Research Associate

Accessible Teaching, Learning, and Assessment Systems (ATLAS), a research center at the University of Kansas (KU), is seeking a Research Associate to support the development of cognitive learning map models that represent students’ knowledge, skills, and understandings with a focus on K-12 mathematics instruction and assessment. The role involves research design, management, and dissemination for projects developing models of mathematics learning, collaborating with internal and external partners, and contributing to high-quality assessments and instructional materials. ATLAS promotes learning and improved outcomes for all students, particularly those with disabilities and struggling learners, through technology-based, accessible, and academically rigorous systems.

Responsibilities

• 40% - Learning Map Projects:
  • Represent formal learning structures using diagramming applications or proprietary map-building software.
  • Collaborate with research, implementation, and content teams to coordinate internal and external reviews of learning maps.
  • Review feedback from internal and external panels and adjust maps based on feedback and new research findings.
  • Produce technical documentation of map development projects.
  • Supervise graduate research assistants.
• 25% - Educational Materials Development:
  • Collaborate with functional teams to develop high-quality, accessible, map-based educational materials for K-12 mathematics.
  • Review instructional guides, professional development materials, and other documents to support mathematics teaching and learning.
• 20% - Research Syntheses:
  • Conduct research syntheses in K-12 education, evaluate empirical literature, summarize results, and prepare written reports.
• 5% - External Communication:
  • 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% - Proposal Development:
  • Contribute to the development of proposals for funded research projects.
• 5% - Special Projects:
  • Other duties as assigned.

Requirements

• Full-time (40 hours/week), unclassified position.
• Hybrid or remote work location may be allowed for well-qualified candidates.
• Travel to Lawrence or other locations as needed.
• Attendance at regularly scheduled meetings, onsite or via telecommunication platforms.

Qualifications

• Required:
  • PhD in mathematics education, educational psychology, curriculum and instruction, or a related field OR master’s degree in the same fields with a minimum of three (3) years’ experience in research and/or assessments serving a wide range of learners.
  • One (1) year of academic or professional experience conducting, documenting, and synthesizing developmental and empirical research.
  • One (1) year of experience using complex spreadsheets and databases.
  • Excellent oral and written communication skills for scholarly and practitioner audiences.
• Preferred:
  • One (1) year of experience in K-12 mathematics teaching or working directly with K-12 practitioners.
  • One (1) year of experience working on projects using frameworks of evidence-centered development and/or Universal Design for Learning.
  • Prior work on projects related to contemporary academic content standards (e.g., Common Core State Standards and Next Generation Science Standards).
  • Record of research on a topic related to the acquisition of academic knowledge and skills.
  • One (1) year of experience working in a multidisciplinary, team-based environment.
  • One (1) year of experience in a leadership or supervisory capacity, especially leadership of complex projects.

Benefits

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

Pay

$67,000 minimum, commensurate with experience.

KU is not able to provide immigration sponsorship for this position. Due to state employment laws, the University of Kansas may be unable to hire fully remote workers for this position outside of Kansas. Specifically, employment cannot be offered to candidates residing in California, Delaware, Idaho, or Minnesota.