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 Research Associate will provide technical skills in research design, management, and dissemination for projects focused on developing models of mathematics learning, and will collaborate with internal and external partners on product development, project design, and implementation.

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. ATLAS drives progress through partnerships and collaborations with organizations that share its focus and commitment.

Responsibilities

• 40% - Support the design, planning, and implementation of learning map projects. Activities may include:
  • Representing formal learning structures using diagramming applications or proprietary map-building software in response to program priorities.
  • Collaborating with research, implementation, and content teams to coordinate internal and external reviews of learning maps.
  • Reviewing internal and external panel feedback and adjusting maps in response to feedback and new research findings.
  • Producing technical documentation of map development projects.
  • Supervising graduate research assistants.
• 25% - Collaborate with other functional teams to develop high-quality, accessible, map-based educational materials to support teaching and learning of mathematics for all learners. Responsibilities may include using K-12 academic content education knowledge to review instructional guides, professional development materials, and other documents.
• 20% - Conduct research syntheses in K-12 education. Evaluate empirical literature including summarizing results and preparing written reports.
• 5% - 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% - Contribute to the development of proposals for funded research projects.
• 5% - Special projects/other duties as assigned.

Requirements

• This is a full-time (40 hours/week), unclassified position.
• Depending on the center’s and team’s needs, well-qualified candidates may be allowed a work location that is hybrid or remote.
• This position requires travel to Lawrence and/or other locations as needed, depending on the needs of the center and team.
• This position will require attendance at regularly scheduled meetings, onsite or through telecommunication platforms.

Qualifications

Required Qualifications

• PhD in mathematics education, educational psychology, curriculum and instruction, or a related field OR master’s degree in mathematics education, educational psychology, curriculum and instruction, or a related field and a minimum three (3) years’ experience in research and/or assessments that serve a wide range of learners.
• One (1) year academic or professional experience conducting, documenting, and synthesizing developmental and empirical research.
• One (1) year of experience using complex spreadsheets and databases as evidenced by previous work history or professional training.
• Excellent oral and written communication skills for scholarly and practitioner audiences, as evidenced by application materials.

Preferred Qualifications

• 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 that use 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 as evidenced by application materials.
• One (1) year of experience working in a multidisciplinary, team-based environment as evidenced by work history, professional training, or a combination of both.
• 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 complex state employment laws, the University of Kansas may be unable to hire fully remote workers for this position outside of Kansas. Specifically, we cannot currently offer employment to candidates residing in California, Delaware, Idaho, and Minnesota.