Job Summary

Instructional Specialist
Purdue University | The Data Mine | West Lafayette, IN

Help create the kind of learning experience that turns data science concepts into real-world impact.

As an Instructional Specialist with The Data Mine in Purdue’s College of Science, you will collaborate closely with instructional specialists in the Department of Computer Science, as well as faculty and curriculum development partners, to create learning experiences that translate data science and computing concepts into real‑world impact. This role supports Purdue’s commitment to hands-on learning, student success, and innovative teaching by helping students engage in applied labs, lecture-adjacent instruction, and team-based projects rooted in authentic data science and computing challenges.

What You'll Do:

•    Support the planning and coordination of undergraduate Data Mine courses
•    Assist with lecture-adjacent instruction and facilitate applied lab experiences
•    Help students work through team-based, real-world data science and computing projects
•    Collaborate with instructional staff, faculty, and curriculum development specialists to deliver engaging learning experiences
•    Contribute to course operations, student support, and instructional preparation
•    Help create an inclusive, organized, and high-impact learning environment

What You Bring
•    Experience supporting instruction, student learning, or academic programs
•    Strong communication and collaboration skills
•    Comfort working with data science, computing, or applied problem-solving environments
•    Ability to stay organized while balancing multiple priorities
•    A student-centered mindset and interest in helping learners grow through hands-on experience

Why Purdue?
At Purdue, teaching and learning are strengthened by collaboration, innovation, and a focus on student success. The Data Mine offers students a practical, team-based environment where they build skills, solve problems, and connect classroom learning to real-world applications. Joining this team means contributing to a program that helps students thrive while advancing Purdue’s broader mission of impact through education and discovery.

This position will be located on the West Lafayette campus in Indiana.

What We're Looking For

Education and Experience Required:

• Bachelor's degree in science with focus on computer science, data science, computing discipline, or other technical or education major required
• Minimum of two (2) years of relevant experience

Skills Required:

• General knowledge of data science curricula
• Understanding of the organization and operation of higher education courses
• Have an understanding of the function of teaching assistants
• Ability to:
  • effectively communicate with faculty and teaching assistants
  • work independently, and with large groups

Preferred: 

• Working knowledge of Purdue instructional laboratories and general knowledge of computer lab equipment
• Knowledge of the operation of course learning management systems
• Ability to:
  • teach and monitor progress of teaching assistants
  • maintain a course website

Additional Information:

• Purdue University will not sponsor employment authorization for this position  
• A background check will be required for employment in this position
• FLSA: Exempt (Not Eligible for Overtime)
• Retirement Eligibility:  Defined Contribution Waiting Period   
• Benefit Statement: Purdue University offers a substantial Benefit Package including medical, dental, and vision insurance as well as a generous paid time off package for sick and vacation days

Career Stream

Professional 2

• Pay Band S055
• Job Code #20003613

Career path maker: https://www.purdue.edu/hr/careerpathmaker/

Who We Are

Purdue is a community built on collaboration, with global perspectives, Boilermaker pride and endless opportunity to live, learn and grow. Join us and contribute to our culture.

Equal Opportunity Employer

Purdue University is an EOE employer.