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- Tasks: Develop statistical methods for monitoring online educational testing data and publish findings.
- Company: Join Lancaster University, a top-ranked institution known for outstanding research impact.
- Benefits: Enjoy high-performance computing resources, expert supervision, and a supportive work environment.
- Why this job: Be part of a cutting-edge project in AI and education, making a real impact on fairness.
- Qualifications: PhD in statistics or related field, strong programming skills, and a passion for research.
- Other info: Located in a friendly, affordable city with great transport links and a commitment to diversity.
The predicted salary is between 28800 - 48000 £ per year.
Lancaster University/Lancaster University\’s School of Mathematical Sciences is seeking to appoint a Senior Research Associate for the Responsible AI in Modern Online Educational Testing project. This is a full-time post with funding for 12 months. We would like someone that can start as early as possible. The Duolingo English Test (DET) (https://englishtest.duolingo.com/applicants) is an AI-powered, fully online and adaptive English-language assessment that hundreds of thousands of learners use each year. This project is centred around the fairness and quality control of their testing platform by developing statistical methods that continuously monitor exam data to detect suspected behaviour. You will help build a change-point detection framework that can distinguish between genuine changes, like evolving question difficulty or new cohorts of test-takers, and the anomalous spikes that signal potential compromise. You will have access to anonymized item-response data and Duolingo\’s adaptive-testing platform, ensuring that our methods are both sound and scalable. Lancaster University will provide dedicated high-performance computing resources and expert supervision from faculty with strengths in statistics, machine learning and psychometrics. Your findings are expected be published in top-tier journals and presented at international conferences. Role responsibilities As part of this funded project, you will be responsible for:
- Developing change-point detection methodology for computerised adaptive testing data
- Developing code that implements the methods developed in a way which supports reproducible research practice.
- Writing up the research findings for journal publication and international conference presentations
We are keen to hear from candidates who have:
- a PhD in statistics or a closely related field
- experience of latent variable modelling, categorical data analysis, streaming data, log-file data analysis, change-point detection
- demonstrable ability to publish, including the ability to produce high-quality academic writing
- strong computing skills, including programming in python/R/C or equivalent languages.
- motivation, passion and resilience to ensure the robustness of the project\’s results.
This research project is located within the School of Mathematical Sciences at Lancaster University. In the most recent REF evaluation (REF 2021), 100% of our research impact was ranked \”outstanding\” (joint 1^st in the UK). Find out more about the department here: https://www.lancaster.ac.uk/maths/.
Lancaster is a friendly, affordable city in North-West England. We\’re within two hours\’ travel of most major UK cities and surrounded by scenic mountains and coastline., Find out what it\’s like to work at Lancaster University, including information on our wide range of employee benefits, support networks and our policies and facilities for a family-friendly workplace. The University recognises and celebrates good employment practice undertaken to address all inequality in higher education whilst promoting the importance and wellbeing for all our colleagues. We warmly welcome applicants from all sections of the community regardless of their age, religion, gender identity or expression, race, disability or sexual orientation, and are committed to promoting diversity, and equality of opportunity. Share
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Senior Research Associate: Statistics employer: Lancaster University
Contact Detail:
Lancaster University Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Senior Research Associate: Statistics
✨Tip Number 1
Familiarise yourself with the latest advancements in change-point detection methodologies. Understanding current trends and techniques will not only enhance your knowledge but also demonstrate your commitment to the field during discussions.
✨Tip Number 2
Engage with the academic community by attending relevant conferences or webinars. Networking with professionals in statistics and AI can provide insights into the role and may even lead to valuable connections that could support your application.
✨Tip Number 3
Showcase your programming skills by contributing to open-source projects or developing your own tools related to statistical analysis. This practical experience can set you apart and highlight your ability to implement reproducible research practices.
✨Tip Number 4
Prepare to discuss your previous research experiences in detail, especially those involving latent variable modelling and categorical data analysis. Being able to articulate your past work will demonstrate your expertise and readiness for this role.
We think you need these skills to ace Senior Research Associate: Statistics
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your CV: Make sure your CV highlights your PhD in statistics or a closely related field, along with any relevant experience in latent variable modelling and change-point detection. Use specific examples to demonstrate your skills.
Craft a Strong Cover Letter: In your cover letter, express your motivation for the role and how your background aligns with the responsibilities of developing change-point detection methodology. Mention your passion for research and your ability to publish high-quality academic work.
Showcase Your Technical Skills: Clearly outline your computing skills, especially your proficiency in programming languages like Python, R, or C. Provide examples of projects where you have implemented statistical methods or developed reproducible research practices.
Highlight Your Research Impact: If you have previous publications or conference presentations, mention them in your application. This will demonstrate your ability to contribute to top-tier journals and international conferences, which is a key aspect of the role.
How to prepare for a job interview at Lancaster University
✨Showcase Your Statistical Expertise
Be prepared to discuss your experience with statistical methods, particularly in change-point detection and latent variable modelling. Highlight specific projects where you've applied these techniques, as this will demonstrate your capability for the role.
✨Demonstrate Programming Proficiency
Since strong computing skills are essential, be ready to talk about your programming experience in Python, R, or similar languages. Consider bringing examples of code you've written or projects you've completed that showcase your ability to implement statistical methods effectively.
✨Prepare for Research Publication Discussion
Expect questions about your previous publications and your writing process. Be ready to discuss how you approach writing research papers and any experiences you have with presenting at conferences, as this is a key part of the role.
✨Express Your Passion for Responsible AI
Convey your motivation and passion for the project, especially regarding fairness and quality control in educational testing. Discuss why this area interests you and how you see your work contributing to the field of Responsible AI.
