral fellow you will collaborate with leading researchers in the area and be central to the conduct of the project. You will contribute to advancing the understanding of how Generative AI influences professional competence, students’ learning and how teachers conduct education. We will develop insights and recommendations, through empirical research, that will be a foundation for future education and professional competence in the IT area.

You will work in the following three studies:
1.    Analyze how Generative AI is used and influences people in the IT industry.
2.    Understand the students’ perspectives on, and use of, Generative AI in their education.
3.    Explore teaching methods using Generative AI.

The position is funded by and takes place in the context of the department’s initiative for Joint Strategic Research Activities.

Your work will be essential in the formation of future education and professional competence in the IT area. If you burn to make a difference based on informed understanding of AI and education, apply now!

As a postdoctoral fellow you will have the opportunity to be a part of an inspiring research community at the Vi3-division in the Department of Information Technology. You will work in close collaboration with both local and international research partners, and you will be a member of two exciting research groups: Computing Education Research (UpCERG) and Human, Technology & Organisation (HTO). These research groups represent a broad spectrum of competencies, interests and backgrounds, which creates a dynamic and stimulating work environment, where ideas and innovation flourish. This is a unique opportunity to be a part of a multifaceted research environment and to contribute to game changing research in your area.
Please, don’t self-select out because your experience does not perfectly match the topic of the opening or because of the Swedish perspective of the project. We read all applications looking for potential candidates.

Duties
As a postdoctoral fellow in our research project your main duties will encompass conducting the empirical research in the three studies outlined above. This includes being responsible for planning and conducting interviews, focus group discussions and observations in order to collect valuable data to support the research. You will also have a central role in collaborating with the reference group consisting of AI experts from different divisions at the department and the directors of undergraduate studies at the department.

This postdoctoral position is a 2-year career-development appointment focused on research, and includes teaching (20%). 

Requirements
PhD degree in an area relevant for the position, such as Computer Science, Discipline Based Education Research, Pedagogy, educational science, information systems or human-computer interaction or a foreign degree equivalent to a PhD degree in or similar to above mentioned areas. The degree needs to be obtained by the time of the decision of employment. Those who have obtained a PhD degree three years prior to the application deadline are primarily considered for the employment. The starting point of the three-year frame period is the application deadline. Due to special circumstances, the degree may have been obtained earlier. The three-year period can be extended due to circumstances such as sick leave, parental leave, duties in labour unions, etc.

Documented experience with qualitative research methods, such as interviews, focus groups and site visits, is a requirement. High proficiency in English (spoken and written) is a requirement. 
Consideration will also be given to good collaborative skills, drive and independence. As a person, a successful candidate is motivated, creative, responsible, and has a structured approach.

Additional qualifications
●    High proficiency in written and spoken Swedish.
●    Documented experience with qualitative research studies of humans and technology. 
●    Being highly motivated, creative, responsible, and having a structured approach.

About the employment
The employment is a temporary position of two years according to central collective agreement. Full time position. Starting date April 2024 or as agreed. Placement: Uppsala. 

For further information about the position, please contact: Åsa Cajander (asa.cajander@it.uu.se) and Mats Daniels (mats.daniels@it.uu.se). 

Please submit your application by 18th December 2023, UFV-PA 2023/4203.

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