Course Design Assistant

The Center for Academic Innovation (CAI) is offering a paid employment opportunity for the Spring 2024 term that is available to all University of Michigan undergraduate, graduate, and doctoral students. This is a temporary hourly position that does not cover tuition support. You can read more about CAI and its guiding principles by visiting ai.umich.edu. 

Who we’re looking for:

We are in search of a technically skilled and motivated student who excels in a software development environment, particularly in Python programming, Docker containerization, and Jupyter notebook management. This student will play a pivotal role in setting up a robust online short course infrastructure for “AI-Powered Information Processing and Data Analysis,” under the direction of School of Literature, Science, and the Arts faculty Tina Lasisi.

Responsibilities: 

Duties may include some or all of the following: 

• Development and management of Jupyter Labs notebooks, ensuring compatibility and efficiency within online learning platforms, including Coursera Labs.
• Containerization of applications using Docker, facilitating easy deployment and scaling within an educational context.
• Crafting and maintaining detailed instructions for using GitHub to manage course content and for utilizing nbviewer.org to share Jupyter notebooks with students.
• Testing, debugging, and optimizing course-related software and tools to ensure reliability and user-friendliness.
• Collaborating closely with CAI’s Learning Experience Designer to integrate technical tools and software into course materials effectively.
• Assessment creation and revision
• Quiz creation, testing, and debugging
• In-Video Quiz (IVQ) creation, testing, and debugging
• Discussion forum development and organization
• Video subtitle review and revision
• Slide creation and review, alongside CAI’s Learning Experience Designer

Required qualifications:

• Strong programming skills in Python, with a focus on data analysis and notebook development
• Solid experience in Docker for application containerization, with the ability to deploy and manage containers effectively
• Familiarity with Jupyter notebook setup and management, aimed at educational content delivery
• Proficient in GitHub, capable of creating and managing repositories, branches, commits, and pull requests
• Knowledgeable in using nbviewer.org for displaying Jupyter notebooks online
• Proficiency in Google Workspace (specifically Google Docs, Sheets, Slides, Folders)
• Ability to work independently and in teams in a multicultural and collaborative environment
• Strong attention to detail
• Comfort working in an environment with rapidly changing requirements and priorities
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills

Hours, wage, & dates:

• Hours: 10-15 hours per week (flexible hours)
• Pay: Undergraduate $17/hr, Graduate $20/hr, PhD/JD/Postdoc $23/hr
• Start Date: April 2024 (as soon as possible) 
• End Date: June 2024, or whenever course design is complete
• Deadline for applications: Ongoing (candidate will start in April 2024)

How to apply: 

If you are interested in applying for this position, please email a cover letter and your resume to [email protected].