Department: Educational and Community Supports
Rank: Research Associate
Annual Basis: 12 Month
Review of Applications Begins
February 3, 2025; Position open until filled
Special Instructions to Applicants
Please submit with your online application a current CV and 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.
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 diversity's contribution to our work and culture. Understanding and learning from our differences give us unique opportunities to improve our products and services.
Position Summary
At ECS, the Research Associate/Senior Research Associate position serves as a member of the Positive Behavioral Interventions and Supports (PBIS) Applications Training Team and is 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 Associates lead and/or collaborate in unit research, demonstration, outreach, and technical assistance projects. Research Associates perform independent roles in research and training activities requiring advanced knowledge in delivering and evaluating the fidelity and effectiveness of professional development sessions.
Typical work activities associated with this position include (but are not limited to):
• Participate in research and implementation workgroups focused on positive behavioral interventions and supports (PBIS) as well as school-wide positive behavioral interventions and supports (PBIS)
• Lead the development and revision of training materials (e.g., webinar presentations, tools, videos, conference/workshop presentations)
• Design and deliver online and in-person training and professional development events for local, state, and national audiences
• Design and initiate the use of self-guided, on-demand eLearning modules
• Collaborate with key internal stakeholders on strategic planning related to application development and organizational priorities
• Lead and/or coordinate PBISApps application development team projects
• 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)
• Lead evaluation of training and professional development services provided by the team
• Lead and coordinate the provision of services and supports to nonprofit agencies (e.g., Northwest PBIS Network, Oregon PBIS Coaching Alliance), schools, and educational facilities that request information and help
• Write research and grant/contract proposals (individually or as part of a collective) related to school climate and discipline; monitor proposals through to completion
• Under the direction of a PI, (or independently) develop and design experiments to support the existing research projects
This position reports to the PBIS Applications Training Team Lead.
Minimum Requirements
• 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 be considered for the rank of Senior Research Associate I, candidates must meet the above qualifications for Research Associate plus and additional 6 years of post-terminal degree experience including the following;
- Experience supervising and monitoring completion of specific project activities and/or other employees
- Experience in a leadership role on research projects (e.g., Project Manager, Co-Principal Investigator, Principal Investigator)
- Scholarly contributions to the field through professional products (e.g., research publications, professional presentations, grant applications, technical report)
To be considered for the rank of Senior Research Associate II, candidates must meet the above qualifications for Research Associate and Senior Research Associate I plus and additional 6 years (12 total) of post-terminal degree experience including the following;
- Documented service and/or leadership in the field, college and/or university (e.g., Director of unit)
- Documented scholarly activities with a wide scope of impact and audience (e.g., having a state or national office in professional organization, journal editor, editorial board, journals)
Professional Competencies
• Excellent written and interpersonal communication skills
• 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
• Strong training presence and experience in delivering training in a variety of contexts
• Proficiency 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
• Ability to work effectively with diverse populations and a commitment to, and experience with, promoting and enhancing diversity and equity
• Ability to design, implement, and evaluate professional development efforts in technical assistance organizations
Preferred Qualifications
• Comprehensive knowledge of and 3+ years' experience implementing positive behavioral interventions and supports across multiple schools
• 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 knowledge and application of best practices in adult learning and principles of universal design
• 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)
• Experience in developing online training materials, utilizing an online learning management system, and evaluating effects
• Experience in writing and funding grants focused on educational reform
• Leadership experience and proven ability to provide supportive supervision within an organization
All offers of employment are contingent upon successful completion of a background check.
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 https://hr.uoregon.edu/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, religion, national origin, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, gender expression, pregnancy (including pregnancy-related conditions), age, physical or mental disability, genetic information (including family medical history), ancestry, familial status, citizenship, service in the uniformed services (as defined in federal and state law), veteran status, expunged juvenile record, and/or the use of leave protected by state or federal law 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 Office of Investigations and Civil Rights Compliance. Contact information, related policies, and complaint procedures are listed here.
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