We are looking for a postdoctoral researcher in educational statistics and measurement for learning analytics, KU Leuven (university of Leuven) & imec
The research group ITEC at KU Leuven (University of Leuven), campus Kulak in Kortrijk, and imec, is looking for a postdoctoral researcher in educational statistics and measurement to carry out strategic basic research that advances the state-of-the-art in learning analytics.
Responsibilities
Through strategic basic research, imec’s Smart Education programme focuses on the targeted use of educational technology in education and training. It focuses on the development and testing of smart technologies (sensors, algorithms, adaptive learning platforms, etc.) that are needed to facilitate interaction and collaboration during the learning process and for the introduction of learning solutions that are customized to the learning goals, the context, the teacher, the population of learners and even the individual learners. To that end, the collection of a variety of data, the data-analysis and the feedback of the resulting information play a central role. The candidate further develops the educational statistics and measurement research line, by developing, evaluating and optimizing methods and techniques and by studying their application primarily within the domain of Smart Education, but also withinother domains such as media and health. This often involves collaboration with companies and researchers across disciplines, particularly in the field of instructional design & effectiveness, including computer-assisted language learning,multilevel statistics & machine learning. In this context, he/she will carryout pioneering research him/herself, co-supervise the other researchers in educational statistics and measurement, actively participate in the recruitment of projects, and publish the results of the research in scientific journals and present them at (inter)national conferences and other meetings.
Profile
The applicant is expected to have:
- A PhD degree in the domain of educational measurement, psychometrics, statistics, learning analytics or related fields.
- Experience with methodologies and techniques for learner modelling such as Item Response Theory, Bayesian Knowledge Tracing, Performance Factory Analysis is considered a strong asset.
- Interest in new developments in learning analytics (e.g., educational data mining).
- An excellent academic track record.
- Strong leadership skills, and the capacity to work both independently and in team.
- Strong written and oral communication skills. Excellent command of English. Knowledge of Dutch is considered an asset.
- A flexible and responsible attitude.
- Experience in (statistical) programming (e.g. R, Python).
- Experience with grant writing is considered an asset.
Offer
In this role you will represent a prestigious research institute that focuses on excellence in research and tries to bring about positive societal effects. You get the opportunity to develop yourself by learning about the EdTech landscape, the (international)network in which we operate (typically the triple helix; social and economic players, the academic world and education) and to contribute to influencing theway education and learning takes place. This position offers independence, the opportunity to work in a stimulating multicultural and multidisciplinary environment with an enthusiastic team and to learn continuously. Your home office is located at the KU Leuven campus Kulak in Kortrijk. We offer a possibly full-time employment (to be discussed) as a postdoc researcher for 1 year, extendible to at least 2 years after a positive evaluation. Given the broad network in which ITEC operates and the growing team, more opportunities beyond these 2 years might become available. In addition to a competitive salary, KU Leuven also offers a number of additional benefits, such as the possibility of flexible working, hospitalisation insurance,eco-vouchers, reimbursement of commuting expenses by public transport, inexpensive meals, a KU Leuven bicycle,…