Research Project Manager

University of Kansas, United States

Updated: over 2 years ago
Location: Lawrence, KANSAS
Deadline: The position may have been removed or expired!

20608BR

Bureau of Child Research


Position Overview

KU Center on Developmental Disabilities (KUCDD) is seeking a project manager to support research on self-determination for people with disabilities across the life course. This position will work across projects to accomplish several objectives: (a) plan, coordinate, and deliver trainings related to interventions designed to promote self-determination, (b) manage research activities and supervise staff and students as needed, and (c) disseminate research findings via presentations and publications (e.g., technical reports, peer-reviewed journal articles, infographics, one-page reports). These research activities include focus in the following areas:

  • School-based research with students with autism and using peer supports.
  • Research related to teacher preparation for inclusive education, including documenting the skills needed of general educators working in inclusive settings and continuing work related to the access and participation of students with extensive support needs.
  • Community-based research with adults with disabilities to support decision-making and self-determination.

The person in this role may directly supervise the work of professional staff (research assistants or aides) and students supporting research project goals. The ideal candidate will have experience working with and supporting people with disabilities, in-depth knowledge of evidence-based practices to support inclusive education, be highly reliable in a fast-paced office, pay close attention to detail, be adept at problem-solving, have project management experience, and have an advanced degree (e.g., PhD, EdD) or Master’s degree in education (including special education), psychology (including clinical psychology), health and social sciences, disability studies, or related area. This position will be telework.

About KUCDD
The University of Kansas, Kansas University Center on Developmental Disabilities (KUCDD) is recognized as a leading research center in the field of disability. KUCDD implements and conducts grant-funded projects focusing on (a) applied research on effective assessment and intervention practices with a particular focus on self-determination and transition to employment and (b) interdisciplinary training in the disability field. KUCDD is part of the Life Span Institute (LSI), a leading research unit at the University of Kansas. As a University Center for Excellence in Developmental Disabilities (UCEDD) funded by the Administration on Developmental Disabilities, the core functions of the KUCDD are:

  • Interdisciplinary Training
  • Community Services (including technical assistance, community education, and direct services)
  • Research
  • Information Dissemination

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.


Job Description

The research project manager will work directly with Dr. Jennifer Kurth and Dr. Sheida Raley across projects to lead training and presentations associated with research projects, manage research activities, monitor and communicate study progress, and assist with grant management and reporting tasks. The person in this role may directly supervise the work of professional staff and students supporting research project goals. The ideal candidate will be highly reliable in a fast-paced office, pay close attention to detail, be adept at problem-solving, and have research experience. This position will be telework.

The person in this role will be tasked with the following responsibilities:

40% - Training and Presentations
Plan, coordinate, and deliver in-person and online trainings and presentations in support of current or future implementers (e.g., teachers, community-based facilitators, self-advocates) of interventions related to self-determination (e.g., the Self-Determined Learning Model of Instruction and Self-Determined Career Design Model). Travel as required to promote KUCDD-developed resources to provide high-quality professional development to research partners and other community members during onsite visits.

35% - Research Project Management and Supervision
Manage study activities such as: recruiting/managing participants, tracking study activities and timelines, training data collectors, monitoring data collection activities, and conducting and/or guiding data analyses related to research projects. Directly supervise the work of professional staff and students supporting research project goals as required. Ensure Institutional Review Board (IRB) policies are followed for all research involving human subjects related to project activities. Provide staff with regular project status updates and communication with funders and coordinate with national experts to organize presentations and knowledge-sharing. Complete other research management and supervision tasks as assigned.

20% - Dissemination and Reporting
Produce technical reports, peer-reviewed journal articles, other manuscripts, and additional dissemination products related to research project activities and analyses. Develop and create research project or center related information dissemination materials (e.g., infographics, one-page reports, videos, or other media) for KUCDD websites, social media platforms, and on-demand as needed to meet research or community partner requests. Work with web team to organize testing and maintenance of KUCDD websites and assessment system. Perform entry of project data into federal data collection systems, including developing and maintaining databases to facilitate effective program evaluation processes and support annual tracking and reporting requirements funding sources.

5% - Support additional research or training activities as required


Position Requirements

  • This position will be telework.

    • Required Qualifications

  • Advanced degree (e.g., PhD, EdD) in education, (including special education), psychology (including clinical psychology), health and social sciences, disability studies, or related area with minimum of one year of related professional experience, OR Master’s degree in education (including special education), psychology (including clinical psychology), health and social sciences, disability studies, or related area with minimum of two years of related professional experience.
  • One year of experience developing and delivering trainings via in-person and/or virtual formats as evidenced by application materials.
  • Excellent written and oral communication skills as evidenced in application materials and interview.
  • Strong attention to detail as evidenced by application materials.
  • Strong interpersonal, organizational, and administrative skills as evidenced by application materials and interview.

    • Preferred Qualifications

  • One year of research experience in areas such as: self-determination assessment and intervention, strengths-based and inclusive education, transition to postsecondary education and employment, or supports needs assessments.
  • Experience working with people with disabilities and/or their families.
  • Broad, documented understanding of the complex, dynamic, and diverse nature of disability research and familiarity with the varied perspectives of multiple stakeholders as indicated by application materials and interview.
  • One year of experience participating in and contributing to approaches to training and research that use interdisciplinary teams and varied perspectives.
  • Demonstrated strong professional writing skills, including research reports, peer-reviewed journal articles, other print and electronic publications and experience presenting at conferences and professional meetings as indicated by application materials and interview.
  • Experience with student and staff management.
  • Three (3) or more years of experience using multiple types of computer software and websites (e.g., Microsoft Office suite, Google Drive, Adobe Acrobat, Qualtrics) as demonstrated by application materials, and work experience.
  • Experience with data management, analysis, or storage systems (e.g., SPSS, RedCap).

    • Contact Information to Applicants

    Jennifer Kurth, Ph.D.
    Associate Professor, Department of Special Education
    Investigator, KU Center on Developmental Disabilities
    [email protected]


    Additional Candidate Instruction

    In addition to the online application form, applicants should include the following information
    in their application:
    1. A cover letter addressing how required and preferred qualifications are met.
    2. Resume.
    3. Contact information for three professional references. At least one of the references must
    be a current or former supervisor.

    Application deadline is Nov 17th, 2021. For first consideration, please apply before that date.


    Advertised Salary Range

    $58,000-$65,000 annually


    Application Review Begins

    18-Nov-2021


    Anticipated Start Date

    03-Jan-2022


    Primary Campus

    University of Kansas Lawrence Campus


    FLSA Status

    Administrative


    Employee Class

    U-Unclassified Professional Staff


    Work Schedule

    30 hours/week


    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).


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