Job Description

The Centre for Holistic Inquiry into Lifelong Learning (CHILL) invites applications for the position of Research Fellow in AI and Educational Technology. Working under the supervision of A/Prof Suranga Nanayakkara, the Research Fellow will lead the technical team responsible for developing and deploying AI-powered educational platforms, while collaborating closely with the wider research team on study design, research planning, and evaluation. The role sits at the intersection of applied AI engineering, HCI research, and educational technology, and requires someone equally comfortable in technical leadership and research discourse.

Key Responsibilities

• Lead and manage a team of AI/Research Engineers, providing technical direction, prioritisation, and mentorship
• Collaborate with the pedagogical research team on research design and study planning, with particular responsibility for assessing and communicating technical feasibility
• Drive the technical implementation roadmap for AI-powered educational systems, ensuring alignment with research goals and deployment requirements
• Maintain hands-on involvement in system architecture, AI pipeline development, and platform development
• Serve as the primary bridge between the technical team and research stakeholders, translating between implementation realities and research requirements
• Lead and contribute to publication activities at top HCI, AI, and computer science education venues
• Evaluate and introduce emerging AI methods relevant to the team's research agenda

Qualifications

• PhD in Computer Science, Artificial Intelligence, Human-Computer Interaction, or a related field
• Strong technical background preferably in AI/ML, with understanding of and interest in generative AI approaches (LLMs, multimodal systems)
• Proficiency in Python; experience with React-based web platform development (Next.js or equivalent)
• Demonstrated experience leading or coordinating technical teams, projects, or research initiatives
• Proven ability to contribute to research design, write research protocols, and assess technical feasibility in collaborative settings
• Track record of publication at HCI, AI, or educational technology venues
• Excellent communication and interpersonal skills; able to work across technical and non-technical stakeholders within a multidisciplinary team
• Maintains up-to-date knowledge of AI tools and methodologies for research and development work