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Natural Language Processing - Academic Capstone Coordinator
Position overview
Position title: Natural Language Processing - Academic Capstone CoordinatorApplication Window
Open date: December 20, 2024
Next review date: Wednesday, Feb 5, 2025 at 11:59pm (Pacific Time)
Apply by this date to ensure full consideration by the committee.
Final date: Friday, Dec 19, 2025 at 11:59pm (Pacific Time)
Applications will continue to be accepted until this date, but those received after the review date will only be considered if the position has not yet been filled.
Position description
The UCSC Natural Language Processing graduate program invites applications for the position Academic Capstone Coordinator.
The Master of Science in Natural Language Processing Graduate Program at the University of California, Santa Cruz (UCSC) is offered by the Department of Computer Science and Engineering in the Baskin School of Engineering. This pioneering program provides an M.S. degree with a specialized focus on Natural Language Processing (NLP), combining rigorous theoretical foundations with practical skills to prepare students for impactful careers in both academia and industry. UCSC's NLP program is renowned for its interdisciplinary approach, engaging students in hands-on projects that address real-world challenges in language processing, machine learning, and data science. Located at UCSC’s Silicon Valley campus, the program provides unique opportunities for experiential learning, industry mentorship, and impactful capstone projects that advance cutting-edge NLP.
Under the supervision of NLP Director Associate Professor Ian Lane, the Academic Capstone Coordinator will be assigned the following responsibilities.
Development and Assessment of MS Capstone Sequence (40%)
- Manage the design and development of the NLP M.S. Capstone Sequence in collaboration with program faculty.
- Assess the effectiveness of the NLP M.S. Capstone sequence in the scope of the strategic goals of the program, campus and university and recommend changes to improve the Capstone Project experience for both students and industry mentors.
- Identify core skills that students need to master to excel in their capstone projects and make recommendations for the program’s educational content to enhance project outcomes.
Industry Outreach (30%)
- Develop and execute a strategic plan for identifying and recruiting industry mentors and industry sponsors for M.S. Capstone projects.
- Identify and develop strategies to provide a continuance of funding to support M.S. Capstone projects from external sources.
- Develop procedures for faculty review and decision-making associated with capstone project selection and curriculum enhancement.
Coaching of Industry Mentors (10%)
- Develop and execute a coaching plan for industry mentors, providing instruction, support and feedback on their mentorship to NLP-MS students. If appropriate include alumni or former Capstone Mentors to help support new mentors to our program.
Developing and Administrating Student Teamwork Initiative (20%)
- Develop a teamwork program for NLP-MS students. The goal of this program will be to grow student skills and experience in small teamwork environments. May include the development of a mentorship program for students with Alumni or external mentors.
The incumbent will teach two capstone courses per academic year. The capstone courses are directly and closely related to the position’s professional duties.
Baskin School of Engineering: https://engineering.ucsc.edu
Natural Language Processing: https://nlp.ucsc.edu
Qualifications
- Master’s degree or higher (or equivalent foreign degree) or higher in computer and information science, artificial intelligence, information technology, informatics, computer sciences, or a related field.
- Project management experience.
- Experience with industry engagement and partnership development.
- Student mentorship experience.
Application Requirements
Curriculum Vitae - Your most recently updated C.V., which must include a list of 3-5 professional references along with their contact information. The unit will conduct reference checks for candidates who are under serious consideration.
Cover Letter
Statement of Teaching - Please provide your teaching history and experience.
Statement of Contributions to Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion - Statement addressing your understanding of the barriers facing traditionally underrepresented groups and your past and/or future contributions to diversity, equity, and inclusion through teaching and professional or public service. Candidates are urged to review guidelines on statements before preparing their application.
(Optional)
Help contact: kjduarte@ucsc.edu
About UC Santa Cruz
The University of California is an Equal Opportunity/Affirmative Action Employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, age, or protected veteran status. UC Santa Cruz is committed to excellence through diversity and strives to establish a climate that welcomes, celebrates, and promotes respect for the contributions of all students and employees. Inquiries regarding the University’s equal employment opportunity policies may be directed to the Equity and Equal Protection Office at the University of California, Santa Cruz, CA 95064 or by email at equity@ucsc.edu.
As a condition of employment, the finalist will be required to disclose if they are subject to any final administrative or judicial decisions within the last seven years determining that they committed any misconduct, are currently being investigated for misconduct, left a position during an investigation for alleged misconduct, or have filed an appeal with a previous employer.
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