As a postdoc researcher, you will play a crucial role in the EYE-TEACH project (HORIZON 2020). The EYE-TEACH project aims to integrate artificial intelligence (AI) and eye-tracking technology (ET) to transform educational practices and empower European teachers with new pedagogical skills for assessing and supporting their students’ reading comprehension. The EYE-TEACH project consists of six work packages that structure the research work. As a postdoc researcher, you will be actively involved in work packages 1 and 3. WP1 will investigate how human and artificial intelligence can complement each other, focusing on teachers’ needs and acceptance of AI tools, their readiness and ability to use these tools, and how they act on and interpret the feedback provided by AI. WP2 will identify and test relevant eye movement measures to detect learning processes, which will be used by WP3 in developing AI algorithms and technical solutions (pilot system) to diagnose learning processes. Within the EYE-TEACH project, you will also work closely with international partners and be part of a network of both academic and non-academic partners.

You will join the department of ‘Online Learning and Instruction’. Our department’s research focuses on students and their learning processes, often in online environments. Specifically, we investigate how learning materials should be designed to optimally promote information retention, aligning with students’ needs and prior knowledge. Additionally, we study learning strategies that enable students to process learning material efficiently and effectively. We also focus on further professionalizing teachers regarding effective didactics. Finally, we design reliable assessments to measure their acquired competencies, focusing on cognitive, metacognitive, perceptual, and behavioral learning processes. We use process-tracing techniques such as eye-tracking, learning analytics, and verbal reports, with a focus on authentic learning situations.

Requirements

• You have a PhD in the field of Educational Sciences, Education, Psychology, Computer Science, or a related field;
• You have affinity with and/or strong interest in research on reading processes, eye tracking, artificial intelligence, feedback, or assessment;
• You have experience with advanced statistical analysis such as mixed effects models, time series analysis and machine learning;
• • You have an affinity with a programming language commonly used for machine learning, such as Python;
• You have demonstrable research skills with peer-reviewed publications in international journals;
• You have excellent written and spoken English proficiency;
• You have the ability to work independently, strong personal commitment, teamwork and collaboration skills, administrative skills, creativity, and determination.

Fixed-term contract: for a duration of 3 years (start date as soon as possible - 31/12/2027).

Salary

The salary is determined according to salary scale 11 of Appendix A of the CAO Dutch Universities and based on experience, amounts to a minimum of  € 4.537,- and a maximum of € 6.209,- amounts gross per month for a full-time position.

Location

The location is Heerlen, with the aim of being present at the university in Heerlen at least two days a week and working from another location up to three days a week.

Open Universiteit

Online studying throughout the Netherlands and Flanders

The Open University (OU) is the part-time university of the Netherlands. Students follow online active education, and disciplinary research is conducted within various scientific fields. Students can pursue university bachelor’s and master’s degrees in seven disciplines. The characteristics of the education are openness, flexibility, and quality. There is a strong focus on improving student success. The OU has over 17,000 students and more than 850 employees. The OU has 16 study centers in the Netherlands and Belgium. The main campus is located in Heerlen.

The latest technologies and educational insights are applied in both bachelor’s and master’s programs and courses, as well as in projects and programs with partners. Nationally and internationally, the OU plays an important role in innovation of higher education. The education is intertwined with research, ensuring that the current state of science is incorporated. The OU in research on learning, teaching, and technology.

Satisfied students

In the Nationale Studenten Enquête (NSE), Keuzegids Universiteiten (comparison of student and expert evaluations for bachelor’s programs of the fourteen universities), and Keuzegids Masters, the OU has consistently ranked high among the fourteen Dutch universities. Moreover, all programs are highly ranked in the university rankings for the respective fields of study.

Information

Further information about the position can be obtained from Dr. Leen Catrysse (leen.catrysse@ou.nl), Prof. Dr. Halszka Jarodzka (Halszka.Jarodzka@ou.nl), dr. Deniz Iren (deniz.iren@ou.nl) and Prof. Dr. Roland Klemke (roland.klemke@ou.nl).

Please note: the email addresses mentioned above are intended solely for obtaining further information about this vacancy. You are strongly advised to apply only via the email address mentioned under ‘Procedure’.

More information about the Open University and the Faculty of Educational Sciences can be found on our website www.ou.nl.

The Open University offers good secondary and flexible employment conditions in the areas of training and mobility, part-time work, and paid parental leave.