Research Project Coordinator - Kansas University Center on Developmental Disabilities, Lawrence, KS
Posted: Friday, November 13, 2020
KU Center on Developmental Disabilities (KUCDD) is seeking a research project coordinator to support research on self-determination for people with disabilities across the life course. This position will work across projects to coordinate research activities, monitor and communicate study progress, and assist with grant management and reporting tasks. These research projects include focus in the following areas:
- School-based research with students with autism spectrum disorder and using peer supports
- Technology-focused research involving the development and testing of a web-based app to support transition-aged youth with disabilities in setting goals
- Community-based research with adults with disabilities to support decision-making and self-determination
The person in this role may directly supervise the work of professional staff (research assistants or aides) and students supporting research project goals. The ideal candidate will have experience working with and supporting people with disabilities, be highly reliable in a fast-paced office, pay close attention to detail, be adept at problem-solving, have project coordination experience, and have a degree in education (including special education), psychology (including clinical psychology), health and social sciences, disability studies, or related area.
About KUCDD
The University of Kansas, Kansas University Center on Developmental Disabilities (KUCDD) is recognized as a leading research center in the field of disability. KUCDD implements and conducts grant-funded projects focusing on (a) applied research on effective assessment and intervention practices with a particular focus on self-determination and transition to employment and (b) interdisciplinary training in the disability field. KUCDD is part of the Life Span Institute (LSI), a leading research unit at the University of Kansas. The KUCDD maintains facilities on the University of Kansas Lawrence campus, at the KU Medical Center in Kansas City, and in Parsons in southeast Kansas. As a University Center for Excellence in Developmental Disabilities (UCEDD) funded by the Administration on Developmental Disabilities, the core functions of the KUCDD are:
- Interdisciplinary Training
- Community Services (including technical assistance, community education, and direct services)
- Research
- Information Dissemination
KUCDD research staff are expected to actively engage in research projects and disseminate research results through print, online resources, and direct, in-person presentation of information.
KUCDD is committed to fostering an inclusive and supportive research and educational environment for faculty, staff and students. In a continuing effort to enrich its academic environment and provide equal educational and employment opportunities, KUCDD actively encourages applications from members of underrepresented groups in higher education, including people with disabilities.
Job Description:
The research project coordinator will work directly with Associate Director Lisa Hildebrandt as well as collaborate with others in the self-determination research lab, which is led by Dr. Karrie Shogren and includes colleagues with disabilities, undergraduate and graduate students, faculty, postdoctoral fellows, and staff. The research coordinator will also liaison with study participants including teachers and youth with disabilities. The person in this role will be tasked with the following responsibilities:
40% - Coordinate development of study protocols to meet project goals and deadlines. Organize study activities such as: recruiting/managing participants, tracking study activities and timelines, assisting with training data collectors, and monitoring data collection activities. Communicate regular project updates and monitor grant resource allocation. Assist in the development of project reports through writing, proofreading and document lay-out. Communicate with funders and coordinate with national experts to organize presentations and knowledge-sharing.
20% - Supervise research assistants or students in data management tasks, editing video/audio clips for study participants and the public, and performing clerical tasks as assigned.
20% - Develop and create research project or center related information dissemination materials (e.g., infographics, one-page reports, videos, or other media) for KUCDD websites, social media platforms, and on-demand as needed to meet research or community partner requests. Work with web team to organize testing and maintenance of KUCDD websites and assessment system. Organize KUCDD list servs to disseminate information to multiple audiences. Create monthly reports for KUCDD director on website and information dissemination activities.
15% - Perform entry of project data into federal data collection systems, including developing and maintaining databases to facilitate effective program evaluation processes and support annual tracking and reporting requirements funding sources. Maintain knowledge of IRB requirements and collaborate with KU IRB office to adhere to project protocols.
5% - Support additional project activities as needed, such as scheduling meetings using Outlook or Doodle polls, typing meeting notes, making copies, scanning documents, etc.
Required Qualifications:
- Bachelor's degree education (including special education), psychology (including clinical psychology), health and social sciences, disability studies, or related area with minimum of two (2) years of related professional experience, OR Master's degree education (including special education), psychology (including clinical psychology), health and social sciences, disability studies, or related area with minimum of one (1) year of related professional experience.
- Excellent written and oral communication skills as evidenced in application materials and interview.
- Strong attention to detail as evidenced by application materials.
- Strong interpersonal, organizational and administrative skills as evidenced by application materials and interview.
- Three (3) or more years of experience using multiple types of computer software and websites (e.g., Microsoft Office suite, Google Drive, Adobe Acrobat, Mail Chimp, Survey Monkey) as demonstrated by application materials, and work experience.
Preferred Qualifications:
- Experience working with people with disabilities (including autism spectrum disorder) or their families.
- Experience with data management, analysis or storage systems (e.g., SPSS, MS Access, RedCap).
- Excellent student and staff management skills.
- Marketing or communications experience.
- Experience working with more than one research project at a time.
- Strong interest in research on self-determination or related areas.
FTE: 100%
Salary: $45,500-$57,000 annually plus health benefits
Deadline to Apply/Start Date: Application deadline is December 2, 2020. For first consideration, please apply before that date. Anticipated start date: January 11, 2021
Additional Candidate Instruction
In addition to the online application, all of the following must be received to be considered for this position:
- A cover letter addressing how required and preferred qualifications are met.
- Resume.
- Contact information for three professional references, including email, phone and relationship to the applicant. At least one of the references must be a current or former supervisor.
HOW TO APPLY: For full posting information and to apply online, go to employment.ku.edu/staff/18113BR
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 Institutional Opportunity and Access, [email protected], Room 1082, Dole Human Development Center, 1000 Sunnyside Avenue, Lawrence, KS 66045, 785-864-6414, 711 TTY 9 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).
