Research Associate in Learning Maps

33378BR

Job Title:

Research Associate in Learning Maps

Department:

Achievement & Assessment Inst

Primary Campus:

University of Kansas Lawrence Campus

Job Description:

40%: Support the designing, planning, and implementing of learning map-related projects. Activities may include:

• Representing formal learning structures in proprietary map-building software in response to program priorities.

• Collaborating with research, implementation, and content teams to coordinate internal and external reviews of learning maps.

• Reviewing internal and external panel feedback and adjusting maps in response to feedback and new research findings.

• Producing technical documentation for map development projects.

30%: Conduct research syntheses in K-12 education. Evaluate empirical literature, including summarizing, coding, and analyzing results, as well as preparing written reports.

20%: Collaborate across functional teams to develop high-quality, accessible, map-based educational materials to support the teaching and learning for all learners. Responsibilities may include using K-12 academic content education knowledge to contribute to design and development of formative assessment tools, instructional guides, professional development materials, and other documents supporting academic teaching and learning.

5%: Contribute to developing proposals for funded research projects and communicate with external audiences, including state departments of education and professional organizations. Present information related to learning maps to technical and non-technical audiences.

5%: Other duties/special projects.

Req ID (Ex: 10567BR) :

33378BR

Disclaimer:

The University of Kansas prohibits discrimination on the basis of race, color, ethnicity, religion, sex, national origin, age, ancestry, disability, status as a veteran, sexual orientation, marital status, parental status, gender identity, gender expression, and genetic information in the university's programs and activities. Retaliation is also prohibited by university policy. The following person has been designated to handle inquiries regarding the nondiscrimination policies and is the Title IX coordinator for all KU and KUMC campuses: Associate Vice Chancellor for the Office of Civil Rights and Title IX, [email protected], Room 1082, Dole Human Development Center, 1000 Sunnyside Avenue, Lawrence, KS 66045, 785-864-6414, 711 TTY.

Work Schedule:

M-F; 8-5

FLSA Status:

Professional

Contact Information to Applicants:

ATLASHR [email protected]

Required Qualifications:

1. Ph.D. in education, educational leadership and policy, psychology, curriculum and instruction, or a closely related field, OR a Master’s degree and three (3) years of additional experience in the field/area of research.

2. One (1) year of academic or professional experience conducting, documenting, and synthesizing research in education.

3. Two (2) years of experience in instruction, research, or assessments that serve a wide range of learners using principles of universal design for learning.

4. One (1) year of experience or training in developing learning maps or other types of formal learning models.

5. Work experience that required the ability to use complex spreadsheets and databases as evidenced by previous work history or professional training.

6. Work experience that required the ability to work both independently and in teams as evidenced by application materials.

7. Excellent oral and written communication skills for scholarly and practitioner audiences, as evidenced by application materials.

This position requires a formal degree in the cited discipline area(s) to ensure that candidates have advanced knowledge, analytical skills and professional competencies necessary to perform the duties of the position. The level of degree is commonly recognized as the standard qualification for similar roles in the public and private sector, ensuring that the university remains competitive with industry aligned practices, enhances collaboration with external partners, and supports the delivery of services and programs that meet professional and market-driven expectations.

Employee Class:

U-Unclassified Professional Staff

Advertised Salary Range:

$67,000 minimum, commensurate with experience

FTE:

1.0

Preferred Qualifications:

1. Experience with universally designed instructional and assessment practices as evidenced by application materials.

2. One (1) year of experience with K-12 educational policies and landscape as evidenced by application materials.

3. One (1) year of experience developing learning map-based instructional resources.

Position Overview:

Accessible Teaching, Learning, and Assessment Systems (ATLAS), a research center at the University of Kansas (KU), is seeking a Research Associate to support research and development projects that focus on learning maps-based educational solutions. The Research Associate will support the development of cognitive learning map models that represent students’ knowledge, skills, and understandings in academics, collaborate on the design and development of related formative assessment tools and instructional resources, contribute to proposals for externally funded projects, and communicate about our work with external audiences. Additional responsibilities may include implementing collaborative project management tools within project teams to plan, execute, and monitor project plans and timelines in collaboration with other functional teams.

ATLAS promotes learning and improved outcomes for all students, with a focus on students with disabilities and struggling learners. ATLAS creates technology-based learning and assessment systems that are accessible and academically rigorous. Dynamic research on skill development, assessment design, and teacher professional development informs the center’s map-based learning systems.

With a diverse portfolio of grant-funded research projects and operational alternate assessments, ATLAS is a leader in educational research and innovation. ATLAS drives progress through partnerships and collaborations with organizations that share its focus and commitment.

ATLAS is committed to creating policies and practices that foster a culture in which all employees feel they belong and can succeed.

Visit the ATLAS website (https://atlas.ku.edu/) to learn how the center improves the learning landscape for all students.

KU employees have great benefits!

• 176 hours of paid vacation per year

• 96 hours of sick leave per year

• 10 paid holidays

• Medical and dental insurance

• Retirement program

• Life and disability insurance

• Educational and professional development opportunities

Visit the KU benefits website (https://humanresources.ku.edu/benefits) for more information.

KU’s excellence is a result of the rich tapestry of experiences, perspectives, and backgrounds of our faculty, staff, students, and colleagues from across our nation and the globe. At KU we invest in continuous learning and growth by creating a climate where people engage in respectful dialogue and debate and support each other’s success. We foster a culture of care where each person is valued. When people feel a true sense of belonging, we believe they are better able to reach their full potential and achieve remarkable things.

KU is not able to provide immigration sponsorship for this position.

Due to complex state employment laws, the University of Kansas may be unable to hire fully remote workers for this position outside of Kansas. Specifically, we cannot currently offer employment to candidates residing in the following states: California, Delaware, Idaho, and Minnesota . We appreciate your understanding and invite interested individuals from eligible states to apply.

Reg/Temp:

Regular

Application Review Begins:

24-Aug-2026

Anticipated Start Date:

25-Oct-2026

Additional Candidate Instruction:

A complete application consists of:

1. A cover letter that describes how you meet the required and preferred qualifications

2. A Resume or CV

3. Contact information for three (3) professional references

Incomplete applications will not be considered.

Review of applications will begin Monday, August 24th and continue until a qualified pool of applicants is identified.

Job Family:

Research-KUL

Work Location Assignment:

Hybrid

Position Requirements:

• This is a full-time (40 hours/week), unclassified position.

• Depending on the center’s and team’s needs, well qualified candidates may be allowed a work location that is hybrid or remote.

• This position requires travel to Lawrence and/or other locations as needed, depending on the needs of the center and team.

• This position will require attendance at regularly scheduled meetings, onsite or through telecommunication platforms.