Natural Language Processing - Academic Capstone Coordinator

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

• 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.

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.

• "Misconduct" means any violation of the policies or laws governing conduct at the applicant's previous place of employment, including, but not limited to, violations of policies or laws prohibiting sexual harassment, sexual assault, or other forms of harassment, discrimination, dishonesty, or unethical conduct, as defined by the employer.
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