Research assistant (f/m/d) for a PhD in the field of AI for processing and analyzing text-based data in education

DIPF | Leibniz Institute for Research and Information in Education contributes to addressing challenges in education through empirical research, digital infrastructure and knowledge transfer. At its locations in Frankfurt am Main and Berlin, DIPF develops and documents knowledge about education and thus supports science, politics and practice.

The Educational Technologies unit is looking for:

A research assistant for a PhD in the field of AI for processing and analyzing text-based data in education

• Full-time, temporary for 3 years, salary according to EG 13 of the collective agreement for the public service of the state of Hesse (TV-H)

The place of employment is Frankfurt am Main. We offer intensive supervision and a wide range of further training opportunities (participation in the DIPF's coordinated doctoral program, colloquia, workshops).

Your tasks

• Processing and analyzing text-based data from learning management systems, assessment systems and qualitative data sources such as interview transcripts
• Implementation, further development and adaptation of AI models and research prototypes for the annotation and scoring of text data, in particular for the optimization of AI-supported teaching and learning in school and university contexts
• Participation in scientific conferences, organization of workshops as well as giving lectures and scientific publications
• Developing your own scientific research question and independent research activities in the field of AI in education and learning analytics with the aim of obtaining a doctorate
• Teaching or supervising students' final theses

Requirements

• Good to very good academic degree (Master's) in computer science, mathematics, data science, computational linguistics, cognitive science or a related discipline
• Sound programming knowledge in Python and TypeScript/JavaScript; experience in other relevant programming languages such as R, Java, C#, Rust or C++ is a great advantage
• First experience in the development of AI models with relevant frameworks such as PyTorch, Huggingface Transformers, llama.cpp, Scikit-learn, Pandas and/or Numpy
• First experience with SQL databases such as PostgreSQL or MS SQL, as well as with text and vector search engines such as Elasticsearch, Solr and/or Quadrant
• First experience in modern web development with relevant frameworks such as Django, FastAPI, React, Vue3 and/or Svelte
• First experience with version management systems such as Git
• Previous experience with or willingness to quickly familiarize yourself with basic pedagogical and psychological theories
• Willingness for in-depth familiarization with learning analytics and AI in education
• Very good English language skills (spoken and written)
• Good German language skills (spoken and written) or willingness to acquire these during the course of employment 
• First experiences in academic writing and presenting

We expect a high degree of initiative and intrinsic motivation, a love of reading and great pleasure in creative problem solving using the latest technologies. We expect personal commitment, independent and results-oriented work, the ability to work in a team, social skills and the ability to collaborate across disciplines on an equal footing.

We offer you a demanding and challenging work environment and a broad network in research and practice, as well as access to the GRADE continuing education program at Goethe University. We also offer you a varied and creative job in an interdisciplinary team with a pleasant working atmosphere and many opportunities to contribute and realize your own innovative ideas. You will have the opportunity to focus on the practical implementation and research of new technologies and possibilities of digitally supported teaching and learning in large and small projects.

Flexible working hours and a daycare center at the DIPF provide good conditions for balancing work and family life. Mobile working within Germany is also possible after consultation with superiors. It is possible to purchase a discounted Jobticket Germany.

The DIPF is certified with the audit berufundfamilie+vielfalt seal, promotes equality for all employees and welcomes applications regardless of ethnic, cultural or social origin, age, religion, ideology, disability, gender and sexual identity. Severely disabled people are given special consideration if they are equally suitable. A reduction in working hours is generally possible, taking into account the interests of the company. As women are underrepresented in the field of IT, applications from women are particularly welcome.

For more information about the position, please contact Prof. Dr. Hendrik Drachsler at e-mail address h.drachsler(at)dipf.de . Please send your written application with the usual documents in electronic form and summarized in a pdf document, quoting reference no. IZB 5081-25-01 by 07.05.2025 an:

Prof. Dr. Hendrik Drachsler, Head of unit Educational Technologies

bewerbung-tba(at)dipf.de

DIPF | Leibniz Institute for Research and Information in Education

Rostocker Straße 6, 60323 Frankfurt am Main, Germany

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