Associate Researcher

20707BR

Achievement & Assessment Inst

Position Overview

ATLAS promotes learning and improved outcomes for all students. We create technology-based learning and assessment systems that are accessible and academically rigorous. Our center serves all students, including students with disabilities and struggling learners, as well as their educators.
We specialize in map-based learning systems that are informed by research on skill development, assessment design, and teacher professional development. Our grant-funded research includes writing instruction, science professional development, support for teacher trainers, and science assessment design. We also foster partnerships with diverse organizations that share our focus and commitment to quality learning experiences for all students.
Our center develops and delivers state assessments. The Dynamic Learning Maps® (DLM®) Alternate Assessment System assesses students with the most significant cognitive disabilities in English language arts, mathematics, and science. We also offer custom social studies alternate assessments. Our broader state assessments include the Kansas Assessment Program, the Career Pathways Assessment System, and the Kansas English Language Proficiency Assessment.   

ATLAS is seeking a Research Associate to support professional learning research and evaluation projects.  The Research Associate will lead the design, planning, and implementation of professional learning research and evaluation projects and will provide methodological expertise around adult learning for a range of projects across the center. Additional responsibilities will include developing technical documentation, disseminating project findings, and other duties as assigned. Critical to the role is the ability to communicate effectively, work collaboratively with colleagues, and be responsive to project needs.

Job Description

40% -  Provide subject matter knowledge and expertise for ATLAS internal and external stakeholders around providing high quality professional learning (PL) experiences for educators, particularly those who work with diverse learners. Examples include:

• Collaborating on the design and implementation of PL including focused professional development (PD), instructional coaching, and a community of practice (COP) for educators in various roles
• Consulting with other ATLAS teams to design high-quality PD and training that meet project objectives
• Managing work streams for designing and producing resources that support effective K-12 instruction

• Leading design teams to develop virtual PD and training modules that effectively integrate adult learning principles
• Working with school/district staff to plan and implement local PL solutions.

- Collaboratively design, and lead planning and implementation of PL research and evaluation projects with diverse purposes and audiences. Examples include:

• Developing and managing research and evaluation plans and timelines
• Monitoring integrity of data collection and use of protocols and procedures
• Conducting quantitative and/or qualitative analyses and interpreting results
• Collecting and analyzing observational data of classrooms, teaching sessions, or cognitive laboratories

Collaborate with ATLAS staff to write technical documentation and disseminate project findings. This work includes submitting contributions to scholarly journal articles, briefs, and other products for a variety of audiences, as well as presenting to external groups. Serve as key personnel on funded projects.

Position Requirements

• This position is full-time (40 hours/week).
• Working on campus is not a requirement.
• Remote employment from home (telework) is an option for this position.
• The ability to attend occasional off-site meetings and on-site visits is required.

Required Qualifications

• Master’s degree in special education, education, curriculum and instruction or a related field and additional experience in educational research, educational instructional design, or instructional coaching.
• At least 3 years professional experience in school-based settings, including teaching, coaching, curriculum leadership, administration, or conducting educational research. 
• At least one year of experience in designing and implementing professional learning experiences.
• Experience collecting and analyzing quantitative and/or qualitative data as evidenced by previous work history. 
• Excellent oral and written communication skills for scholarly and practitioner audiences as evidenced by application material and interview.
  

Preferred Qualifications

• PhD in special education, education, curriculum and instruction or a related field and minimum two (2) years’ experience in educational research, educational instructional design, or instructional coaching.
• Experience implementing the Principles of Universal Design for Learning and Assessment. 
• Knowledge of educational methods for underserved populations, such as students with disabilities or English learners.
• Experience writing grant proposals, technical reports, manuscripts, and other dissemination products.
• Familiarity or experience using qualitative or mixed research methods.
  

Additional Candidate Instruction

A complete application includes:

• Online application
• Vita
• Cover letter clearly addressing how required and preferred qualifications are met
• Names and contact information for four professional references.

Only complete applications will be considered.

Candidates invited to interview will be asked to make a 10-minute virtual presentation on a professional learning or research project of their choice. A 10-15 minute question and answer session will follow the presentation.  If you might require an accommodation in order to participate in the presentation, please contact Jeff Chasen, AVP for Employee Growth, Development, Accessibility, & Inclusion & Director of the ADA Resource Center for Equity and Accessibility, [email protected] , 785-864-6204, five days prior to the scheduled interview.

Application review begins 11/29/21 and continues until the position is filled. To ensure first consideration, please apply before the application review date.

Advertised Salary Range

$60,000 minimum

Application Review Begins

17-Jan-2022

Anticipated Start Date

07-Feb-2022

Primary Campus

University of Kansas Lawrence Campus

Employee Class

U-Unclassified Professional Staff

Conditions of Employment

Contingent on Funding

Work Location Assignment

Telework

Disclaimer

The University of Kansas prohibits discrimination on the basis of race, color, ethnicity, religion, sex, national origin, age, ancestry, disability status as a veteran, sexual orientation, marital status, parental status, gender identity, gender expression, and genetic information in the university's programs and activities. Retaliation is also prohibited by university policy. The following persons have been designated to handle inquiries regarding the nondiscrimination policies and are the Title IX coordinators for their respective campuses: Director of the Office of Civil Rights & Title IX, [email protected], Room 1082, Dole Human Development Center, 1000 Sunnyside Avenue, Lawrence, KS 66045, 785-864-6414, 711 TTY (for the Lawrence, Edwards, Parsons, Yoder, and Topeka campuses); Director, Equal Opportunity Office, Mail Stop 7004, 4330 Shawnee Mission Parkway, Fairway, KS 66205, 913-588-8011, 711 TTY (for the Wichita, Salina, and Kansas City, Kansas medical center campuses).