AI Fellow

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Inside Higher Ed
Pewaukee, WI, United States
31.11 - 40.00 USD / Hour
  • IT
  • FlexTime
  • FullTime
  • Applications have closed

Description The AI Fellow is a graduate student fellowship position designed to bridge advanced AI knowledge from university programs with practical, hands-on education at the technical college level. Fellows work collaboratively with WCTC faculty, staff, entrepreneurs in residence, and students to enhance Applied AI educational offerings, conduct real-world projects and research, and provide mentorship while gaining valuable teaching and industry experience. This position offers graduate students the opportunity to apply their academic knowledge in a practical educational setting while contributing to workforce development in artificial intelligence, machine learning, robotics, and data science.

Characteristic Duties and Responsibilities (include, but not limited to)

Essential Duties And Responsibilities This position description should not be interpreted as all inclusive. It is intended to identify the major responsibilities and requirements of the job. The incumbents may be requested to perform job-related responsibilities and tasks other than those stated on this description. Teaching and Instruction (40% of time) Co-teach AI-related workshops and training sessions on-site at WCTC and off-site industries and organizations.

  • Deliver engaging, hands-on instruction in AI-related topics such as:

  • Machine learning fundamentals, including supervised/unsupervised learning, evaluation metrics, and model deployment basics

  • Natural language processing (NLP) fundamentals and applications (e.g., text classification, summarization, embeddings)

  • Generative AI techniques and tools, including prompt engineering, fine-tuning, and use of large language models (LLMs)

  • End-to-end GenAI workflows, including data preparation, model selection, API integration (e.g., OpenAI, Cohere, Anthropic), and output evaluation

  • Agentic systems and multi-step reasoning, using frameworks like LangChain, AutoGen, or similar to build goal-directed AI agents

  • Use of vector databases and retrieval-augmented generation (RAG) for building scalable, intelligent applications

  • Responsible AI practices, including bias detection, model transparency, and safe deployment of generative systems

  • Teach using modern tools and platforms such as Python, PyTorch, Hugging Face, LangChain, TensorFlow, OpenAI API, and other open-source or commercial GenAI tools

  • Apply active learning strategies to accommodate a variety of learning styles and professional backgrounds

  • Collaborate with the Applied AI Lab Director to review and refine existing curriculum for relevance and effectiveness

  • Proactively suggest new AI-related curriculum ideas and topic areas to reflect current and emerging trends in the AI ecosystem

  • Develop and deliver guest lectures on specialized AI topics

  • Create and update instructional materials, including presentations, handouts, and digital resources

  • Participate in meetings with WCTC faculty and staff upon request.

  • Participate in writing articles, case studies and use cases

Applied AI Lab Development (40% of time)

  • Design and develop laboratory exercises that demonstrate real-world AI applications and solve real-world problems
  • Create and assist with hands-on projects that align with industry needs and student learning objectives
  • Assist with lab equipment setup, configuration, software installation, and lab equipment maintenance as needed
  • Develop assessment tools and rubrics for lab activities
  • Provide technical support for lab equipment and software platforms as needed and appropriate
  • Collaborate with industry partners on relevant project development

Student Mentorship and Support (20% of time)

  • Assist students with project development and problem-solving
  • Serve as a role model and inspiration for students considering further education
  • Help students develop professional networks

Fellowship Requirements and Expectations Time Commitment

  • 15 hours per week on campus over a 15-week semester
  • Flexible scheduling to accommodate teaching, lab work, and student needs
  • Attend orientation sessions and professional development opportunities

Professional Development

  • Participate in industry networking events and professional conferences
  • Engage in collaborative meetings with university and WCTC faculty and staff

Collaboration and Communication

  • Maintain positive, professional relationships with learners, clients, WCTC faculty/staff/students, and the Applied AI Lab team
  • Maintain regular communication with the Applied AI Lab Director and Chief Strategist for AI Advancement
  • Coordinate with university faculty supervisor on academic requirements
  • Participate in interdisciplinary team meetings and planning sessions

Minimum Qualifications

Required Qualifications Education

  • Currently enrolled in a master’s or PhD program in data science, data analytics, artificial intelligence, computer science, or closely related field
  • Good academic standing with minimum 3.0 GPA
  • Completion of core coursework in AI, machine learning, robotics, or data science

Technical Skills

  • Practical experience with at least two of the following: Python, PyTorch, Hugging Face, LangChain, TensorFlow, OpenAI API, Cohere, Model Context Protocol (MCP) or similar tools/protocols/platforms.
  • Experience with machine learning frameworks and tools
  • Knowledge of data visualization and analysis techniques
  • Familiarity with cloud computing platforms and AI development environments
  • Understanding of statistical methods and data mining techniques

Professional Skills

  • Excellent communication, organization, and instructional skills, with the ability to simplify complex technical topics
  • Proficiency in using applied learning methods, including project-based instruction and real-world use cases
  • Ability to work independently, as part of a team, and with minimal supervision
  • Demonstrated leadership potential and initiative
  • Commitment to educational excellence and student success

Preferred Qualifications

  • Previous teaching, tutoring, or training experience
  • Industry internship or work experience in AI/machine learning/data science and/or robotics
  • Research experience with publications or presentations
  • Experience with project management

Supplemental Information

Application Requirements

  • Current curriculum vitae or resume
  • Letter of interest describing career goals and motivation for the fellowship
  • Letter of recommendation from faculty member
  • Academic transcripts (unofficial acceptable for initial application)
  • Interested candidates, should submit their application directly through WCTC’s Career site: Click here to Apply

Fellowship Benefits and Compensation Financial Support

  • Master’s Students: $31.11 per hour (225 anticipated hours)
  • Doctoral Students: $40.00 per hour (225 anticipated hours)
  • Payment distributed bi-weekly throughout the semester term
  • Fellows are expected to submit timesheets for each pay period to report hours worked.
  • This is a special category for Fellows, with no benefits costs beyond required workers’ compensation. If Fellows are concurrently enrolled in courses at their home institution, they may qualify for FICA exemption.

International Students on F-1 Visas

  • International students must follow F-1 visa work regulations. Most notably, off-campus work is not allowed during the first academic year, and any eligible off-campus work must be authorized by their institution’s Designated School Official (DSO) and be related to their program of study.
  • To accommodate international Fellows, the fellowship may be structured as a Curricular Practical Training (CPT) opportunity, pending a CPT Partnership Agreement with the student’s home institution. This agreement would outline how the fellowship meets CPT requirements, such as offering academic credit (e.g., 3 credits), fulfilling specific learning objectives, and providing practical experience directly related to the student’s field of study. Supervision would be shared between an industry mentor and a university faculty advisor. This structure allows the institution’s DSO to designate the fellowship as CPT-eligible.

Professional Development Opportunities

  • Hands-on teaching experience
  • Industry networking and partnership opportunities
  • Research collaboration with WCTC faculty, staff, and industry partners
  • Professional reference, recommendation, and networking opportunities
  • Access to WCTC lab, resources, and equipment

Academic Benefits

  • Potential for course credit through home university (subject to the student’s university approval)
  • Publication opportunities
  • Conference presentation opportunities
  • Addition to professional portfolio and resume
  • Ability to apply your research to solve real-world problems in business/industry

Learning Outcomes Upon successful completion of the AI Fellowship, Fellows will have:

  • Gained practical experience in educational instruction
  • Developed skills in translating complex technical concepts for diverse learning audiences
  • Enhanced understanding of industry applications of AI, machine learning, robotics, and data science
  • Built professional networks in both academic and industry settings
  • Contributed to meaningful educational initiatives and industry impact via applied projects and research
  • Strengthened leadership and project management capabilities

Evaluation Criteria Fellows will be evaluated based on:

  • Teaching effectiveness and learner engagement
  • Quality of lab exercise development and implementation
  • Project and/or research impact on business/industry
  • Mentorship impact on students
  • Professional growth and development
  • Collaboration with faculty and staff
  • Overall contribution to program goals
  • Please note this opportunity is being shared directly with WCTC’s partner organizations and is not part of an open, public search process**
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