JOB SUMMARY

The Neag School of Education at the University of Connecticut is hiring a Postdoctoral Research Associate interested in the translation of research into practice to improve reading outcomes for children. The postdoctoral position is a full-time research-dedicated fellowship. The Postdoctoral Research Associate will participate in the Connecticut Intensive Intervention Implementation Initiative (CONNi4) funded by the Connecticut State Department of Education. During the position, the Postdoctoral Research Associate will also have the opportunity to work alongside expert and peer mentors to design and implement independent research studies. The skills gained from this experience will prepare them to obtain external funding for their own independent research program.

The Postdoctoral Research Associate will work together with the CONNi4 team. This initiative involves scaled implementation of an intensive-intervention system called data-based individualization (DBI) in elementary schools and a rigorous evaluation of the efficacy of the system. DBI is a research-based process for providing intensive intervention, ongoing progress monitoring, and data-based problem-solving for children who are at risk for a disability or are currently receiving special education services.

DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES

• Participate as a member of the project leadership team.

• Develop and deliver professional development for participating schools and districts.

• Coordinate data collection and observations in participating schools (e.g., data collector training, reliability, materials, scheduling, and data entry).

• Develop and manualize resources (e.g., meeting agendas, questionnaires, fidelity forms, implementation plans, etc.) created throughout the scope of the project.

• Work directly with schools/districts to proactively support project activities.

• Coordinate with methodological team re: creating and maintaining project database.

• Support dissemination of project activities and results (e.g., conference presentations, journal articles, policy briefs, infographics).

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS

• Ph.D. degree in special education, school psychology, elementary education, or an allied field.

• Experience in a school or similar setting as a practicing teacher, school psychologist, or in another instructional capacity.

• Previous experience working on applied school-based research projects.

PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS

• Previous experience working with research teams including collaboration with multiple principal investigators and external partners.

• Previous experience implementing intensive interventions in applied educational settings, including data-based individualization, within a responsiveness-to-intervention or multi-tiered system of support.

• Previous experience coaching teachers or leading professional learning communities.

APPOINTMENT TERMS

The position will be responsible for working with PIs Drs. Devin Kearns and Michael Coyne to coordinate research-related activities. This position is a 12-month position funded by a Connecticut State Department of Education grant with a competitive salary. This is a one-year position that is renewed annually based on performance and availability of funds. It is anticipated that there will be two years of funding to support this position.

TERMS AND CONDITIONS OF EMPLOYMENT

Employment of the successful candidate is contingent upon the successful completion of a pre-employment criminal background check.

TO APPLY

Please apply online at https://hr.uconn.edu/jobs, Staff Positions, Search #497298 to upload a resume, cover letter, and contact information for three (3) professional references. Review of applications will begin immediately and continue until the position is filled.

All employees are subject to adherence to the State Code of Ethics which may be found at http://www.ct.gov/ethics/site/default.asp.

All members of the University of Connecticut are expected to exhibit appreciation of, and contribute to, an inclusive, respectful, and diverse environment for the University community.

The University of Connecticut aspires to create a community built on collaboration and belonging and has actively sought to create an inclusive culture within the workforce. The success of the University is dependent on the willingness of our diverse employee and student populations to share their rich perspectives and backgrounds in a respectful manner. This makes it essential for each member of our community to feel secure and welcomed and to thoroughly understand and believe that their ideas are respected by all. We strongly respect each individual employee’s unique experiences and perspectives and encourage all members of the community to do the same. All applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, gender, gender identity or expression, sexual orientation, national origin, genetics, disability, age, or veteran status.

The University of Connecticut is an AA/EEO Employer.