Assistant Researcher
Position Overview
The State of the States Project at the KU Center on Disabilities (KUCD) is seeking a research assistant to support research and training on technology solutions and policy for people with cognitive disabilities through the Technology Accelerator initiative. The research assistant will collaborate and consult with team members on project activities, and support leadership and technology training for people with disabilities.
About The State of the States and KUCDD:
The State of the States in Intellectual and Developmental Disabilities is an Ongoing Longitudinal Project of National Significance that investigates the determinants of public spending for intellectual and developmental disabilities services in the United States. Since 2017, the project has been tracking and advancing Technology First Systems Change across the nation. The Technology Accelerator initiative is an expansion of the work further implementing statewide systems change, advancing the same access to technology solutions for people with cognitive disabilities. The State of the States in Intellectual and Developmental Disabilities Project is housed at the Kansas University Center on Disabilities (KUCD) at the University of Kansas.
KUCD is recognized as a leading research center in disability. KUCD implements and conducts grant-funded projects focusing on (a) applied research on effective assessment and intervention practices with a particular focus on self-determination and transition to employment and (b) interdisciplinary training in the disability field. KUCD is part of the Life Span Institute (LSI), a leading research unit at the University of Kansas. As a University Center for Excellence in Developmental Disabilities (UCEDD), the core functions of the KUCD are:
KUCD research staff are expected to actively engage in research projects and disseminate research results through print, online resources, and direct, in-person presentation of information.
KUCD is committed to fostering a supportive research and educational environment for faculty, staff, and students. In a continuing effort to enrich its academic environment and provide the same educational and employment opportunities, KUCD actively encourages applications from a variety of groups in higher education, including people with disabilities.
The ideal candidate will:
About The State of the States and KUCDD:
The State of the States in Intellectual and Developmental Disabilities is an Ongoing Longitudinal Project of National Significance that investigates the determinants of public spending for intellectual and developmental disabilities services in the United States. Since 2017, the project has been tracking and advancing Technology First Systems Change across the nation. The Technology Accelerator initiative is an expansion of the work further implementing statewide systems change, advancing the same access to technology solutions for people with cognitive disabilities. The State of the States in Intellectual and Developmental Disabilities Project is housed at the Kansas University Center on Disabilities (KUCD) at the University of Kansas.
KUCD is recognized as a leading research center in disability. KUCD implements and conducts grant-funded projects focusing on (a) applied research on effective assessment and intervention practices with a particular focus on self-determination and transition to employment and (b) interdisciplinary training in the disability field. KUCD is part of the Life Span Institute (LSI), a leading research unit at the University of Kansas. As a University Center for Excellence in Developmental Disabilities (UCEDD), the core functions of the KUCD are:
- Interdisciplinary Training
- Community Services (including technical assistance, community education, and direct services)
- Research
- Information Dissemination
KUCD research staff are expected to actively engage in research projects and disseminate research results through print, online resources, and direct, in-person presentation of information.
KUCD is committed to fostering a supportive research and educational environment for faculty, staff, and students. In a continuing effort to enrich its academic environment and provide the same educational and employment opportunities, KUCD actively encourages applications from a variety of groups in higher education, including people with disabilities.
The ideal candidate will:
- work remotely from home and independently
- be willing to travel out of state for multiple days (with support person, if appropriate)
Job Description
The research assistant will support the project lead and project coordinator to complete activities to expand technology solutions in Pennsylvania. This person will:
- 20% Help develop accessible, easy to understand, and effective project materials
- 30% Lead trainings on leadership and technology skills
- 20% Support people with lived experience to become Technology Solution Specialists
- 20% Represent the Technology Accelerator project in various professional meetings and forums
- 10% Other duties as assigned
Position Requirements
This position is a remote role that requires coordinating with multiple US time zones. Daily hours can vary due to project needs and participant schedules.Travel time is less than 25%.
Required Qualifications
- High school diploma or GED and four years of related experience OR Bachelor’s degree in a related field.
- 1 year experience using email, Microsoft Office, and web-conferencing (Zoom, Teams)
- Previous experience with individual technology solutions for accessing community living opportunities, supporting people with disabilities
- 1 year experience with disability advocacy organizations
Preferred Qualifications
- Bachelor’s degree or related college experience
- 1 year experience with self-advocacy or membership in a self-advocacy group
- 1 year experience using leadership and public speaking skills
- Experience creating flyers, short videos, presentations, and other written materials in plain language or easy read writing, as demonstrated in application materials.
Additional Candidate Instructions
In addition to the online application, the following documents are required to be considered for this position:
Application review begins Friday, January 03, 2025. For consideration, please apply no later than Thursday, January 02, 2025.
- Cover letter describing how you meet the required and preferred qualifications.
- Resume
- List of three (3) professional references
Application review begins Friday, January 03, 2025. For consideration, please apply no later than Thursday, January 02, 2025.
Contact Information to Applicants
Jennifer Holwick; jennatt@ku.edu
Advertised Salary Range
$19.230770 per hour ($20,000 annual salary at .50 FTE)
Work Schedule
M-F; 8-12
Application Review Begins
Friday January 3, 2025
Anticipated Start Date
Monday January 13, 2025