Research Associate in Learning Maps & Operational Research

Accessible Teaching, Learning, and Assessment Systems (ATLAS), a research center at the University of Kansas (KU), is seeking a Research Associate to support research and development projects focused on learning maps-based educational solutions. ATLAS promotes learning and improved outcomes for all students, with a focus on students with disabilities and struggling learners. The center creates technology-based learning and assessment systems that are accessible and academically rigorous, informed by dynamic research on skill development, assessment design, and teacher professional development.

About the role

The Research Associate will support the development of cognitive learning map models, lead research studies, conduct qualitative data collection and analysis, disseminate findings, and contribute to proposals for externally funded projects. The role requires effective communication, collaboration, and responsiveness to project needs, with the ability to manage multiple tasks and competing priorities. May supervise staff.

Responsibilities

• 30%: Support the designing, planning, and implementing of learning map-related projects, including:
  • Representing formal learning structures in proprietary map-building software.
  • Collaborating with research, implementation, and content teams to coordinate internal and external reviews of learning maps.
  • Reviewing feedback and adjusting maps in response to new findings.
  • Producing technical documentation for map development projects.
• 20%: Conduct research syntheses in K-12 education, including evaluating empirical literature, summarizing and analyzing results, and preparing written reports.
• 20%: Lead the design, planning, and implementation of research studies, including developing study design and instruments, securing IRB approval, collecting data, and analyzing/interpreting qualitative and mixed-methods results.
• 15%: Collaborate across teams to develop high-quality, accessible, map-based educational materials to support teaching and learning for all learners.
• 5%: Contribute to developing proposals for funded research projects and communicate with external audiences, including presenting findings to technical and non-technical stakeholders.
• 5%: Lead project coordination, including using collaborative tools to develop, execute, and monitor project plans.
• 5%: Other duties and special projects 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:

• Ph.D. in education, educational leadership and policy, psychology, curriculum and instruction, or a closely related field, OR a Master’s degree and three (3) years of additional experience in research.
• One (1) year of academic or professional experience conducting, documenting, and synthesizing research in education.
• Two (2) years of experience in instruction, research, or assessments serving a wide range of learners.
• One (1) year of experience or training in developing learning maps or other formal learning models.
• Excellent oral and written communication skills for scholarly and practitioner audiences.
• One (1) year of experience leading K-12 educational research studies.
• One (1) year of experience managing projects, studies, and/or published work products.
• Detail-oriented with strong organizational, critical thinking, and problem-solving skills.
• Experience working both independently and in teams.
• Ability to adapt and manage competing priorities under strict deadlines.

Preferred:

• One (1) year of experience with K-12 educational policies and landscape.
• One (1) year of experience with learning maps and other cognitive models.
• One (1) year of experience developing grant proposals.

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 unable to provide immigration sponsorship for this position. Due to state employment laws, the university may be unable to hire fully remote workers outside of Kansas. Candidates residing in California, Delaware, Idaho, or Minnesota are not currently eligible. KU fosters a culture of care, belonging, and respect, investing in continuous learning and growth for all employees.