Science Research Lead

Ensure you read the information regarding this opportunity thoroughly before making an application.

Position Overview

Accessible Teaching, Learning, and Assessment Systems (ATLAS), a research center at the University of Kansas (KU), is seeking a Science Research Lead to lead the development of cognitive learning map models that represent students’ knowledge, skills and understandings in science with a focus on K-12 instruction and assessment.

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

Additional responsibilities will include collaborating with test development and professional learning teams to develop high quality assessment, instructional, and professional development materials in science for a variety of audiences.

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.

With a wide range portfolio of grant-funded research projects and operational alternate assessments, ATLAS is a leader in educational research and innovation.

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

ATLAS is committed to creating policies and practices that foster a culture in which all employees feel they belong and can succeed.

Visit the ATLAS website to learn how the center improves the learning landscape for all students.

KU employees have great benefits!

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

Visit the KU benefits website for more information.

KU’s excellence is a result of the rich tapestry of experiences, perspectives, and backgrounds of our faculty, staff, students, and colleagues from across our nation and the globe.

At KU we invest in continuous learning and growth by creating a climate where people engage in respectful dialogue and debate and support each other’s success.

We foster a culture of care where each person is valued. When people feel a true sense of belonging, we believe they are better able to reach their full potential and achieve remarkable things.

Job Description

70% Lead the design, planning and implementation of science learning map projects. Activities include :

• Conducting research syntheses in science education and cognitive literature in order to develop and refine learning map models in science.
• Collaborating across functional teams to coordinate and implement internal and external reviews of learning maps.
• Reviewing internal and external panel feedback and adjusting maps in response to that feedback and new research findings.
• Producing technical documentation of science map development and related projects.
• Leading research projects related to the use of formal learning models in science.
• Contributing to grant projects that develop, adapt, or implement science learning maps.

15% Collaborate across functional teams to develop high-quality, accessible, map-based educational materials to support teaching and learning of science for all learners.

Responsibilities include using knowledge of science education and the Next Generation Science Standards to review instructional guides, professional development materials, and other documents to support teaching and learning science, including resources intended for teachers of students with extensive support needs.

10% 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% Other duties as assigned.

Position 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 will be required to travel to Lawrence and / or other locations occasionally.
• This position will require attendance at regularly scheduled meetings, onsite or through telecommunication platforms.

Required Qualifications

• A Ph.D. in science, science education, psychology, curriculum and instruction or a related field OR a master’s degree in science, science education, educational psychology, curriculum and instruction or a related field AND 3 years of experience in the field of study.
• 1 year academic or professional experience conducting, documenting, and synthesizing empirical research focused on science education.
• 1 year of experience working on projects that use Next Generation Science Standards or related multidimensional K-12 academic standards in science.
• Excellent oral and written communication skills for scholarly and practitioner audiences as evidenced by application materials and interview.
• 1 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 science teaching or working directly with K-12 practitioners.
• Experience working on projects that use frameworks of evidence-centered design and / or Universal Design for Learning.
• Experience developing instructional or assessment materials in science for students with disabilities.
• Work experience or specific training in special education, especially related to students with complex support needs or low-incidence disabilities.
• Work experience or specific training in qualitative and quantitative research design, methodology, and statistical analyses.
• Experience as an investigator on a funded project.
• Record of research on a topic related to the acquisition of academic knowledge and skills in science.
• Prior experience in a leadership or supervisory capacity, especially leadership of complex projects.

Additional Candidate Instructions

A complete application includes :

• Online application
• CV or resume
• Cover letter detailing your professional experiences that align with the required and preferred qualifications.
• A technical writing sample (on any topic) that demonstrates literature review and synthesis.
• Contact information for three professional references.

Only complete applications will be considered.

Please submit your application no later than November 09, 2024 to be considered for this position. This application review begins October 11, 2024.

Contact Information to Applicants

ATLAS HR [email protected]

Advertised Salary Range

Minimum $65,000, commensurate with experience

Work Schedule

M-F; 8-5

Application Review Begins

Friday October 11, 2024

Anticipated Start Date

Monday December 9, 2024

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