Playful Learning Ecosystem Postdoctoral Research Fellow

The Entertainment Technology Center (ETC) at Carnegie Mellon University invites applications for a Postdoctoral Research Fellow to innovate upon the design and development of our innovative playful learning ecosystem. This is an exciting opportunity for a highly motivated researcher to contribute to the cutting edge of interactive experiences, learning science, and design, with a strong emphasis on fostering engaging and effective learning through the power of play.

The ETC, a joint venture between CMU's School of Computer Science and College of Fine Arts, is renowned for its interdisciplinary, project-based approach to creating engaging experiences. Founded on the principle that art and technology combine to create impactful interactive media, the ETC provides a unique "world's greatest playground with an electric fence" – a space for unbounded creativity within structured constraints. This position directly aligns with the ETC's ongoing commitment to "transformational games, innovation by design, and interactive storytelling," recognizing that play is pivotal to the future of learning and working in the 21st century.

We are seeking a creative and interdisciplinary scholar to innovate upon and evaluate current playful learning ecosystems. Our ecosystem has, for 25 years, created and deployed digital tools, location-based experiences, social games, and playful pedagogical approaches to create dynamic and immersive learning opportunities. Drawing on the ETC's rich history of applied research and project-based learning, the successful candidate will play a pivotal role in shaping our growing playful learning ecosystem, impacting diverse educational settings from K-12 to higher education and informal learning environments. This role may also involve collaboration with the Center for Transformational Play (CTP) at CMU, which focuses on leveraging games and play to address educational, industrial, and social challenges.

Core Responsibilities:

The Postdoctoral Research Fellow will be responsible for:

• Reimagining and Redesigning: Leading the ideation and design of the next phase for our playful learning ecosystem, drawing upon principles from learning sciences, game design, user experience (UX) design, educational psychology, and the ETC's unique approach to interactive experiences.
• Prototyping and Development: Developing playful learning experiences which promote engagement with the ecosystem, often in interdisciplinary teams, which may involve programming, creating interactive media, designing physical artifacts, or developing pedagogical frameworks. This aligns with the ETC's emphasis on producing functional artifacts and playable prototypes.
• Research and Evaluation: Conducting rigorous research to evaluate the effectiveness and impact of the designed engagements, employing both qualitative and quantitative methodologies (e.g., user studies, observational research, learning analytics).
• Collaboration: Working closely with a multidisciplinary team of ETC faculty, researchers, MET students, and potentially collaborating with partners such as the Children's Museum of Pittsburgh or other educational organizations, building on the ETC's history of industry and community partnerships.
• Dissemination: Publishing research findings by presenting at international conferences, including relevant game development, and learning science venues. Contributing to grant proposals and seeking external funding.
• Mentorship: Potentially mentoring graduate (MET) and undergraduate students involved in related projects, fostering their development as creative professionals.

Adaptability, excellence, and passion are vital qualities within Carnegie Mellon University.  We are in search of a team member who can effectively interact with a varied population of internal and external partners at a high level of integrity. We are looking for someone who shares our values and who will support the mission of the university through their work.

Qualifications:

• Ph.D. in a relevant field such as Learning Sciences, Human-Computer Interaction, Education (with a focus on technology or design), Game Design, Cognitive Science, or a related discipline.
• Demonstrated expertise in design-based research or similar iterative design methodologies, aligning with the ETC's project-centric curriculum.
• Strong theoretical understanding of play, learning, and engagement, including theories of intrinsic motivation, flow, and cognitive development.
• Proficiency in at least one area relevant to prototyping playful experiences (e.g., programming languages like Python/JavaScript for interactive web/app development, game engines like Unity/Unreal, physical computing platforms like Arduino, or strong demonstrable skills in UX/UI design tools).  This can also include non-technical skills, like experience in Human Centered Design.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills, with a strong record of scholarly publications.
• Ability to work both independently and collaboratively in a fast-paced, interdisciplinary team environment, characteristic of the ETC's project structure.
• A combination of education and relevant experience from which comparable knowledge is demonstrated may be considered.

Preferred Qualifications:

• Experience with mixed-methods research and advanced statistical analysis.
• Experience in designing and facilitating workshops or co-design sessions with learners and educators.
• Familiarity with emerging technologies relevant to learning (e.g., augmented reality, virtual reality, artificial intelligence in education) and their application in interactive entertainment.
• Experience in grant writing and project management.
• A portfolio demonstrating tangible projects, prototypes, or interactive experiences.

Joining the CMU team opens the door to an array of exceptional benefits.

Benefits eligible employees enjoy a wide array of benefits including comprehensive medical, prescription, dental, and vision insuranceas well as a generous retirement savings program with employer contributions. Unlock your potential with tuition benefits, take well-deserved breaks with ample paid time off and observed holidays, and rest easy with life and accidental death and disability insurance. 

Additional perks include a free Pittsburgh Regional Transit bus pass, access to our Family Concierge Team to help navigate childcare needs, fitness center access, and much more!

For a comprehensive overview of the benefits available, explore our Benefits page.

At Carnegie Mellon, we value the whole package when extending offers of employment. Beyond credentials, we evaluate the role and responsibilities, your valuable work experience, and the knowledge gained through education and training. We appreciate your unique skills and the perspective you bring. Your journey with us is about more than just a job; it’s about finding the perfect fit for your professional growth and personal aspirations.

Are you interested in an exciting opportunity with an exceptional organization?! Apply today!

Location

Pittsburgh, PA

Job Function

Pre/Post-Doctoral Associates & Fellows

Position Type

Postdoctoral Associate / Fellow (Fixed Term)

Full Time/Part time

Full time

Pay Basis

Salary

More Information: