Cognitive Science Jobs in Ontario (NOW HIRING)

ESF is now inviting candidates to register their interest in theLearning Analytics Associate role.

Role Overview

The Learning Innovation & Analytics Associate sits at the intersection of the learning sciences, educational data science, and modern technology prototyping. Rooted deeply in pedagogy, this role is designed for a researcher-practitioner who understands how people learn and wants to apply that knowledge to shape the future of K-12 education across ESF.

The primary lens for this role ispedagogical efficacy. You will leverage your understanding of cognitive science, learning theories, and educational research methodologies to design, prototype, and evaluate digital learning interventions. Rather than acting as a traditional software engineer, you will utilize modern Generative AI and AI-assisted programming tools ("vibe coding") as a lever to rapidly bring research-backed educational tools to life, measuring their impact on teaching and learning through rigorous data analysis.

Key Responsibilities

1. Pedagogically-Driven Prototyping & AI Realization

• Translate established learning theories (e.g., cognitive load theory, constructivism, retrieval practice) and pedagogical strategies into functional digital tools and prototypes.

• Utilize Generative AI and AI-assisted development workflows to rapidly build and deploy lightweight, proof-of-concept tools (e.g., targeted formative assessment assistants, scaffolding tools, or adaptive learning prompts) without needing a formal computer science background.

• Design human-AI collaboration frameworks for the classroom that position technology as an encoder of sound pedagogy, ensuring AI interventions support rather than disrupt the teacher-student dynamic.

2. Educational Research & Learning Analytics

• Design and execute rigorous, localized research studies-such as Design-Based Implementation Research (DBIR) and experimental/quasi-experimental designs-to evaluate the classroom impact of educational tools.

• Architect learning analytics frameworks and event-logging infrastructure within prototypes to capture meaningful indicators of student engagement, conceptual understanding, and learning trajectories.

• Apply advanced statistical methods (e.g., regression analysis, mixed-methods analysis) to synthesize quantitative behavioral data with qualitative classroom observations and teacher interviews.

3. Curriculum Alignment & Assessment Design

• Collaborate with educators to map digital interventions directly to ESF curriculum standards and learning outcomes.

• Apply contemporary classroom assessment theories to design tools that provide actionable, high-quality formative feedback to students and diagnostic insights to teachers.

• Conduct robust User Experience Research (UXR) centered on pedagogical workflows, ensuring tools actively reduce teachers' administrative cognitive load and optimize instructional time.

Requirements

Education & Experience

• Minimum:Master's or advanced Bachelor's degree in Education Data Science, Learning Sciences, Learning Analytics, Educational Psychology, or a closely related field.

• Core Foundation:A strong academic background in learning theories, instructional design principles, curriculum construction, and formal educational research methodologies (both quantitative and qualitative).

• Level:Entry-level to early-career (0-2 years of professional experience), backed by a strong portfolio of academic research projects, lab interventions, or self-initiated educational tool builds.

Technical & Analytical Skills

• Educational Research & Data Science:Proficient in educational data processing, experimental design, regression analysis, and using data to evaluate learning outcomes. Familiarity with statistical tools (e.g., R, Python, SPSS) is highly valued.

• AI-Assisted Prototyping:Demonstrated ability to use LLMs and AI coding assistants to build functional web applications. While full-stack familiarity (e.g., Python/FastAPI, React) is a major asset, your value lies in orchestrating these tools to testpedagogical hypotheses, not in traditional software engineering.

• Assessment & UXR:Deep understanding of how to construct valid assessments and conduct user research within an educational setting.

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For enquiries, please contact Karen Ng @ 37622653 or Email: Karen.ng@esfcentre.edu.hk

Applications will be reviewed on a rolling basis and offers may be extended prior to the job closing date. We strongly recommend early applications as we reserve the right to appoint candidates earlier than the closing date.

By applying for this position, your application may be considered for other opportunities (senior-level roles, head of department, etc.) within ESF.

ESF is an Equal Opportunities Employer
The English Schools Foundation (ESF) is fully committed to providing equal employment opportunities. ESF will not discriminate on the basis of age, race, colour, gender, marital status, sexual orientation, gender identity, pregnancy, national origin, religion, veteran status, physical or mental disability, genetic information, creed, citizenship or any other status protected by local laws or regulations.
Personal data provided by job applicants will be used strictly in accordance with the ESF's Personal Data Policy, a copy of which will be provided upon request.
ESF is dedicated to ensuring the safety and well-being of all students in our care and expects all applicants to uphold this commitment. We adhere to rigorous recruitment practices, with all appointments contingent upon an interview, identity verification, criminal background checks (including ICPC, SCRC, and other international background checks as appropriate), assessment of social media presence, and positive references.
In accordance with the Keeping Children Safe in Education (KCSIE) 2025 guidelines, ESF may perform online checks for all shortlisted candidates prior to the interview.

About Us

The English Schools Foundation (ESF) is the largest English-medium international school organisation in Hong Kong. Our 22 schools and comprehensive programme of extra-curricular activities bring out the best in every student through a personalised approach to learning and by inspiring curious minds.
There are over 18,000 students from 75 different nationalities in ESF kindergartens, primary, secondary and all-through schools.
www.esf.edu.hk

About the Team
The English Schools Foundation (ESF) is a modern, well-managed educational organisation, committed to offering an international education to students drawn from over 70 countries. We are proud to be at the forefront of the educational hub in Hong Kong. We actively take advantage of the opportunities that Hong Kong offers as Asia's world city and the principal gate-way to China.
The curriculum, leading to the International Baccalaureate, is adapted to Hong Kong, and the Asia Pacific region. ESF's 1,100 teachers are highly qualified bringing with them experience from Australia, Canada, New Zealand, the United States, the UK and many other international school systems. All schools offer a broad range of out-of-school activities in Hong Kong and overseas.
ESF has over 18,000 students. Our culture is one of joy in learning and pride in achievement. The great majority of our students study for the IB Diploma and gain entry to universities all over the world. ESF has a long-standing commitment to children with individual needs and is the principal provider for English-speaking children with special educational needs in Hong Kong. For further details about ESF, please visit our website at https://www.esf.edu.hk/.