Research Professional 4 - Research Coordination Generalist

Position Overview

The University of Minnesota's (UMN) Universal Inference Galaxy project seeks a candidate to fill a Research Professional 4 - Research Coordination Generalist position.

The purpose of this 5-year project is to enhance the Inference Galaxy-a web-based platform designed to improve reading comprehension of elementary students-to be fully accessible to students with disabilities and Deaf and Hard of Hearing (DHH) students. Our aim is to (a) fully integrate UDL principles and accessibility guidelines into a "Universal Inference Galaxy," and (b) develop accessible products and resources that will help educators and families effectively implement it with students. The aim is to provide evidence that is usable and feasible to implement, improves student comprehension outcomes, and is scalable and sustainable for implementation in a variety of school-based settings.

The research coordinator will be a 50% time, 12-month employee of the University of Minnesota. The research coordinator will work closely with and be primarily supervised by Dr. Kristen McMaster in the Department of Educational Psychology. The appointment is an annually renewable position.

Primary duties will involve working closely with project staff to support the implementation of school-based research, including working with the project leadership, student research assistants, research staff (i.e., technology and design team), school collaborators, and experts in the field to adapt technology-based language instruction to be accessible to diverse learners in elementary schools.

Primary duties will include coordinating the needs assessments and design of Universal Inference Galaxy, site recruitment, data collection and management, data analysis, and writing of technical reports as well as peer-reviewed articles, conference presentations, and professional development for teachers. The individual in this position will support management of the project including assisting with directing and supervising the work of multiple investigators, student research assistants, research staff, and school collaborators. The individual will also be expected to prepare Institutional Review Board (IRB) applications and local school district applications for review of planned research. This individual will also facilitate weekly meetings for the project team for logistical planning and management, as well as help set priorities for each team to ensure task completion.

Other duties will include:
* Supporting the creation and management of large-scale data sets;
* Leading and/or assisting with the preparation of research articles, reports, and grants;
* Disseminating research findings at academic conferences and journals.

This position is based on campus. Per UMN policy, work may be done remotely when appropriate and approved by your manager.

Job Responsibilities

Project Management (75%)

• Assist with project management, including the development and management of work plans, timelines, and resources to meet project goals;
• Participate in developing and managing intervention materials and implementation procedures;
• Ensure IRB policies are followed for all research involving human subjects. Prepare IRB applications;
• Work with school partners and schedule assessments and intervention sessions conducted in schools;
• Organize and oversee data coding and entry;
• Assist in designing, developing, implementing and monitoring effective data management systems, in order to provide reports and datasets to investigators. Ensure data integrity and quality;
• Assist the investigators with data collection and analysis and interpretation of findings;
• Problem-solve issues that arise with respect to project management and data collection;
• Prepare progress reports to the federal agency;
• Co-lead or lead project team meetings and events, as requested;
• Make daily operational decisions to ensure the best data collection and implementation practices are used in each participating site;
• Complete other tasks as assigned.

Research (10%)

• Contribute to the development and maintenance of detailed research data collection and intervention implementation plans for each project goal;
• Assist in design and planning of research activities, including instrument design and participant recruitment;
• Write technical reports and contribute to peer-reviewed journal articles and conference presentations.

Supervision (15%)

• Coordinate regular meetings and communication of the investigators and non-University partners (including scheduling meetings and setting agendas);
• Assist in the supervision of the work of student research assistants and research staff (i.e., technology and design team) in relation to project duties;
• Educate and train students assistants, data collectors, research staff, and school collaborators about the research project goals, proper research methods, data collection and storage practices and procedures.

*All required qualifications must be documented on application materials for fullest consideration.

Required Qualifications: The successful applicant must have:

• Master's degree in education, educational psychology, special education, psychology, or other related disciplines;
• At least 2 years of progressively responsible research experience, with demonstrated proficiency working directly with principal investigators;
• Experience in building and maintaining collaborative relationships with both university and nonuniversity partners (e.g., schools and teachers).
• Strong organizational and communication skills;
• Experience with both qualitative and quantitative research methods;
• Proficiency with managing complex data sets and data analysis software and procedures;
• Strong organizational and communication skills;
• Strong professional writing skills, including research reports, peer-reviewed research articles, or other print and electronic publications;
• Experience in instructional design or intervention development.
• Ability to collaborate effectively with people from a variety of communities, backgrounds, and identities.

Preferred Qualifications:

• Ph.D. in educational psychology, education, psychology, special education, or related discipline;
• Experience implementing complex data management procedures, including MS Excel functions;
• Experience in grant writing;
• Experience working on federally-funded projects and engaging with project officers;
• Experience contributing to a large research team;
• Experience supervising, managing, guiding, and directing the interdisciplinary work of multiple researchers, student research assistants, and other research staff;
• Ability to work well with diverse populations.

DEPARTMENT OVERVIEW

The Department of Educational Psychology provides training in the cognitive, emotional, and social learning processes that underlie education and human development across the lifespan, including: the psychological foundations of education, quantitative methods in education, the practice and science of counseling psychology, school psychology, and special education. Faculty and students provide leadership and consultation to the state, nation, and international community. The department's scholarship and teaching enhance professional practice in schools and universities, community mental health agencies, business and industrial organizations, early childhood programs, and government agencies. https://www.cehd.umn.edu/edpsych

COLLEGE OVERVIEW

The College of Education and Human Development (CEHD), the University's third largest college, contributes to a just and sustainable future through engagement with the local and global communities to enhance human learning and development at all stages of life. We know diversity is necessary to do our best work and foster our humanity. That's why the CEHD community is collectively dedicated to cultivating an inclusive and equitable environment, embracing and celebrating all identities of our students, staff, and faculty. These values are also a moral imperative requiring continuous proactive measures and a firm stance against prejudice, discrimination, and systemic injustice.

Pay Range: The salary range for this position is $36,000 - $38,579. Final salary offers are dependent on the candidate's experience, skills, and internal equity within the department.

Time Appointment: 50% 12-month Appointment;

Position Type: Civil-Service & Non-Faculty Labor Represented Staff

Please visit the Office of Human Resources website for more information regarding benefit eligibility.

The University offers a comprehensive benefits package that includes:

• Competitive wages, paid holidays, and generous time off
• Continuous learning opportunities through professional training
• Low-cost medical, dental, and pharmacy plans
• Healthcare and dependent care flexible spending accounts
• University HSA contributions
• Disability and employer-paid life insurance
• Employee wellbeing program
• Excellent retirement plans with employer contribution
• Public Service Loan Forgiveness (PSLF) opportunity
• Financial counseling services
• Employee Assistance Program with eight sessions of counseling at no cost

Applications must be submitted online: https://humanresources.umn.edu/content/find-job. To be considered for this position, please click the Apply button, search for Job Opening ID 371669, and follow the instructions. You will have the opportunity to complete an online application for the position and attach a cover letter and resume. The cover letter should detail interest in the position and background/experience relative to each of the required qualifications, as well as applicable preferred qualifications.

Additional documents may be attached after submitting your application by accessing your "My Job Applications" page and uploading documents in the "My Cover Letters and Attachments" section.

To request an accommodation during the application process, please e-mail employ@umn.edu or call (612) 624-8647.

The University recognizes and values the importance of diversity and inclusion in enriching the employment experience of its employees and in supporting the academic mission. The University is committed to attracting and retaining employees with varying identities and backgrounds.

The University of Minnesota provides equal access to and opportunity in its programs, facilities, and employment without regard to race, color, creed, religion, national origin, gender, age, marital status, disability, public assistance status, veteran status, sexual orientation, gender identity, or gender expression. To learn more about diversity at the U: http://diversity.umn.edu

Any offer of employment is contingent upon the successful completion of a background check. Our presumption is that prospective employees are eligible to work here. Criminal convictions do not automatically disqualify finalists from employment.

This position is not eligible for visa sponsorship.

The University of Minnesota, Twin Cities (UMTC)

The University of Minnesota, Twin Cities (UMTC), is among the largest public research universities in the country, offering undergraduate, graduate, and professional students a multitude of opportunities for study and research. Located at the heart of one of the nation's most vibrant, diverse metropolitan communities, students on the campuses in Minneapolis and St. Paul benefit from extensive partnerships with world-renowned health centers, international corporations, government agencies, and arts, nonprofit, and public service organizations.

At the University of Minnesota, we are proud to be recognized by the Star Tribune as a Top Workplace for 2021, as well as by Forbes as Best Employers for Women and one of America's Best Employers (2015, 2018, 2019, 2023), Best Employer for Diversity (2019, 2020), Best Employer for New Grads (2018, 2019), and Best Employer by State (2019, 2022).