Rapid Online Assessment of Reading Research Coordinator

Who We Are:

The Brain Development & Education Lab focuses on understanding the interplay between brain development and learning. We are highly interdisciplinary spanning the Graduate School of Education, Pediatrics within the School of Medicine, Psychology and Neuroscience. Current research studies focus on literacy and dyslexia and combine behavioral assessments, psychophysical measures of perception, development and validation of online assessments, neuroimaging, computational modeling and educational intervention programs. The long-term goal of this research is to (1) understand the mechanisms that underlie individual differences in learning and (2) develop personalized education programs that are tailored to an individual’s unique pattern of development. More information about the lab can be found at: https://www.brainandeducation.com/ and https://roar.stanford.edu/ and https://dyslexia.stanford.edu/

Note: This position is a 1-year fixed term appointment based on Stanford University’s main campus.  This position has a hybrid work schedule (onsite work) arrangement. Interested candidates should include a resume and cover letter describing why they are interested in this position at this stage in their career. 

What We Do:

The Rapid Online Assessment of Reading (ROAR) is a project with potential to positively impact current educational practices while also expanding the frontier of research on reading development. Our goal for ROAR is to provide a suite of open-access reading assessments that can be used both in schools and at home. The assessments, which will be available in English and Spanish for grades PK-12, provide data that enables teachers and parents to understand their students’ foundational reading skills. Our team works with a wide variety of school partners who use the ROAR to inform instruction. The data collected through these partnerships support our validation and research studies. More information on the project can be found at https://roar.stanford.edu/ . 

Position Summary:

The lab has an outstanding opportunity for a full-time Research Study Coordinator for ROAR! Research Study Coordinators get to work directly with school practitioners and student participants to collect data through gamified assessments and focus groups, and to develop skills for analyzing and interpreting these data.  Coordinators who have the ability to communicate proficiently in Spanish have the opportunity to contribute to Spanish-language assessments and administer Spanish-based validation measures.

 Primary responsibilities include:

• Serve as the point of contact for new school district partners. Work with district leaders and teachers on implementation of best practices
• Maintain relationships with participating school administrators and practitioners to bridge research and practice with education technology.
• Plan, coordinate, and serve as an administrative point of contact for research studies. This includes: recruiting, screening, scheduling, and obtaining agreements from research partner schools and districts.
• Email and/or call subjects to schedule appointments.
• Maintain relationships with participating school administrators and practitioners, and answer questions about research participation.
• Maintain and organize forms and documents in our online database, including legal documentation.
• Keep track of and document communications, schedules, and institutional knowledge across dozens of school and district partners.

• Perform screening and data collection procedures such as interviews, focus groups, and standardized cognitive assessments over telephone, video conferencing, or in-person.
• Prepare, distribute, administer and process questionnaires and tests, score test measurements and questionnaires.
• Perform quantitative review of forms, tests, and other measurements for completeness and accuracy.

• Code collected data for entry into online databases.
• Prepare data for input into statistical analyses.
• Keep track and organize data collected longitudinally and from multiple modalities and sources.

Additional Responsibilities:

• Prepare correspondence, documents, and reports.
• Assist with study design and data analysis.
• Support the design of assessment and score report features for schools and families.
• Keep up to date on the latest research related to literacy, dyslexia, brain development, and reading instruction in the academic literature, as well as the latest education policy discussions as they relate to reading.
• Knowledge and interest in specific topics related to the lab’s research including literacy, dyslexia, learning disabilities, reading instruction, assessment, psychometrics, and/or education policy.
• Professional demeanor and ability to work with adults, children, and families in schools and in a research environment.
• Computational skills to analyze data and contribute to our scientific mission.

To be successful in this position, you will bring:

• Four-year college degree or an equivalent combination of experience, education, and training.
• Project management skills demonstrated by previous experience.
• General understanding of scientific theory and methods.
• General computer skills and ability to quickly learn and master programs.
• Ability to work under deadlines with general guidance.
• Ability to travel to local school partners during school hours to assist with assessment administrations.
• Excellent organizational skills and demonstrated ability to complete detailed work accurately.
• Effective oral and written communication skills.
•  Experience working in schools and with children and/or families, and ability to work with adults, children, and families in school and research settings.

In addition, preferred qualifications:

• Proficiency in Spanish (spoken and written communication) is a major plus.
• Experience collecting data in focus groups.
• Design experience
• Experience with administration of standardized assessments.
• Strong technical skills (e.g., Python, MATLAB or R) and/or experience with data analysis, statistics, and data visualization.

The expected pay range for this position is $24.04 to $29.00 per hour. Stanford University provides pay ranges representing its good faith estimate of what the university reasonably expects to pay for a position. The pay offered to a selected candidate will be determined based on factors such as (but not limited to) the scope and responsibilities of the position, the qualifications of the selected candidate, departmental budget availability, internal equity, geographic location and external market pay for comparable jobs.

At Stanford University, base pay represents only one aspect of the comprehensive rewards package. The Cardinal at Work website (https://cardinalatwork.stanford.edu/benefits-rewards ) provides detailed information on Stanford’s extensive range of benefits and rewards offered to employees. Specifics about the rewards package for this position may be discussed during the hiring process.

Why Stanford is for You:

Imagine a world without search engines or social platforms. Consider lives saved through first- ever organ transplants and research to cure illnesses. Stanford University has revolutionized the way we live and enrich the world. Supporting this mission is our diverse and dedicated 17,000 staff. We seek talent driven to impact the future of our legacy. Our culture and unique perks empower you with:

• Freedom to grow. We offer career development programs, tuition reimbursement, and opportunities to audit a course. Join a TedTalk, film screening, or listen to a renowned author or global leader speak.
• A caring culture. We provide superb retirement plans, generous time-off, and family care resources.
• A healthier you. Climb our rock wall, or choose from hundreds of health or fitness classes at our world-class exercise facilities. We also provide excellent health care benefits.
• Discovery and fun. Stroll through historic sculptures, trails, and museums.
• Enviable resources. Enjoy free commuter programs, ridesharing incentives, discounts and more!

How to Apply:

We invite you to apply for this position by clicking on the “Apply for Job” button.

• Finalists must successfully complete a background check prior to working at Stanford University.
• Applicants to this position must be available to work in the United States without sponsorship for 2 years or more. OPT permit holders should confirm that they are eligible to work in the US at the Stanford GSE for two years or more.

The job duties listed are typical examples of work performed by positions in this job classification and are not designed to contain or be interpreted as a comprehensive inventory of all duties, tasks, and responsibilities. Specific duties and responsibilities may vary depending on department or program needs without changing the general nature and scope of the job or level of responsibility. Employees may also perform other duties as assigned.

Consistent with its obligations under the law, the University will provide reasonable accommodations to applicants and employees with disabilities. Applicants requiring a reasonable accommodation for any part of the application or hiring process should contact Stanford University Human Resources at [email protected] . For all other inquiries, please submit a contact form .

Stanford is an equal employment opportunity and affirmative action employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, protected veteran status, or any other characteristic protected by law.