Research Associate

The University of Kansas; Lawrence (KS); On-site; USD 60,000 - 74,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Vacation time

Sick leave

Holidays

Medical insurance

Retirement plan

Life & disability insurance

Professional development

Job summary

The University of Kansas invites applications for a Research Associate in ATLAS to support development of cognitive learning map models for K-12 mathematics instruction and assessment. You will work with internal and external partners on project design, mapping student knowledge, and producing educational materials.

This full-time role requires collaboration across teams, travel to Lawrence, and dissemination of findings.

Qualifications

• PhD in mathematics education, educational psychology, curriculum and instruction or related field, or Master’s with 3+ years of research/assessments experience.
• At least 1 year of academic or professional experience conducting, documenting, and synthesizing developmental and empirical research.
• At least 1 year of experience using complex spreadsheets and databases.
• Excellent oral and written communication for scholarly and practitioner audiences.

Responsibilities

• 40% - Support the design, planning and implementation of learning map projects.
• Collaborate with research, implementation and content teams to coordinate reviews of learning maps.
• Review panel feedback and adjust maps in response to research findings.
• Produce technical documentation of map development projects.
• Supervise graduate research assistants.
• 25% - Collaborate to develop accessible map-based educational materials for teaching and learning mathematics.
• 20% - Conduct research syntheses in K-12 education and prepare reports.
• 5% - Communicate with external audiences and present learning maps.
• 5% - Contribute to proposals for funded research projects.
• 5% - Special projects/other duties as assigned.

Education

PhD in mathematics education, educational psychology, curriculum and instruction or related field OR Master’s in mathematics education with 3+ years research/assessments

Job description

Position OverviewAccessible Teaching, Learning, and Assessment Systems (ATLAS), a research center at the University of Kansas (KU), is seeking a Research Associate to support the development of cognitive learning map models that represent students’ knowledge, skills and understandings with a focus on K-12 mathematics instruction and assessment. The Research Associate will provide technical skills in research design, management, and dissemination for projects focused on developing models of mathematics learning, and will collaborate with internal and external partners on product development, project design, and implementation. Additional responsibilities will include collaborating with other functional teams to develop high-quality assessments and instructional and professional development materials.

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 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 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.

Job Description

40% - Support the design, planning and implementation of learning map projects. Activities may include:

• Representing formal learning structures using diagramming applications or 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 of map development projects.
• Supervising graduate research assistants.

25% - Collaborate with other functional teams to develop high-quality, accessible, map-based educational materials to support teaching and learning of mathematics for all learners. Responsibilities may include using K-12 academic content education knowledge to review instructional guides, professional development materials and other documents to support teaching and learning mathematics.

20% - Conduct research syntheses in K-12 education. Evaluate empirical literature including summarizing results and preparing written reports.

5% - 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% - Contribute to the development of proposals for funded research projects.

5% - Special projects/other duties as assigned.

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.

Required Qualifications

1. PhD in mathematics education, educational psychology, curriculum and instruction or a related field OR master’s degree in mathematics education, educational psychology, curriculum and instruction or a related field and a minimum three (3) years’ experience in research and/or assessments that serve a wide range of learners
2. One (1) year academic or professional experience conducting, documenting, and synthesizing developmental and empirical research.
3. One (1) year of experience using complex spreadsheets and databases as evidenced by previous work history or professional training.
4. 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.

Preferred Qualifications

1. One (1) year of experience in K-12 mathematics teaching or working directly with K-12 practitioners.
2. One (1) year of experience working on projects that use frameworks of evidence-centered development and/or Universal Design for Learning.
3. Prior work on projects related to contemporary academic content standards, (e.g., Common Core State Standards and Next Generation Science Standards).
4. Record of research on a topic related to the acquisition of academic knowledge and skills as evidenced by application materials.
5. One (1) year of experience working in a multidisciplinary, team-based environment as evidenced by work history, professional training or a combination of both.
6. One (1) year of experience in a leadership or supervisory capacity, especially leadership of complex projects.

Contact Information to Applicants

ATLASHR [e-mail]

Advertised Salary Range$67,000 minimum, commensurate with experience

Application Review BeginsMonday August 31, 2026

Anticipated Start DateSunday October 25, 2026