ASSISTANT RESEARCHER--DATA COLLECTION
Assistant Researchers
Data Collection
(August 2018- May 2019)
Life Span Institute, University of Kansas
JUNIPER GARDENS CHILDREN’S PROJECT
Position Description
Juniper Gardens Children’s Project, a community-based research institute affiliated with the University of Kansas, is conducting a research program aimed at evaluating how a Practice Based Coaching model (Literacy 3D) can be used to enhance the literacy focus of early childhood (EC) teachers through data-driven decision making and strategies that boost children’s opportunities to respond in literacy activities. We are looking for 2-3 Assistant Researchers at .75 – 1.0 FTE who will be responsible for data collection activities with preschool students and teachers, including administering literacy assessments to children, observing classroom instruction and interactions, and assisting in the preparation and delivery of data reports in the Kansas City Metro, as well as data management and entry at our offices in downtown Kansas City, KS. Please note these are approximately 10 month positions working from August 1 to May 31, with the summer (June and July) off of work. The employees have a potential to be appointed to leave without pay status (with possible benefits) during these summer months. The leave without pay appointment and continuation of these positions into the next school year will be contingent upon successful grant funding and individual employee performance. These positions also require strong organizational skills, attention to detail, and ability to work with a team of professionals. Must have reliable transportation and ability to be flexible in scheduling around school and staff schedules. Please note that all offers of employment are contingent upon the satisfactory completion of the background check. Continuation is dependent on satisfactory yearly evaluation and funding.
Job Duties
- 70% - Facilitate data collection with children and teachers using standardized assessments, observational measures, and surveys; build and maintain rapport with research partners such as teachers and program administrators; communicate and work with research partners and project staff to coordinate the scheduling and administration of assessments and appropriately handle care of assessment data.
- 25% - Assist the project team with the preparation of research materials and delivery and dissemination thereof to project staff and research partners; complete research tasks, such as scoring and submitting data, data entry and checking, participant tracking and assist in conducting reliability assessments.
- 5% - Attend data collection team and research project meetings.
Required Qualifications
- High school diploma/GED and four years of related experience or Bachelor’s degree or higher in social work, psychology, early childhood, special education, counseling, or related field.
- Six month’s minimum experience working with young children in school, daycare, home, or community settings.
- Effective organizational skills as evidenced by application materials.
- A valid driver’s license and reliable transportation is required for this position.
Preferred Qualifications
- Master’s degree in social work, psychology, early childhood, special education, counseling, or related field.
- Experience administering assessments and conducting observations of young children.
- Experience participating in research projects related to early intervention/education.
- Experience with data management.
- Experience with culturally diverse children.
- Fluent in Spanish and English, written and oral.
FTE: 75% to 100%, 10 month positions
SALARY: $23,946-$52,700, annually at .75 - 1.0 FTE, $15.35-$25.33 hourly, with benefits, commensurate with education and experience.
DEADLINE/START DATE: Review of applications will begin July 16, 2018 and will continue to collect a pool of qualified applicants. The posting will remain open on an ongoing basis until all positions are filled.
TO APPLY: For more information and to apply, go to https://employment.ku.edu/staff/12295BR.
Please submit an online application, cover letter, resume/vitae and contact information for three professional references.
If you have questions about the position you may contact Gaby Guerrero at gguerrero@ku.edu (913) 735-2656. If you have questions about the application process, you may contact Diana Skill at (913) 735-2612.
Please note: All offers of employment are contingent upon the satisfactory completion of the background check.
KU is an EO/AAE, full policy http://policy.ku.edu/IOA/nondiscrimination.