Associate Researcher

20241BR

Achievement & Assessment Inst

Position Overview

ATLAS, a research center that houses the Dynamic Learning Maps (DLM) Alternate Assessment System, is seeking an associate researcher to support the development of cognitive learning map models that represent students’ knowledge, skills, and understandings in English language arts (ELA), from birth through high school with a focus on K-12 instruction and assessment. Additional responsibilities will include collaborating with test development and research teams on a variety of projects including funded research, development of assessments, and design and development of instructional materials. This unclassified position is full-time (40 hours/week) at the Lawrence campus, with occasional off-site meetings; however, working on campus is not required for this position. We will consider remote employment.

Job Description

40% - Support the design, planning, and implementation of ELA learning map projects. Activities include:

•  Representing formal learning structures in proprietary map-building software in response to program priorities.
•  Collaborating with research, implementation, and content teams to coordinate internal and external reviews of ELA learning maps.
•  Reviewing internal and external panel feedback and adjusting ELA maps in response to feedback and new research findings.
•  Produce technical documentation of map development projects.

- Collaborate with test development and research teams to develop high-quality, accessible, map-based educational materials to support teaching and learning of ELA for all learners. Responsibilities include using K-12 academic content education knowledge to review instructional guides, professional development materials, and other documents to support teaching and learning mathematics.

 20% - Conduct research syntheses in K-12 education. Evaluate empirical literature, including summarizing results and preparing written reports.

5% - Communicate with external audiences, including state departments of education and professional organizations. Present information related to learning maps to technical and non-technical audiences.

5% - Contribute to the development of proposals for funded research projects.

Position Requirements

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

Required Qualifications

• Master’s degree in education, psychology, curriculum, and instruction or a related field and additional experience in the field of research.
• At least 1-year academic or professional experience conducting, documenting, and synthesizing research on reading, language, comprehension, or writing.
• Previous experience using complex spreadsheets and databases as evidenced by previous work history or professional training. 
• Excellent oral and written communication skills for scholarly and practitioner audiences, as evidenced by application materials.
  

Preferred Qualifications

• Ph.D. in education, psychology, curriculum and instruction or a related field.
• Minimum two years’ experience in conducting research on a topic related to the acquisition or instruction of academic knowledge or skills.
• Minimum two years’ experience in instruction, research, or assessments that serve diverse learners.
• Knowledge of principles of universal design for learning and assessment.
• Knowledge or experience using contemporary academic content standards (e.g., Common Core State Standards) in research, instructional, or other related backgrounds.
• Knowledge or experience with the learning of general or special education students or English language learners.
• Knowledge or experience with cognitive models (e.g., learning progressions) of student learning or common ELA interventions to improve it.
• Successful experience working in a multidisciplinary, team-based environment as evidenced by work history, professional training, or a combination of both.
• Prior experience in leading or contributing to complex research projects.
  

Additional Candidate Instruction

A complete application consists of:

• A cover letter clearly addressing how required and preferred qualifications are met
• Resume
• Names and contact information for 3 professional references

Review of applications will begin on 09/27/2021 and will continue until a successful candidate applicant is identified.  To ensure first consideration, apply by 09/27/2021.

Advertised Salary Range

$42,474 minimum

Application Review Begins

27-Sep-2021

Anticipated Start Date

08-Nov-2021

Primary Campus

University of Kansas Lawrence Campus

FLSA Status

Administrative

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 Institutional Opportunity and Access, [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).