Department: Educational and Community Supports
Rank: Research Assistant/Associate
Annual Basis: 12 Month
Review of Applications Begins
March 16, 2023; position open until filled
Special Instructions to Applicants
To be considered for this position, applicants must submit a completed application that includes:
• A cover letter highlighting how your knowledge, skills, and experience qualify you for each of the requirements, competencies, and if applicable, preferred qualifications outlined in the job posting.
• A curriculum vitae/resume
Note you will also be asked to submit the names and contact information of three professional references as part of the application process.
Department Summary
PBISApps, a multidisciplinary team within the Educational and Community Supports (ECS) research unit in the University of Oregon’s College of Education, is a leader in providing practical solutions for common education problems. We enable educators to use student behavioral data in schools all over the United States and in over 10 countries worldwide. Our work at PBISApps translates cutting-edge research into real-world solutions through an equity-focused educational service mission, sophisticated software and database architectures, and development tools used by an active and enthusiastic base of over 20,000 schools. Our solutions save educators time and keep them focused on supporting students. PBISApps has a continued commitment to using data-based decision-making to improve student outcomes and make systems more effective, efficient, and equitable. We offer a flexible, supportive family-friendly work environment focused on a work-life balance in a stimulating academic setting.
At ECS, our teams value the contribution that diversity brings to our work and culture. Understanding and learning from our differences gives us unique opportunities to improve our products and services.
Position Summary
The Educational and Community Supports (ECS) research unit at the University of Oregon is seeking qualified applicants for its open career research assistant and research associate positions.
At ECS, Research Assistants and Research Associates serve as a member of the Positive Behavioral Interventions and Supports (PBIS) Applications Training Team and are responsible for designing and delivering high-quality training and professional development materials related to data-based decision-making and the implementation of decision systems within a multi-tiered system of supports.
Research Assistants and Research Associates participate in research and implementation workgroups focused on positive behavioral interventions and supports (PBIS) as well as school-wide positive behavioral interventions and supports (SWPBIS) and collaborate with key internal stakeholders on strategic planning related to application development and organizational priorities. In addition, they provide technical assistance to external school-based personnel and educational organizations in the use of PBIS Applications decision systems (e.g., SWIS, CICO-SWIS, I-SWIS, PBIS Assessment, PBIS Evaluation) and provide service and support to nonprofit agencies (e.g., Northwest PBIS Network, Oregon PBIS Coaching Alliance), schools, and educational facilities that request information and help.
As a member of a research team, Research Assistants support the implementation of research, demonstration, outreach, and technical assistance projects under the direct supervision of other faculty researchers.
Research Associates lead and/or collaborate in research, demonstration, outreach, and technical assistance projects within the unit. Research Associates perform independent roles in research activities requiring an advanced level of knowledge in delivering and evaluating the fidelity and effectiveness of professional development sessions. The work performed in these positions will be predominantly intellectual and require consistent use of discretion and judgment.
Minimum Requirements
Research Assistant:
• Bachelor’s degree in education, or a related field
• 3 years of professional work experience in K-12 education and/or professional development, training, or related field
• Basic knowledge and/or at least 1 year of implementing positive behavioral interventions and supports
To qualify for the rank of Senior Research Assistant I is the above qualifications +6 years of experience and Senior Research Assistant II is the above qualifications +12 years of experience.
Research Associate:
• Doctoral degree in special education, school psychology, education, psychology, or equivalent
• 3 years of professional work experience in K-12 education and/or professional development, training, or related field
• Comprehensive knowledge and 3 years of implementing positive behavioral interventions and supports across multiple schools
• Experiences in research activities required for the position (e.g., designing and delivering systems-level interventions to improve educational outcomes)
To qualify for the rank of Senior Research Associate I is the above qualifications +6 years of experience and Senior Research Associate II is the above qualifications +12 years of experience.
Professional Competencies
• Excellent communication skills
• Demonstrated ability to define and document learning objectives and design content to optimize adult learning for educators
• Ability to work and solve problems independently, as well as in a collaborative team environment, and represent the university in a professional manner
• Demonstrated experience in the design, implementation, and evaluation of professional development efforts in schools
• Strong training presence and experience in delivering training in a variety of contexts
• Demonstrated experience with learning management systems and/or multimedia authoring tools
• Organization and management skills; ability to prioritize multiple projects and manage projects from conception through completion
• Demonstrated ability to work effectively with diverse populations and a commitment to, and experience with, promoting and enhancing diversity and equity
For Research Associates specifically:
Demonstrated experience in the design, implementation, and evaluation of professional development efforts in technical assistance organizations
Preferred Qualifications
For Research Assistants:
• Master’s degree in education or a related field
• Comprehensive knowledge and 3 years of implementing positive behavioral interventions and supports
• Experience using PBIS applications for data-based decision-making (e.g., SWIS, CICO-SWIS, I-SWIS,PBIS Assessment, PBIS Evaluation) in or with schools
• Demonstrated knowledge and application of best practices in adult learning and principles of universal design
• Demonstrated experience in developing online training materials and utilizing an online learning management system
For Research Associates:
• Experience training and supporting school and district personnel in using PBIS applications for data-based decision-making (e.g., SWIS, CICO-SWIS, I-SWIS, PBIS Assessment, PBIS Evaluation)
• Demonstrated experience in developing online training materials, utilizing an online learning management system and evaluating effects
• Demonstrated experience in writing and funding grants focused on educational reform
• Leadership experience and proven ability to provide supportive supervision within an organization
University of Oregon students and employees are required to be vaccinated against COVID-19. For additional information see: https://hr.uoregon.edu/uo-covid-19-vaccination-requirement-employee-process.
The University of Oregon is proud to offer a robust benefits package to eligible employees, including health insurance, retirement plans and paid time off. For more information about benefits, visit http://hr.uoregon.edu/careers/about-benefits.
The University of Oregon is an equal opportunity, affirmative action institution committed to cultural diversity and compliance with the ADA. The University encourages all qualified individuals to apply, and does not discriminate on the basis of any protected status, including veteran and disability status. The University is committed to providing reasonable accommodations to applicants and employees with disabilities. To request an accommodation in connection with the application process, please contact us at uocareers@uoregon.edu or 541-346-5112.
UO prohibits discrimination on the basis of race, color, sex, national or ethnic origin, age, religion, marital status, disability, veteran status, sexual orientation, gender identity, and gender expression in all programs, activities and employment practices as required by Title IX, other applicable laws, and policies. Retaliation is prohibited by UO policy. Questions may be referred to the Title IX Coordinator, Office of Civil Rights Compliance, or to the Office for Civil Rights. Contact information, related policies, and complaint procedures are listed on the statement of non-discrimination.
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