Graduate Research Assistant and Teaching Assistant Position Available
Project: PRACTICE - Performance Refinement through AI Correction in Technical Writing for Chemical and Electronics Engineering
Description: We are seeking a highly motivated graduate student enrolled at the University of Puerto Rico - Mayagüez (UPRM) to join the PRACTICE project, a two-year pilot initiative funded by the National Science Foundation (NSF) through the Improving Undergraduate STEM Education: Hispanic-Serving Institutions (HSI) Program. This project focuses on enhancing the technical writing skills of engineering students in Puerto Rico through the innovative use of AI-driven feedback systems. The project is a collaboration between the University of Florida and the University of Puerto Rico - Bayamón.
Technical Overview: The graduate student will play a key role in developing and implementing an AI-driven system that provides adaptive, real-time feedback on technical reports. The project integrates advanced NLP, LLM tools, and adaptive learning algorithms to customize feedback based on individual student needs. Additionally, the student will serve as a Teaching Assistant, supporting engineering courses at both UPRM and UPR - Bayamón. Familiarity with engineering courses is essential to effectively assist in both the technical and educational aspects of this project. The successful candidate will contribute to the technical development of these systems, support data analysis, assist in disseminating the project's findings through online courses, workshops, and outreach activities, and provide support in engineering courses as a Teaching Assistant.
Responsibilities:
Collaborate with the project team to develop and refine AI tools for technical writing feedback.
Conduct research on Natural Language Processing and Large Language Models.
Assist in the implementation and testing of the AI-driven feedback system.
Analyze data to evaluate the effectiveness of the system in improving student outcomes.
Support the preparation of project reports, publications, and outreach materials.
Participate in dissemination activities such as webinars and workshops.
Serve as a Teaching Assistant in engineering courses at UPRM and UPR - Bayamón, providing support to faculty and students.
Qualifications:
Enrollment in a graduate program at UPRM in Engineering, Sciences, Computer Science, Applied Linguistics, or a related field.
Familiarity with engineering courses and the ability to assist as a Teaching Assistant.
Strong background in AI, NLP, or LLM technologies.
Experience with programming languages such as Python.
Excellent technical writing and communication skills.
Interest in educational technology and STEM education.
Ability to work independently and as part of a multidisciplinary team.
Compensation and Benefits:
Annual salary of $17,000, plus full coverage of tuition and other fees.
Opportunity to contribute to a high-impact project that enhances STEM education in Puerto Rico.
Hands-on experience with cutting-edge AI and NLP technologies.
Collaboration with a dynamic team of researchers and educators from the University of Florida, UPRM, and UPR - Bayamón.
Potential for co-authorship on publications and presentations.
Flexible working hours and a supportive learning environment.
Participation in a comprehensive mentoring plan designed to develop essential skills for your future career.
Application Process: Interested candidates must be enrolled as graduate students at UPRM. To apply, please submit a CV, and a cover letter detailing your interest and qualifications for the position. Email your application to Dr. Ubaldo M. Córdova-Figueroa at ubaldom.cordova@upr.edu as soon as possible or until a suitable candidate is found.
For more information about the project or the position, feel free to contact Dr. Ubaldo M. Córdova-Figueroa at ubaldom.cordova@upr.edu.
