Applied AI Scholar in Residence

Description

The Applied AI Scholar in Residence is a graduate student residency position designed to apply advanced technical skills and AI knowledge to applied industry problems in fields served by our technical colleges. Residents work with the Applied AI Lab team, startups and entrepreneurs, business and industry, and higher education and ecosystem partners to develop novel real-world products and research while gaining valuable teaching and industry experience.

This position applies graduate knowledge to workforce development in artificial intelligence, software, robotics, and data science.

ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES

This position description should not be interpreted as all inclusive. It is intended to identify the major responsibilities and requirements of the job. The incumbents may be requested to perform job-related responsibilities and tasks other than those stated on this description.

• Applied AI Projects (60% of time)
• Support industry projects for external clients from scoping to design to full prototype.
• Collaborate with industry partners on projects, including pitching ideas and solutions based on an understanding of their business.
• Design and develop internal projects in the lab that demonstrate real-world AI use cases.
• Provide technical support for lab equipment and software platforms.
• Teaching and Instruction (30% of time)
• Co-teach AI-related workshops and training sessions on-site at WCTC and off-site in industries and organizations, delivering hands‑on instruction across core AI topics such as:
  • Machine learning and NLP fundamentals, including evaluation metrics, model deployment, and applications like text classification and summarization
  • Generative AI and agentic systems, including prompt engineering, fine‑tuning, LLM use, and frameworks like Lang Chain and Auto Gen
  • Vector databases and retrieval‑augmented generation (RAG), and responsible AI practices such as bias detection and safe deployment
  • Teach using modern tools and platforms such as Python, PyTorch, Hugging Face, Lang Chain, Tensor Flow, and the OpenAI API, applying active learning strategies suited to a range of learner backgrounds.
  • Collaborate with the Applied AI Lab Executive Director to review, refine, and suggest new curriculum reflecting current trends in the AI ecosystem.
  • Develop and deliver guest lectures on specialized AI topics, and create and update instructional materials such as presentations and handouts.
  • Participate in meetings with WCTC faculty and staff upon request.
  • Contribute to articles, case studies, and use cases.
• Professional Development (10% of time)
• Participate in industry networking events and professional conferences.
• Engage in collaborative meetings with the lab, internal and external partners, and WCTC faculty and staff.
• Complete program evaluation activities and provide regular progress reports.

REQUIRED KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS, AND ABILITIES:

• Collaboration and Communication
• Technical Skills
• Professional Skills

• Currently enrolled in a master's or PhD program in computer science, engineering, artificial intelligence, mathematics, or a closely related technical field
• Good academic standing with minimum 3.0 GPA
• Completion of coursework that involves heavy use of code and software for your core field
• Completion of core coursework in AI, machine learning, robotics, engineering, mathematics, or data science

• Previous teaching, tutoring, or training experience
• Industry internship or work experience in AI, software, data science, robotics, or a similarly technical field
• Research experience with publications or presentations
• Experience with project management
• A portfolio of technical projects and examples of previous technical work

• 15 hours per week over a 15-week semester
• Minimum one full day per week on‑site at WCTC
• Flexible scheduling to accommodate teaching, lab work, and school work
• Participation in program orientation and evaluation activities

• Master's Students:…