Postdoctoral Researcher

University of Kansas, United States

Updated: about 2 months ago
Location: Lawrence, KANSAS

27042BR

Bureau of Child Research


Position Overview

The Postdoctoral Training Program at the Kansas University Center on Developmental Disabilities (KUCDD) is searching for a Postdoctoral Researcher to support research on self-determination, transition, and community engagement.  To support development of an independent line of research, this position is designed to provide opportunities and mentorship to advance skills in research project implementation and management, grant writing, and information dissemination needed for research faculty positions. This position will work across projects to contribute to the development of new and implementation of existing funded research projects, advance inclusive research practices, assist with research grant development, and author or co-author scientific papers or other dissemination products for presentation and publication. These research projects include focus in the following areas:

  • Large-scale training and coaching for self-determination intervention to support youth and young adults to engage in goal setting, action planning, and self-evaluation activities
  • Community-engaged research with school and community partners, families, and youth and young adults with  disabilities to build systems of support for decision making, self-determination, employment, and postsecondary education.
  • Advancing inclusive research by establishing best practices to support people with intellectual and developmental disabilities to participate in all phases of the research process
  • Research focused on implementing evidence-based interventions, aligned with the tenets of implementation science

The University of Kansas, Kansas University Center on Developmental Disabilities (KUCDD) is recognized as a leading research center in the field of disability. KUCDD is part of the Life Span Institute (LSI), a leading research unit at the University of Kansas. The KUCDD maintains facilities on the University of Kansas Lawrence campus and at the KU Medical Center in Kansas City.

This position is located at the University of Kansas-Lawrence, hybrid options may be available.

KUCDD research staff are expected to actively engage in research projects and disseminate research results through print, online resources, and direct, in-person presentation of information.  KUCDD is committed to fostering an inclusive and supportive research and educational environment for faculty, staff, and students. In a continuing effort to enrich its academic environment and provide equal educational and employment opportunities, KUCDD actively encourages applications from members of underrepresented groups in higher education, including people with disabilities.

The postdoctoral researcher position at KUCDD will be limited term through August 31, 2025, with the possibility of renewal. This is a fulltime, grant-funded position with a salary range of $55,000 - $60,000 annually depending on experience and qualifications, plus benefits.


Job Description

Under the supervision and mentorship of the leadership of KUCDD, the postdoctoral researcher will advance their training in research in the disability field, including focus on areas such as: self-determination assessment and instruction; transition to post-secondary education and employment, and/or supported decision making; community engagement; and inclusive research. The ideal candidate will demonstrate an in-depth knowledge and interest in self-determination research, community engaged research, and/or implementing evidence-based best practices, have experience working with people with disabilities, and have previous experience with funded research studies.

40% - Research Project Implementation Support - Contribute and increasingly take on leadership roles related to the development of new and implementation of existing, funded research projects in the areas of self-determination, transition, community engagement, and inclusive research.

  • Manage study activities (e.g., data collection, data management, data analyses) required to meet project objectives under direction of the Director of KUCDD and other affiliated faculty
  • Develop and deliver training protocols and support materials related to interventions around self-determination, community engagement, and inclusive research
  • Assist with conducting analyses of data from research projects that use the Self-Determined Learning Model of Instruction (SDLMI), the Self-Determined Career Design Model (SDCDM), the Self-Determination Inventory, the Communicating Interagency Relationships and Collaborative Linkages for Exceptional Students (CIRCLES) model of interagency collaboration, and other interventions and assessments designed to increase self-determination and promote school and community engagement
  • Supervise and provide mentorship for graduate or undergraduate students working in support of research project goals
  • Secure IRB approval for study tasks when appropriate and ensure that research integrity policies are followed for all research involving human subjects
  • Prepare and submit progress reports to federal and other funding agencies
25% - Research Grant Development Support

- Assist with and increasingly take on leadership roles related to the development of grant proposals to support research activities relevant to the mission of KUCDD.

  • Develop or edit language for narrative grant components
  • Communicate with established research partners to solicit letters of support as required
  • Coordinate input from resource teams within the KU Life Span Institute (project development, finance and planning, communication) during grant preparation
25% - Dissemination of Research Findings
  • Write technical reports, peer-reviewed journal articles, or other manuscripts related to research project activities and analyses
  • Disseminate and present findings and research activities at local, state, and national meetings and conferences
  • Develop publications to advance an independent line of research
  • Support plain language dissemination of research findings
10% - Service

- Provide service to the profession, university, and community/public service.

  • Engage and participate in community, state, and national meetings or groups that focus on self-determination, transition to postsecondary education and employment, or supports needs assessment
  • Participate in at least one professional association as a member and in association operations
  • Provide service to the field as a reviewer of research publications, and consultant for government agencies and foundations and other funding agencies
  • Provide consultation or educational support to local community groups or agencies
  • Participate in KUCDD team meetings and events

Required Qualifications

  • Doctorate degree in education (including special education), psychology (including clinical psychology), health and social sciences, disability studies, or related area as indicated by application materials.
  • Two years of research experience with research and publication record in areas such as or related to: self-determination assessment and instruction; transition to post-secondary education and employment, inclusive research or related area, as indicated by application materials and interview.
  • Demonstrated strong professional writing skills, including research reports, peer-reviewed research articles, other print and electronic publications and experience presenting at conferences and professional meetings as indicated by application materials.
    • NOTE: To be appointed at the Postdoctoral Researcher title, it is necessary to have the PhD in hand. Appointments made without a certified transcript indicating an earned doctorate are conditional hires and are appointed on an acting basis.

    Preferred Qualifications

  • One year of project coordination experience for a research project related to areas such as: self-determination; transition to postsecondary education and employment; or inclusive research.
  • Specific knowledge and interest in self-determination, transition to postsecondary education and employment or inclusive research.
  • Two years of experience participating in and contributing to approaches to training (in-person and virtual) and research that uses interdisciplinary teams and varied perspectives.
  • Strong organizational and communication skills as demonstrated by application materials and interview.
  • Experience working with people with disabilities or their families.
  • Two years of proficiency with data analysis software such as Excel, SPSS, SAS, or R.
  •  

    • Contact Information to Applicants

    Dr. Karrie Shogren
    [email protected]


    Additional Candidate Instruction

    Please submit an online application, cover letter, vitae and contact information for three professional references. In the cover letter, please indicate how you see your skills and experience contributing to research at KUCDD. Incomplete applications will not be considered.

    • Application review begins Friday, March 1st. For consideration, please apply no later than Thursday, February 29th. 

    #LI-HR1


    Advertised Salary Range

    $55,000-$60,000


    Application Review Begins

    01-Mar-2024


    Anticipated Start Date

    05-Aug-2024


    Limited Term End Date

    31-Aug-2025


    Primary Campus

    University of Kansas Lawrence Campus


    Employee Class

    U-Unclassified Professional Staff


    Work Schedule

    Monday - Friday, 40 hours/week


    Conditions of Employment

    Contingent on Funding, Limited Term


    Work Location Assignment

    Hybrid


    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 person has been designated to handle inquiries regarding the nondiscrimination policies and is the Title IX coordinator for all KU and KUMC campuses: Associate Vice Chancellor for Civil Rights and Title IX, [email protected], Room 1082, Dole Human Development Center, 1000 Sunnyside Avenue, Lawrence, KS 66045, 785-864-6414, 711 TTY.


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