University of Kansas Hiring for Research Project Director at Lawrence, KS Full Time

ATLAS is seeking a Research Project Director to oversee and lead the design, planning, and implementation of projects related to assessment, instruction, and student outcomes for struggling learners and students with disabilities. Potential projects include overseeing the development and evaluation of curricular resources that help bridge the gap between academics and preparation for education and careers after high school for students with significant cognitive disabilities, leading work on test design, and validation of a K-2 assessment for students with disabilities. The Research Project Director will lead technical documentation and dissemination of project findings and carry out other duties as assigned. Critical to the role is the ability to communicate effectively, work collaboratively with colleagues, and be responsive to project needs. The successful candidate has a proven ability to independently manage complex projects across multiple staff members, handle competing priorities and deadlines, and write for diverse audiences.

Accessible Teaching, Learning and Assessment Systems (ATLAS) promotes learning and improved outcomes for all students and their educators. Our primary focus is supporting students with disabilities and struggling learners. We create technology-based learning and assessment systems that are accessible and academically rigorous.

We specialize in map-based learning systems, informed by research on skill development, assessment design, and teacher professional development. Every program and project in our diverse portfolio of operational and grant-funded research strategically aligns with our student- and educator-focused mission. Our work is also supported by multiple strategic partnerships with organizations that share our focus and commitment to quality learning experiences for all students.

In addition to grant-funded research projects, ATLAS develops and delivers state assessments. Our largest assessment system is the Dynamic Learning Maps® (DLM®) Alternate Assessment System. DLM alternate assessments are designed to assess students with the most significant cognitive disabilities in English language arts, mathematics, and science. We also offer custom social studies alternate assessments.

ATLAS does not discriminate 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, or genetic information. As an organization, ATLAS is committed to creating policies and practices that foster a diverse, equitable, and inclusive work environment in which all employees feel they belong and can succeed.

KU offers great benefits to employees with up to 176 hours of paid vacation per year, 72 hours of sick leave earned per year, nine paid holidays plus one discretionary day, a retirement program, medical & dental insurance, life and disability insurance, other benefit plan options and State of Kansas discounts offered by various vendors. KU also offers employees educational and professional development opportunities. KU is a great place to work! See benefits.ku.edu for more details.

70% – Oversee and lead the design, planning, and implementation of projects related to assessments and teacher resources to support instruction for students with disabilities and struggling learners. Projects include:

• Design of assessments.
• Development of stakeholder resources.
• Research to evaluate the assessment and resource materials, including conducting quantitative and/or qualitative analyses and interpreting results.

15% – Lead technical documentation and dissemination of project findings. This includes:

• Scholarly journal articles.
• Briefs.
• Other products for a variety of audiences, along with presentations to external audiences.

10% – Collaborate with colleagues on other research and evaluation projects. Review and provide feedback to researchers on their design of research projects.

5% – Other duties as assigned, such as leading grant proposals.

• This position allows for a telework or hybrid work location for well-qualified candidates. A telework 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.

• Master’s degree and 3 years of additional experience related to design-based research, quantitative and/or qualitative research, evaluation, or other closely related field OR bachelor’s degree and 6 years of experience in education or applied research.
• Experience overseeing and carrying out projects with strong organizational skills and attention to detail, as evidenced by application materials and interview.
• Experience writing technical reports, manuscripts, and other dissemination products.
• Experience managing multiple priorities and deadlines, including adapting in response to changes in work priorities and processes, as evidenced in application and interview.
• Strong written, verbal, and interpersonal communication skills, as evidenced in application materials and interview.

• Doctoral degree in educational psychology, special education, educational research and evaluation, or other closely related field.
• At least five years of experience conducting applied research in pK-12 education.
• Record of published research related to test design, students with disabilities, and/or assessment and instruction in pK-12 education.
• Experience with instruction and/or transition services for students with disabilities, including students with significant cognitive disabilities.
• Experience with early childhood instruction, including of students with disabilities (Pre-K – 6).
• Experience applying concepts of universal design to assessment and/or instructional design.

A complete application includes:

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

Only complete applications will be considered.

Candidates selected for interview will be required to prepare and provide a brief presentation that addresses their past research.

Review of applications will begin on April 10, 2023 and continues until a qualified pool of applicants is identified.

Lauren Shull [email protected]

Minimum $80,000; commensurate with experience

M-F; 8-5

Monday April 10, 2023

Monday May 1, 2023

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