Associate Researcher
The University of Kansas

Job Info

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Position OverviewAccessible Teaching, Learning, and Assessment Systems (ATLAS), a research center at the University of Kansas (KU), 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 various projects, including funded research, development of assessments, and design and development of instructional materials.

ATLAS promotes learning and improved outcomes for all students, with a focus on students with disabilities and struggling learners. ATLAS creates technology-based learning and assessment systems that are accessible and academically rigorous. Dynamic research on skill development, assessment design, and teacher professional development informs the center's map-based learning systems.

With a diverse portfolio of grant-funded research projects and operational alternate assessments, ATLAS is a leader in educational research and innovation. ATLAS drives progress through partnerships and collaborations with organizations that share its focus and commitment.

Visit the ATLAS website to learn how the center improves the learning landscape for all students.

KU employees have great benefits!

• 176 hours of paid vacation per year
• 72 hours of sick leave per year
• 10 paid holidays
• Medical and dental insurance
• Retirement program
• Life and disability insurance
• Educational and professional development opportunities

Visit the KU benefits website for more information.Job Description40%: Support the designing, planning, and implementing 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.
• Producing technical documentation for map development projects.

30%: Conduct research syntheses in K-12 education. Evaluate empirical literature, including summarizing, coding, and analyzing results, as well as preparing written reports.

20%: Collaborate with test development and research teams to develop high-quality, accessible, map-based educational materials to support the 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 supporting ELA teaching and learning.

5%: Contribute to developing proposals for funded research projects and 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%: Other duties as assigned.Position RequirementsThis is a full-time (40 hours/week), unclassified position.
This position allows for a remote or hybrid work location for well-qualified candidates. A remote position may be required to travel to Lawrence up to four times per year.
This position will require attendance at regularly scheduled meetings, onsite or through telecommunication platforms.Required Qualifications

1. Ph.D. in education, psychology, curriculum and instruction, or a closely related field.
2. At least three years of experience using contemporary academic content standards (e.g., Common Core State Standards) in research, instruction, or assessment.
3. Minimum two years of experience in instruction, research, or assessments that serve diverse learners using principles of universal design for learning.
4. At least one year of academic or professional experience conducting, documenting, and synthesizing ELA research (i.e., reading, language, comprehension, or writing).
5. Ability to use complex spreadsheets and databases as evidenced by previous work history or professional training.
6. Excellent oral and written communication skills for scholarly and practitioner audiences, as evidenced by application materials.

Preferred Qualifications

1. Experience with evidence-centered development of alternate assessments for students with the most significant cognitive disabilities.
2. Record of research on a topic related to acquiring academic knowledge and skills in or closely related to ELA.
3. Knowledge of learning maps and other types of cognitive models.
4. Prior experience developing ELA learning maps using data visualization software.
5. Prior experience in evaluating writing samples produced by different student populations, including students with intellectual disabilities and significant cognitive disabilities.
6. Prior experience developing learning map-based instructional resources for ELA.
7. Successful experience working in a multidisciplinary, team-based environment as evidenced by work history, professional training, or both.

Additional Candidate InstructionsA complete online application includes:

• CV or resume
• Cover letter detailing your professional experiences that align with the required and preferred qualifications.
• Contact information for three professional references.

Only complete applications will be considered. Review of applications begins May 11th. To ensure consideration, please apply by application review date.
Contact Information to ApplicantsATLAS HR ATLASHR@ku.eduAdvertised Salary RangeMinimum $45,000, commensurate with experienceWork ScheduleM-F; 8-5Application Review BeginsSaturday May 11, 2024Anticipated Start DateMonday June 10, 2024Apply to Job

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