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. The role involves developing cognitive learning map models, leading research studies, conducting qualitative data analysis, disseminating findings, contributing to grant proposals, and presenting to external audiences. ATLAS promotes learning and improved outcomes for all students, with a focus on students with disabilities and struggling learners, through technology-based learning and assessment systems.

Responsibilities

• 30%: Support the designing, planning, and implementing of learning map-related projects.
  • Represent formal learning structures in proprietary map-building software in response to program priorities.
  • Collaborate with research, implementation, and content teams to coordinate internal and external reviews of learning maps.
  • Review internal and external panel feedback and adjust maps in response to feedback and new research findings.
  • Produce technical documentation for map development projects.
• 20%: Conduct research syntheses in K-12 education.

  Evaluate empirical literature, including summarizing, coding, and analyzing results, as well as preparing written reports.

• 20%: Lead the design, planning, and implementation of research studies and all deliverables.

  Develop study design and instruments, secure IRB approval, collect data, and analyze and interpret results of qualitative and mixed methods research for diverse audiences.

• 15%: Collaborate across functional teams to develop high-quality, accessible, map-based educational materials.

  Use K-12 education knowledge to design, develop, and/or review instructional guides, professional development materials, and other documents supporting teaching and learning.

• 5%: Contribute to developing proposals for funded research projects and communicate with external audiences.

  Present research findings and learning maps to technical and non-technical audiences, including state departments of education and professional organizations.

• 5%: Lead project coordination.

  Collaborate with project teams using project management tools to develop, execute, and monitor project plans.

• 5%: Other duties/special projects.

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 hybrid or remote work location.
• Travel to Lawrence and/or other locations may be required, as well as attendance at regularly scheduled meetings (onsite or via telecommunication platforms).

Qualifications

Required Qualifications

• 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 the field/area of 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 types of 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.
• Work experience demonstrating the ability to work both independently and in teams.
• Work experience demonstrating the ability to adapt and manage competing priorities under strict deadlines.

Preferred Qualifications

• One (1) year of experience with K-12 educational policies and landscape.
• One (1) year of experience with learning maps and other types of 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 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, we cannot currently offer employment to candidates residing in California, Delaware, Idaho, or Minnesota.