Research Programmer/Tutoring Lead - PLUS - School of Computer Science

Carnegie Mellon University is a private, global research university that challenges the curious and hardworking to deliver work that matters. Our extraordinary institution has distinctive areas of excellence and a culture marked by ambition and a deep, practical engagement with challenges facing society. We continue to produce dedicated alumni and draw faculty and staff eager to be a part of the university's creative, dedicated and close-knit community. We place emphasis on practical problem solving, interdisciplinary learning, a transformative spirit, and collaboration.

At the forefront of revolutionizing middle school math education stands the PLUS (Personalized Learning Squared) project, an ambitious endeavor championed by the Human-Computer Interaction Institute at Carnegie Mellon University. Our chief mission? To double the math learning rate for middle schoolers, especially targeting those who have historically been underserved. This ambitious goal has come to life in collaboration with esteemed institutions such as Carnegie Learning and Stanford University, under the guidance of Prof. Ken Koedinger, Prof. Vincent Aleven, and Shiv Gupta.

What sets PLUS apart is our hybrid tutoring platform. By marrying the insights of human tutors with the capabilities of AI, we strive to create a tailored learning experience for each student. The impact has been profound. Currently, PLUS serves over 2000 students across Pennsylvania, Maryland, and California.

The Research Programmer/Tutoring Lead will oversee and scale PLUS's tutoring operations by leading our team of Tutor Supervisors and ensuring the effective recruitment, training, and day-to-day support of all tutors. They will also be responsible for working with the software development team to develop and test tutoring software. This role is critical to maintaining high-quality tutoring services across our partner schools, ensuring scheduling fidelity, data-driven decision-making, and seamless coordination with CMU and stakeholders.

• Supervise and mentor 3 full-time Tutor Supervisors, providing ongoing coaching, goal-setting, and performance feedback.
• Facilitate weekly debriefs with Lead Tutors to share standard processes, address challenges, and align on priorities.
• Ensure strong communication channels within the tutor corps and between supervisors, promptly addressing issues.

• Handle end-to-end onboarding for tutors recruited from CMU and external universities, coordinating clearances with the Child Protection Office and HR.
• Partner with HCII Human Resources to confirm all compliance requirements and system accesses (e.g., Pencil, Zoom) and facilitate payroll.

• Develop and implement ongoing tutor training modules to ensure tutors deliver the program as designed.
• Monitor implementation fidelity, ensuring research policies such as proactive and reactive tutoring, goal setting, etc. are implemented effectively.

• Build and maintain tutor schedules to guarantee shift coverage at every partner school, adapting to last-minute changes.
• Approve weekly timesheets and tutor hours, monitoring attendance and offboarding tutors when necessary.

• Serve as an escalation point for tutor questions and technical issues (Pencil, Zoom) via Slack and email, ensuring timely resolution.
• Conduct ongoing and end-of-semester performance reviews to resolve re-hire eligibility and identify professional development opportunities.

• Handle technical issues or logistical challenges during program delivery at partner schools.
• Utilize programming expertise to analyze data and contribute to research publications.
• Develop and maintain software tools and platforms to facilitate research-data collection, organization, and analysis.

Flexibility, excellence, and passion are vital qualities within the School of Computer Science Research Department. Collaboration and cultural sensitivity are valued competencies at CMU. Therefore, we are in search of a team member who is able to 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.

• Bachelor's degree in Software Engineering, Computer Science, or related field (Master's preferred).
• 3+ years of experience in education program management or related operations.
• 1-3 years of industry experience developing, maintaining, and supporting software
• Proven track record in tutor or teacher training, onboarding, and performance evaluation.
• Exceptional communication and interpersonal abilities; comfortable liaising with academic partners.
• Data-driven attitude with proficiency in extracting and analyzing educational software metrics.
• Familiarity with tutoring platforms (e.g., Pencil) and virtual instruction tools (e.g., Zoom).
• A combination of education and proven experience from which comparable knowledge is demonstrated may be considered.

• Successful background investigation may be required.
• Child Protection Clearances (CPC's) are required.

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 insurance as 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!

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