Assistant Research Professor

Position OverviewThe Kansas University Center on Disabilities (KUCD) is searching for an Assistant Research Professor to advance self-determination, and community engagement research that brings together people with and without disabilities in education and community contexts. KUCD is recognized as a leading research center in the field of disability. Using research that brings together people with and without disabilities practices, KUCD implements and conducts grant-funded projects focusing on applied research on effective assessment and intervention practices with a particular focus on self-determination, transition to employment, supported decision making, and community engagement. 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) funded by the Administration on Intellectual and Developmental Disabilities, the core functions of the KUCD are:Community Engagement (including technical assistance, community education, and direct services)Information DisseminationInterdisciplinary Training and EducationResearchKUCD is committed to fostering a supportive research and educational environment for all faculty, staff, and students. This position is located at the University of Kansas-Lawrence, and hybrid or remote options may be available although in-person is strongly preferred.Under the supervision of the Director of KUCD and other KUCD Faculty, the Assistant Research Professor will advance the research, services, dissemination, and training mission of KUCD, with a particular focus on implementing and scaling up effective practices. This position will support the implementation of current grants and fee-for service activities while also seeking future funding opportunities to advance research that brings together people with and without disabilities, self-determination, and community engagement research, training and practice. In this position, you will also author or co-author scientific papers and support innovative information dissemination products. A wide range of research projects and contracts will be supported by the position, including:Large-scale training and grant implementation for research on self-determination interventions to support youth and young adults to engage in goal setting, action planning, and self-evaluation activitiesCommunity-based research that brings together people with and without disabilities to support decision making, self-determination, and employmentResearch focused on supporting and scaling up the implementation of evidence-based interventions, aligned with the tenets of implementation scienceThe ideal candidate will demonstrate an in-depth knowledge and interest in disability, self-determination, and research that brings together people with and without disabilities.. Job Description90% Research:25% - Research Grant DevelopmentSupport and increasingly lead development of grant proposals to support research activities relevant to the mission of KUCD, including preparation of all required elements for federal or other grant applications.Develop research questions and other narrative componentsWork with KUCD statisticians to select appropriate research designs and statistical techniques to prepare methods and analysis plansEstablish research partnerships to solicit letters of support as requiredCoordinate input from resource teams within the KU Life Span Institute (project development, finance and planning, communication) during grant preparationStrengthen existing research partnerships within LSI and with other KU units, build new relationships with community partners to support development of cooperative grant applications, and integrate research that brings together people with and without disabilities into grant development50% - Research Grant Implementation and ManagementContribute to the implementation of existing, funded research projects in the areas of research that brings together people with and without disabilities, self-determination assessment, peer-led models, and community engagement. Lead implementation and supervise staff/student tasks and activities to support timely research project implementation.Lead regular research project meetings, including overseeing the development of meeting agenda/notes, in accessible waysSupport recruitment activities for research projects with support from professional staff and studentsOversee and deliver trainings, coaching, and all aspects of development and implementation, aligned with research projects goalsSupervise the work of professional staff and students supporting research project goalsSecure Institutional Review Board (IRB) approval when appropriate and ensure that research integrity policies are followed for all research involving human subjectsPrepare and submit progress reports to federal, state, and other funding agenciesImplement the priorities of the KUCD director and other KUCD PIs to advance a highly collaborative, research team that brings together people with and without disabilities15% - Dissemination of Research FindingsWrite and support the development of technical reports, peer-reviewed journal articles, or other manuscripts related to research project activities and analysesDisseminate and present findings and research activities at local, state, and national meetings and conferencesEngage in innovative dissemination that focuses on research that brings together people with and without disabilities and engaging with end-users.10% Service:Provide service to the KUCD, profession, university, and community/publicEngage and participate in community, state, and national meetings or groups that focus on self-determination, community engagement, research that brings together people with and without disabilities, transition to post-secondary education and employmentParticipate in at least one professional association as a member and in association operationsProvide service to the field as a reviewer of research publications and consultant for government agencies and foundations and other funding agenciesProvide consultation or educational support to local community groups or agenciesParticipate in KUCD Team meetings and events, and provide committee leadership for KUCD committees Required QualificationsPhD degree in education (special education or educational psychology) or other related discipline (e.g., social work, psychology, public policy).Three years of research experience with research and publication record in areas such as: self-determination, research that brings together people with and without disabilities, or community engagement as evidenced in application materials.Two years of experience participating in grant development and submissions as evidenced in application materials.Three years of experience collaborating with multiple shareholders (e.g., researchers, community members, people with disabilities) as indicated by application materials.Demonstrated strong professional writing skills, including research reports, peer-reviewed research articles, other print and electronic publications and experience presenting at conferences and professional meetings as indicated by application materials.Preferred QualificationsSignificant expertise in grant implementation, research that brings together people with and without disabilities, methods, peer-led approaches, self-determination instruction, training, adult learning, and education as evidenced in application materials.Specific knowledge and interest in research that brings together people with and without disabilities as evidenced by application materials and previous work experience.Two years of experience in managing large scale research projects including communication about milestones as evidenced in application materials.Two years of experience in participating in and contributing to approaches to training and research that use interdisciplinary teams and varied perspectives as evidenced in application materials.Two years of work experience that demonstrates strong organizational, communication, and time-management skills, as demonstrated by previous work experience.Experience working with research teams that include people with disabilities, as evidenced by previous work experience.Additional Candidate InstructionsA complete application will include the following:Completion of the online applicationCover letter (please indicate how you see your skills and experience contributing to research at KUCD.CVContact information for three professional references Incomplete applications will not be considered.Application review begins 12/15/2025 and will continue until the position is filled. First consideration will go to applications received by 12/15/2025 at Midnight.Contact Information to ApplicantsKarrie Shogren, Ph.D.Director, KU Center on Disabilities (KUCD)shogren@ku.eduAdvertised Salary RangeCommensurate with experienceApplication Review BeginsFriday December 19, 2025Anticipated Start DateSaturday August 1, 2026Apply to Job