Research Instructor

University of Colorado Denver

Department of Bioengineering

College of Engineering and Applied Science

University of Colorado Denver – Anschutz Medical Campus

Posting Description:

The Department of Bioengineering at UC Denver | Anschutz Medical Campus in Aurora has an opening for a full-time Speech Language Pathologist, Early Childhood Special Educator, Special Educator,  Occupational Therapist, Physical Therapist or related field in our assistive technology program at the Center for Inclusive Design and Engineering. This position will work to support Project Include: Early Childhood Access through Adaptive Technology, and the StateWide Assistive technology Augmentative Alternative Communication (SWAAAC) Program .  This position is currently funded through September 30, 2024.

The University of Colorado Denver is seeking applications for the position of Research Instructor. UC Denver is the premier research university in Colorado, serving more than 30,000 undergraduate, graduate and health professions students in Denver, Aurora and online and awarding nearly 4,000 degrees each year. The renowned researchers and award-winning faculty of UC Denver offer more than 100 degree programs through 13 colleges and schools. In 2008 the University was awarded more than $371 million in research grants and contracts. The new Anschutz Medical Campus includes over 5 million square feet of research, educational and clinical space on 227 acres. The Downtown Campus is located in one of America's most vibrant urban centers, just steps from the Denver Center for Performing Arts, the LoDo District and the state capitol. On both campuses, students, staff and faculty have access to a broad array of academic, professional, community, recreational and cultural opportunities.

Job Responsibilities: 

All job responsibilities are provided within the Center for Inclusive Design and Engineering (CIDE), on the downtown campus location, with primary work responsibilities supporting CIDE’s Project Include and the StateWide Assistive technology Augmentative Alternate Communication (SWAAAC) Program . 

Project Include provides training, technical assistance, and equipment to support the development of inclusive learning environments in licensed Colorado preschool, early learning, and child care settings.  It is funded by the Colorado Department of Human Services, Office of Early Childhood, Child Care Development Block Grant (CCDBG).

SWAAAC is a statewide assistive technology (AT) technical assistance and training program that is funded by the Colorado Department of Education (CDE). This program works toward building and maintaining an infrastructure for the support of AT services in the public schools through the provision of professional development, technical assistance, and an AT loan library of assistive technology devices and resources. The program seeks to increase awareness and understanding of AT in educational settings, and to develop strategies for implementation and documentation of AT devices and services.

Project Include responsibilities include the following:

• Execution of the Project Include Statement of Work. Position will be responsible for tracking, completion, and evaluation of deliverables within specified timelines.
• Develop and disseminate marketing and outreach materials/resources in the form of website content, social media, digital and print resources, and presentations.
• Support, develop, and manage statewide library of Inclusion and Universal Design Kits.
• Create library of Quick Tip Video content to support use and implementation of adaptive technologies available in the Inclusion and Universal Design Kits.
• Provide technical assistance via phone, web-conferencing, email, and website to providers throughout the state on topics related to Universal Design, Inclusive Classroom practices, general support for children with a variety of disabilities, community resources, and assistive technology.
• Consult and conduct environmental analyses of programs, via interviews, observations and protocols and provide written reports with guidance on areas of improvement, strengths, and challenges.
• Collect data, conduct program evaluation, and engage in continuous quality improvement.
• Produce written reports as required detailing project progress related to Scope of Work deliverables, effectiveness, and outcomes.

SWAAAC responsibilities include the following:

• Support the execution of the SWAAAC Statement of Work which supports the professional development, technical assistance and statewide library of assistive technology equipment for students in the public schools in Colorado. Position will be responsible for assisting with the tracking, completion, and evaluation of deliverables within specified timelines.
• Provide communication, training, and technical assistance to professionals and families statewide.
• Marketing and outreach for the SWAAAC program statewide.
• Maintain and update content for the SWAAAC.org and swaaac.goalexandria.com websites as well as the Facebook page.
• Support ongoing use of the AT loan Library. This includes maintenance of existing equipment, purchasing of new equipment, entering items into inventory, and development of implementation resources.
• Assume projects as needed to support program goals.
• Pursue and obtain continued knowledge of best practices in the provision of AT Services in the schools.
• Assist in development and delivery of professional development resources for school personnel serving children with disabilities throughout Colorado.

Minimum Qualifications/Required Education/Experience/Skills:

• A Master’s Degree in Speech Language Pathology, Special Education, Occupational Therapy, Physical Therapy or related field.
• Bachelor’s degree plus years of experience may substitute for Master’s degree.

Desired Qualifications:

• Applicants with a strong background in assistive technology and augmentative alternative communication.
• Experience working in early childhood learning environments.
• Strong understanding of Universal Design principles and Inclusive Classroom practices.
• Proficiency with Microsoft Office products including Outlook, Word, Excel, and PowerPoint.
• Knowledge of Google applications including Docs, Sheets, Slides, and Forms.
• Demonstrated ability to consult and collaborate with numerous stakeholders on a local and state level.
• Ability to work independently with excellent communication and organizational skills. 
• Some teaching, supervision, and/or research experience is also preferred.

Competencies:

• Ability to communicate effectively, both in writing and orally.
• Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships with faculty, staff, and partners at all levels throughout the institution.
• Ability to lead programs on a statewide level.
• Strong organizational and time management skills.
• Demonstrated commitment and leadership ability to advance diversity and inclusion in assistive technology intervention

Salary and Benefits:

Hiring salary range for this position has been established as $68,000-$76,611 per year and is commensurate with skills and experience.

Additional Posting Description:

Salary and Benefits: The salary for this position is negotiable, commensurate with experience.  The University of Colorado offers a full benefits package.  Information on University benefits programs, including eligibility, is located at http://www.cu.edu/pbs/

Review of applications is ongoing, and will continue until the position is filled. 

As of 7/1/2023, The University of Colorado recommends employees be fully vaccinated from the COVID-19, but is not required. COVID recommendations and information can be found at: https://www.ucdenver.edu/coronavirus "

Position is predominantly housed at the downtown campus office.

The University of Colorado Denver is dedicated to ensuring a safe and secure environment for our faculty, staff, students and visitors. To assist in achieving that goal, we conduct background investigations for all prospective employees prior to their employment.

The University of Colorado is committed to diversity and equality in education and employment.  

Required Application Materials: To apply, please visit: http://www.cu.edu/cu-careers and attach: