Student Teaching Assistant, Research, AI, Data Innovations, and New Technologies (RADIANT)
Company Description
The University of Notre Dame is more than a workplace! We are a vibrant, mission-driven community where every employee is valued and supported. Rooted in a tradition of excellence and inspired by our Catholic character, Notre Dame is committed to fostering an environment of care that nurtures the whole person-mind, body, and spirit. Here, you will find a deep sense of belonging, a culture that prioritizes well-being, and the opportunity to grow your career while being a force for good in the world. Whether contributing to world-class research, shaping the student experience, or supporting the University's mission in other ways, you will be part of a dedicated team working to make a meaningful impact on campus and beyond. At Notre Dame, your work matters, and so do you!
Job Description
Imagine spending a summer at the University of Notre Dame, shaping the minds of the most accomplished, intellectually fearless, and mission-driven high school students in the country. This isn't just an aspiration; it is the reality of being a RADIANT Teaching Assistant.
RADIANT (Research, AI, Data Innovation, and New Technologies) is one of six prestigious seminars within Notre Dame's Leadership Seminars program-a 10-day, fully funded residential experience that draws elite applicants from across the globe. With tuition, housing, and meals covered by the University, the program attracts students who are deeply committed to being here. Consequently, the competition to earn a seat is extraordinary.
Meet Your Future Students:
The 2026 RADIANT cohort was selected from 634 applicants, resulting in an admission rate of under 5%. This makes it one of the most selective pre-college programs in the United States. Even within the flagship Leadership Seminars program-which received nearly 3,000 applications with an overall admission rate of 6.5%-RADIANT stands out for its exclusivity.
A Snapshot of the 2026 Cohort:
- Cohort Size: 30 Students
- Admission Rate: Under 5%
- Academic Standing: ~80% with SAT 1500+ / ACT 33+
- Geographic Diversity: 20+ States & 6 Countries represented
- International Presence: 20% International Students
- First-Gen Representation: 17% First-Generation College Students
Academically, these students are exceptional. Their test scores typically cluster between 1500-1590 (SAT) and 33-36 (ACT). They represent competitive magnet academies, prep schools, and public institutions from New Jersey to South Korea, and Texas to Ukraine. Beyond their resumes, these students demonstrate the character, curiosity, and commitment to the common good that Notre Dame holds dear.
In short: your students won't just be smart; they will be driven, inquisitive, and ready to engage with the world's most pressing ideas.
About the RADIANT Program:
RADIANT is a 10-day, hands-on immersion into AI, data science, and machine learning, led by premier Notre Dame faculty from the Lucy Family Institute for Data & Society.
Students begin with the foundations of R programming, data visualization, and analytics, learning to transform raw data into actionable insights. They tackle real-world projects-tracking misinformation, analyzing climate change data, and building machine learning models-before advancing into GIS (Geographic Information Systems), network analysis, and responsible technology.
The program culminates in a Capstone Project, where student teams apply their skills to solve a genuine global challenge and present their findings. It is a rigorous, collaborative, and energizing environment where a great TA can leave a lasting impact.
RADIANT is led by Associate Prof. Sugana Chawla and Prof. Valentina Kuskova, scholars who combine deep technical expertise with a passion for mentorship. As a TA, you will work alongside them as a genuine partner in the learning experience.
Position Details:
- Program Dates: July 18-29, 2026 (10 days, residential)
- Undergraduate Option (Summer Internship): Approximately 8 weeks (June 1 - July 29, 2026). Includes preparation and program delivery.
- Graduate Student Option (Short-term Employment): Approximately 3 weeks (July 7-29, 2026). Includes preparation and program delivery.
- Location: University of Notre Dame, Notre Dame, Indiana (On-campus; residential for undergraduate interns if needed).
Your Responsibilities:
Before the Program Begins
- Curriculum Mastery: Review and familiarize yourself with RADIANT course materials, datasets, and R programming exercises.
- Instructional Support: Assist faculty in preparing lesson plans, coding labs, and real-world project materials.
- Logistics: Coordinate with the Pre-College Programs office on administrative and logistical needs.
- Training: Complete all required University onboarding and training sessions.
During the 10-Day Program
- Instructional Support: Provide real-time assistance during R programming sessions, data visualization labs, and AI/ML workshops.
- Mentorship: Guide student teams as they navigate hands-on projects involving misinformation analysis, climate data, and predictive modeling.
- Technical Facilitation: Help students debug code, clarify complex concepts, and maintain high engagement during collaborative work sessions.
- Supervision: Partner with program staff to supervise residential and recreational activities.
- Capstone Coaching: Guide students through the capstone process, from initial scoping to final presentations.
- Role Modeling: Serve as an academic and professional mentor, sharing your unique experiences with students beginning their own journeys.
Throughout the Experience
- Culture Building: Maintain a safe, inclusive, and intellectually stimulating environment for all 30 students.
- Communication: Maintain proactive, clear communication with faculty directors and program staff.
- University Mission: Uphold the mission of the University of Notre Dame and the standards of the Pre-College Programs office.
Qualifications
Required Qualifications
- Current undergraduate or graduate ND, Saint Mary's, Holy Cross students, or degree seeking students at other U.S. institutions
- Demonstrated proficiency in R, Python, or another data science language
- Familiarity with data visualization, statistical analysis, or machine learning concepts
- Genuine enthusiasm for working with high-achieving high school students
- Strong communication, mentoring, and interpersonal skills
- Ability to commit to the full program duration
Preferred Qualifications
- Experience with GIS, AI/ML tools, or natural language processing
- Prior teaching, tutoring, or youth mentorship experience
- Coursework or research in data science, statistics, computer science, or a related field
- Familiarity with Notre Dame's mission and values
Additional Information
The University of Notre Dame seeks to attract, develop, and retain the highest quality faculty, staff and administration. The University is an Equal Opportunity Employer, and does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, national or ethnic origin, sex, disability, veteran status, genetic information, or age in employment. Moreover, Notre Dame prohibits discrimination against veterans or disabled qualified individuals, and complies with 41 CFR 60-741.5(a) and 41 CFR 60-300.5(a). We strongly encourage applications from candidates attracted to a university with a Catholic identity.
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