Research Scientist

Indiana University; Bloomington (IN); On-site; USD 80,000 - 110,000; Full time

Job summary

Indiana University Bloomington seeks a Research Scientist to support a growing portfolio of projects focusing on educational leadership, inclusive practices, implementation support, systems improvement, and positive outcomes for children and youth across Indiana.

In this role you will design, implement, and disseminate research and evaluation activities; contribute to grant development and management; and translate research into practice, collaborating with a wide network of stakeholders.

Qualifications

• Earned doctorate (Ph.D., Ed.D., or equivalent terminal degree) in education, educational leadership, special education, public administration, organizational leadership, social sciences, implementation science, or a closely related field.
• Minimum of five (5) years of professional experience in education, program coordination, leadership development, implementation support, systems improvement, or a related field.
• Demonstrated experience designing, conducting, implementing, or supporting research, evaluation, or continuous improvement initiatives.
• Evidence of scholarly writing, technical reports, presentations, publications, or other professional dissemination activities.
• Demonstrated ability to collaborate on externally funded projects, grants, contracts, or research initiatives.

Responsibilities

• Design, implement, and disseminate research and evaluation activities.
• Contribute to grant development and management.
• Support translation of research into practice.
• Collaborate with CELL staff, educators, school and district leaders, state agencies, families, and community partners.

Skills

Scholarly writing

Grant development and management

Collaboration

Education

Doctorate (Ph.D., Ed.D., or equivalent terminal degree) in education, educational leadership, special education, public administration, organizational leadership, social sciences, implementation science, or a closely related field

Job description

Posting Details

Position Details

Title: Research Scientist

Appointment Status: Non-Tenure Track

Department: IU Indiana Institute on Disability and Community

Location: Bloomington

Position Summary: The Center on Education and Lifelong Learning (CELL), within the Indiana Institute on Disability and Community at Indiana University Bloomington, seeks a Research Scientist to support a growing portfolio of projects focused on educational leadership, inclusive practices, implementation support, systems improvement, and positive outcomes for children and youth across Indiana. This position will play a key role in supporting Indiana’s State Personnel Development Grant (SPDG), including the CELL School Leadership Initiative (CSLI), while also contributing to a broader portfolio of grants, master service agreements, partnerships, and emerging initiatives.

The Research Scientist will work collaboratively with CELL staff, educators, school and district leaders, state agencies, families, and community partners to design, implement, and disseminate research and evaluation activities; contribute to grant development and management; and support the translation of research into practice.

Basic Qualifications

• Earned doctorate (Ph.D., Ed.D., or equivalent terminal degree) in education, educational leadership, special education, public administration, organizational leadership, social sciences, implementation science, or a closely related field.
• Minimum of five (5) years of professional experience in education, program coordination, leadership development, implementation support, systems improvement, or a related field.
• Demonstrated experience designing, conducting, implementing, or supporting research, evaluation, or continuous improvement initiatives.
• Evidence of scholarly writing, technical reports, presentations, publications, or other professional dissemination activities.
• Demonstrated ability to collaborate on externally funded projects, grants, contracts, or research initiatives.

Questions about the position should be addressed to Director, Pennie Gregory ([e-mail]).

Additional Qualifications

• Experience publishing research, evaluation findings, technical assistance products, or practitioner-focused resources.
• Record of presenting at state, national, or professional conferences.
• Experience serving as principal investigator, co-principal investigator, project director, or key personnel on grant-funded initiatives.
• Experience developing grant proposals, securing external funding, or contributing to funded projects.
• Demonstrated leadership within professional organizations, state initiatives, research centers, or educational improvement efforts.
• Experience in K–12 education, educational leadership, special education, school improvement, instructional coaching, or related educational settings.

Applications received by September 30th, 2026 will receive full consideration. The anticipated start date for this position is November 1st, 2026 but is negotiable. Applicants should include a CV and cover letter.

For Best Consideration Date: 09/30/2026

Expected Start Date: 11/01/2026

Posting Number: IU-101660-2026

Supplemental Questions

Required fields are indicated with an asterisk (*).

1. * Have you previously been employed with IU?
   • Yes
   • No
2. Will you now or in the future require employer sponsorship for employment (e.g. H-1B status)?
   • Yes
   • No

Applicant Documents

Required Documents

1. Curriculum Vitae
2. Letter of Application

Optional Documents

1. Letter of Reference 1
2. Letter of Reference 2
3. Letter of Reference 3
4. List Of References