Research Assistant Professor in Computer Scienc.

Research Assistant Professor in Computer Scienc... The University of Texas at El Paso
• El Paso, TX

Job Description:

The UTEP College of Education invites applications for one Research Assistant Professor (RAP) position in Computer Science (CS) Education Research and Artificial Intelligence (AI) in Education. This position is designed to strengthen the College's growing research portfolio in CS Education (including STEM education, computational thinking, and AI literacy).

Funded by the UT System Regents' Research Excellence Program, this is a full‑time, non‑tenure‑track research faculty position with a three‑year appointment. This is a research‑dedicated position with no required teaching load, though opportunities to teach may be available depending on interests, opportunities, and funding.

The College of Education is in a period of rapid research growth, supported by an expanding infrastructure of research capacity and community partnerships. CS education and AI in education are priority growth areas, aligned with regional workforce needs, national education initiatives, and UTEP's mission.

UTEP serves a predominantly Hispanic, first‑generation, and low‑income student population. The UTEP College of Education has already established itself as a national leader in work that advances educational equity, workforce preparation, and broadening participation in computing. The RAP in CS and AI Education Research will have the opportunity to contribute immediately to advancing research and programming related to CS education in K‑12 schools, districts, and community organizations, particularly in areas related to:

• K-12 computer science education pathways
• Artificial intelligence literacy and pedagogy
• Teacher professional development and professional learning communities
• Culturally responsive and community‑centered computing
• Use‑inspired and policy‑relevant CS education research

• Develop a sustainable, externally funded research agenda in computer science education and/or AI in education
• Produce high‑impact scholarly publications in peer‑reviewed journals and top‑tier national conferences
• Secure and contribute to external research and programmatic funding
• Collaborate with K‑12 school districts, educators, and community partners
• Translate research findings into actionable insights that inform instructional practice, professional development, and educational policy
• Contribute to interdisciplinary research teams within the College of Education and across the university.
• Provide research mentorship and support to graduate students, postdoctoral scholars, and affiliated project faculty and staff

• Earned doctorate (. or equivalent) in Computer Science Education, Learning Sciences, Curriculum & Instruction, Educational Technology, or a closely related field by the time of appointment
• Demonstrated research expertise in computer science education and/or artificial intelligence in education
• Demonstrated expertise in programming operations/implementation for computer science education and/or artificial intelligence in education
• Evidence of strong peer‑reviewed publications and potential for scholarly productivity
• Experience with qualitative, quantitative, and/or mixed‑methods research designs
• Demonstrated ability to collaborate effectively with educators and community partners
• Experience with externally funded research or proposal development
• Demonstrated leadership in K‑12 teacher professional development and professional learning communities

• A scholar with a strong publication record in computer science education, AI literacy, and culturally responsive pedagogy
• Expertise in K‑12 CS or AI teacher professional development
• Active engagement in national CS education research communities
• Record of scholarship focused on equity, access, and broadening participation in computing
• Familiarity with STEM education in Hispanic‑Serving Institutions or border‑region contexts
• Experience conducting funded research in collaboration with school districts