Postdoctoral Scholar in Artificial Intelligence and the Future of Education

Shape the Future of Education Through Artificial Intelligence

The University of South Florida (USF) College of Education invites applications for a Postdoctoral Scholar in Artificial Intelligence and the Future of Education. This position offers an exceptional opportunity for an emerging scholar to help advance research and innovation at the intersection of artificial intelligence, teaching, learning, and workforce development.

The successful candidate will join a highly collaborative and interdisciplinary research environment focused on exploring how AI can transform education while ensuring responsible, ethical, and evidence-based implementation. Working closely with College faculty, university partners, educational organizations, and industry collaborators, the Postdoctoral Scholar will develop an independent research agenda while contributing to high-impact research, grant development, and strategic initiatives.

This position is designed to support the transition to an independent research career through structured mentorship in research, scholarly publishing, grant writing, leadership development, and professional engagement.

Appointment Details

Position: Postdoctoral Scholar
Location: Tampa, Florida (On-Campus)
Appointment Length: One-year appointment with the possibility of renewal for a second year, contingent upon satisfactory performance and funding availability
Anticipated Start Date: September 14, 2026
Salary: $52,500-$60,000 annually, commensurate with qualifications and experience

Benefits

USF Postdoctoral Scholars are eligible for a comprehensive benefits package, including:

• Medical, dental, and vision insurance
• Life and disability insurance
• Retirement plans
• Paid time off
• Additional university employee benefits

About the USF College of Education

The USF College of Education prepares educators and educational leaders while conducting research that improves learning and educational outcomes across PK-12 schools, higher education institutions, and community settings.

Recognized for innovation and collaboration, the College is strengthening interdisciplinary partnerships across the university in areas such as artificial intelligence, cybersecurity, computing, and emerging technologies. Faculty and researchers work together to advance educational excellence through research, educator preparation, professional learning, and technology-enabled innovation.

Position Summary

The Postdoctoral Scholar will conduct high-impact research related to artificial intelligence and its implications for the future of education. Responsibilities include developing scholarly publications, contributing to externally funded research proposals, and supporting the translation of research into educational practice through professional learning initiatives applicable to faculty and students in the USF College of Education.

Potential areas of research include:

• AI-supported teaching and learning
• AI literacy and workforce readiness
• Generative AI and large language models (LLMs) applied in educational settings
• Educator productivity enhanced by AI
• Responsible and ethical AI
• Learning analytics and educational data science
• Design, implementation, and evaluation of AI-enabled educational innovations

The scholar will receive mentorship from College faculty and have opportunities to engage in interdisciplinary research collaborations, national conference leadership, grant development, and partnerships that support educational innovation.

Working at USF

With approximately 16,000 employees, the University of South Florida is one of the largest employers in the Tampa Bay area. We are dedicated to cultivating a talented, engaged and driven workforce that strives to be bold. Employees excel in USF‘s rich academic environment, which fosters their development and advancement. In 2025, Forbes recognized USF as one of Florida’s best large employers, ranked No. 1 among the state’s 12 public universities. Our first-class benefits package includes medical, dental and life insurance plans, retirement plan options, employee and dependent tuition programs, generous leave, and hundreds of employee perks and discounts.

About USF 

The University of South Florida is a top-ranked research university serving approximately 50,000 students from across the globe at campuses in Tampa, St. Petersburg, Sarasota-Manatee and USF Health. USF is recognized by U.S. News & World Report as a top 50 public university and the best value in Florida. U.S. News also ranks the USF Health Morsani College of Medicine as the No. 1 medical school in Florida and in the highest tier nationwide. USF is a member of the Association of American Universities (AAU), a group that includes only the top 3% of universities in the U.S. With an all-time high of $738 million in research funding in 2024 and as a top 20 public university for producing U.S. patents, USF uses innovation to transform lives and shape a better future. The university generates an annual economic impact of more than $6 billion. USF’s Division I athletics teams compete in the American Athletic Conference. Learn more at www.usf.edu.

Compliance and Federal Notices

This position may be subject to a Level 1 or Level 2 criminal background check.

Applicants have rights under Federal Employment Laws: 

The University of South Florida is an equal opportunity employer that does not discriminate against any employee or applicant for employment based on any characteristic protected by law.  The University maintains programs for protected veterans and individuals with disabilities in accordance with all applicable federal and state laws.

Family and Medical Leave Act (FMLA)

Applicants for USF employment are entitled to request reasonable accommodation(s) in the application process. A request is to be made at least five (5) working days prior to the time the accommodation(s) is needed. Visit the Central Human Resources ADA Accommodations webpage for more information on requesting an accommodation during the application/interview process.

Equal Employment Opportunity

The University of South Florida is an equal opportunity employer that does not discriminate against any employee or applicant for employment based on any characteristic protected by law.  The University maintains affirmative action programs for protected veterans and individuals with disabilities in accordance with all applicable federal and state laws.  This job description does not constitute an employment contract.