Position Overview

Accessible Teaching, Learning and Assessment Systems (ATLAS) is seeking a Senior Research Associate with expertise in learning sciences and K-12 education, with a focus on science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM) concepts and practices, to join an established research and development team dedicated to developing large-scale learning map models in multiple disciplines. Similar to learning progressions, learning maps are products of research synthesis that represent multiple pathways that learners may take to acquire knowledge, skills, and understanding. The senior research associate will provide scientific and technical skills in research design, management, and dissemination for projects focused on developing cross-disciplinary models of learning and collaborate with internal and external partners on product development, project design, and implementation. Additional responsibilities will include leading parts of a research agenda for learning maps in STEM-related disciplines, leading proposal development for external funding opportunities, and communicating with stakeholders and strategic partners.

ATLAS promotes learning and improved outcomes for all students. We create technology-based learning and assessment systems that are accessible and academically rigorous. Our center serves all students, including students with disabilities and struggling learners, as well as their educators.

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. Our broader state assessments include the Kansas Assessment Program and the Kansas English Language Proficiency Assessment.
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.

Successful applicants will demonstrate deep understanding of STEM learning and will be familiar with a range of either classroom approaches and/or standardized assessment approaches to collecting evidence of student mastery of curricular standards. Special consideration will be given to candidates who have experience working as or closely with K-12 classroom teachers.

This is a full-time (40 hours/week), unclassified position through the Lawrence campus. This position may be remote, hybrid, or based on-site at the Lawrence campus. For remote workers, travel may be required up to 10% per year.

Job Description

• 60% - Contribute to the design, planning, and implementation of learning map-based research and development projects in mathematics and/or science. Activities may include:
  • Provide expert consultation to multiple projects, with diverse purposes and audiences, which are based on formal learning models in early communication, mathematics, reading, writing, and science.
  • Lead research syntheses in K-12 STEM education and related areas of learning, cognition, and assessment.
  • Provide intellectual leadership for elements of the ATLAS research agenda related to learning map uses in a variety of contexts and projects.
  • Collaborate with assessment development, professional learning, and psychometric teams to design and conduct studies that provide evidence of validity for learning map models and map-based assessments.
  • Produce technical documentation of map development projects.
  • Supervision of other research staff and graduate research assistants.
• 15% - Collaborate with test development and research teams to develop high-quality, accessible assessments that appropriately measure cognition in a variety of academic content areas.
• 10% - Develop and maintain professional relationships within and outside the university to foster cross-disciplinary collaboration. Communicate with external audiences including state departments of education and professional organizations. Disseminate information related to learning maps research and development projects to technical and non-technical audiences through presentations or publications.
• 10% - Contribute to the development of proposals for funded research projects.
• 5% - Other duties as assigned.

Position Requirements

• This is a full-time (40 hours/week), unclassified position through the Lawrence campus. This position may be remote, hybrid, or based on-site at the Lawrence campus. For remote workers, travel may be required up to 10% per year.
• This position will require attendance at regularly scheduled meetings, onsite or through telecommunication platforms.  

Required Qualifications

• Ph.D. or Ed.D. in STEM education, curriculum and instruction, learning sciences, or a closely related field and at least 5 years of additional postdoctoral experience conducting research related to education.
• Work experience or specific training in the development, use, and evaluation of formal learning models (e.g., learning progressions, computational models of learning).
• Excellent oral and written communication skills for scholarly and practitioner audiences as evidenced by application materials and interview.
• At least one year of experience working in a multidisciplinary, team-based environment as evidenced by work history, professional training, or a combination of both.

Preferred Qualifications

• Experience in K-12 teaching experience in a STEM related-subject or working with K-12 practitioners directly.
• Experience working on projects that use national content standards (e.g., NGSS, common core), frameworks of evidence-centered design, or Universal Design for Learning.
• Work experience or specific training in qualitative and quantitative research design, methodology, and statistical analyses.
• Experience as an investigator on a funded project.
• Established record of published research on K-12 STEM education (including curriculum or assessment), policy, or evaluation.
• Prior experience in a leadership or supervisory capacity, especially leadership of complex projects.

Additional Candidate Instruction

A complete online application includes:

• Résumé
• 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.

Review of applications will begin on 02/27/2023. Please apply by the application review date.

Advertised Salary Range

Minimum $83,000; commensurate with experience

Application Review Begins

27-Feb-2023

Anticipated Start Date

27-Mar-2023

Primary Campus

University of Kansas Lawrence Campus

Employee Class

U-Unclassified Professional Staff

Conditions of Employment

Contingent on Funding

Work Location Assignment

Telework

Disclaimer

The University of Kansas prohibits discrimination 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, and genetic information in the university's programs and activities. Retaliation is also prohibited by university policy. The following persons have been designated to handle inquiries regarding the nondiscrimination policies and are the Title IX coordinators for their respective campuses: Director of the Office of Civil Rights & Title IX, civilrights@ku.edu, Room 1082, Dole Human Development Center, 1000 Sunnyside Avenue, Lawrence, KS 66045, 785-864-6414, 711 TTY (for the Lawrence, Edwards, Parsons, Yoder, and Topeka campuses); Director, Equal Opportunity Office, Mail Stop 7004, 4330 Shawnee Mission Parkway, Fairway, KS 66205, 913-588-8011, 711 TTY (for the Wichita, Salina, and Kansas City, Kansas medical center campuses).