Research Scientist

Requisition #: A-150018-11

Status: Full Time

Type: Faculty

School: School of Education

Location City: Baltimore

Location State: MD

Location Zip Code: 21287

Closing Date: Open until filled

To apply: apply.interfolio.com/150018

General Description

The Johns Hopkins University Center for Technology in Education (CTE) changes lives through knowledge that matters by designing, developing, and implementing learner-centered, technology-enhanced solutions to ensure equal access to education in classrooms and work settings across the globe. Our work at CTE involves many aspects of technology and innovation in education; from online learning platforms to systems that communicate or store data to digital tools educators need to successfully increase positive outcomes for all children, including those with disabilities. Our work focuses on landscape analyses, technical assistance, professional learning, and applied research techniques to build organizations' capacity to promote inclusionary practices and maintain equity for all learners.

CTE is accepting applications for a full-time Research Scientist at the assistant, associate, or full Research Scientist rank, depending on credentials. The ideal candidate will have expertise in early childhood education, special education, and systems change, and will help develop a broader infrastructure of research applications at the center. Responsibilities include conducting research related to special education and early childhood education, conceptualizing new research projects, carrying out existing research projects related to contractual scopes of work, identifying policy implications, and co-authoring publications for peer-reviewed journals, conference presentations, and sponsor reports. Qualified candidates will have an earned doctorate or commensurate experience in the field; PK-12 and/or college teaching experience; and expertise in educational research.

The successful candidate will have expertise in qualitative and quantitative research methods, writing for professional publications and various audiences, connecting research findings with practical implications, effective time- and project-management skills, and the ability to work independently and collaboratively.

Specific Duties and Responsibilities:

Scholarship (70%):  This position is responsible for facilitating scholarship through research in early childhood education and special education associated with grants and/or contractual scopes of work. The Research Scientist will work collaboratively with faculty and staff within the CTE and other research centers in the JHU School of Education to ensure alignment, integration, and successful completion of projects and deliverables that achieve our impact aims. Additionally, this individual will collaborate with the faculty at CTE to deepen the center's research focus, ensuring that findings are effectively applied to enhance all aspects of project implementation. To achieve these objectives, the Research Scientist will perform the following responsibilities:

-       Establish research questions and refine corresponding research designs with rigorous methodologies associated with current and future scopes of work aligned with CTE's mission.

-       Possess strong knowledge of quantitative research methodologies, including advanced statistical techniques.

-       Produce and disseminate tangible thought leadership that promotes our models and policies and contribute general thought leadership to the field.

-       Develop and submit Institutional Review Board (IRB) applications that comply with applicable regulations, meet commonly accepted ethical standards, follow institutional policies, and adequately protect research participants.

-       Assist all project staff in understanding the value of research findings and help them apply these findings to improve other areas of the project, including implementation.

-       Pursue dissemination venues that reach a broad range of audiences, including practitioners, families, policymakers, leaders, and other researchers.

-       Disseminate knowledge that serves the CTE mission and supports the broader missions of the SOE and JHU as a research institution.

-       Identify opportunities for all faculty and staff, regardless of previous training, to become involved in the research and dissemination process.

-       Author, oversee, and/or contribute to new funding proposals, contractual scopes of work, and strategic lines of research inquiry.

Project Administration (20%): This position is responsible for multiple ongoing and new project deliverables and must ensure project deliverables are met in accordance with the grant/contract terms, and that the work is reflective of CTE's mission, vision, standards, and expectations. To that end, the Research Scientist will:

-       Work directly with CTE faculty to establish and address strategic goals and research priorities.

-       Ensure assigned projects are aligned with strategic goals for both the sponsor and the center and pursue opportunities that expand our research focus with a high level of methodological rigor.

-       Assist in establishing initial project objectives and corresponding resources needed to perform lines of inquiry; ensure objectives are achievable and coordinate resources; and establish detailed plans for assigned scopes of work.

-       Supervise research assistants or doctoral students to perform data collection and data analysis procedures outlined in established research plans and to meet grant reporting requirements.

-       Serve as Principal Investigator on select projects by providing overall leadership and expertise for the grant/project; ensuring alignment with strategic goals for the sponsor and CTE: securing future funding; establishing objectives and budget; coordinating resources; and approving expenses and project plans.

Operational Management (10%): This position is responsible for carrying out key administrative duties at the project level within CTE. To that end, the Research Assistant will:

-       Serve as the point of contact for the Project Lead or the sponsor on scopes of work and research studies assigned to them.

-       Provide key and timely insights to the Principal Investigator or members of CTE's leadership team on all needs and critical issues for assigned projects.

-       Implement procedures and protocols for monitoring and evaluating ongoing project deliverables and direction, along with knowledge dissemination.

-       Comply with the JHU School of Education's annual faculty review process which informs merit ratings and future decisions related to compensatory and reappointments.

Additional Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities:

-       Evidence of a commitment to equity and social justice for all children and youth

-       Knowledge of economic, societal, and policy implications affecting the early childhood workforce

-       Evidence of expertise in research methodologies, including quantitative, qualitative, and/or mixed methods research design

-       Advanced knowledge of evidence-based practices in early childhood education, special education law, and/or systems change as well common approaches to implement these practices in authentic settings

-       Excellent interpersonal skills and the ability to collaborate with colleagues in an interdisciplinary environment

-       Excellent verbal and written communication skills, applied through both face-to-face interactions and telework approaches with colleagues and sponsors

-       Independent decision-making skills and strong leadership capabilities, including the ability to facilitate collaborative relationships while effectively managing projects

-       Strong technology skills, including effective facilitation and participation of virtual synchronous meetings; use of spreadsheet and database skills with the ability to use or learn project management tools such as Smartsheet, Microsoft Teams, learning management systems, and research software

-       Demonstrated proficiency with research software, including quantitative software, qualitative software, data visualization tools, and survey tools.

-       Knowledge and execution of ethical research study design, as evidenced by the development of grant proposals and applications to Institutional Review Boards

-       Aptitude to produce peer-reviewed research and non-peer reviewed publications, including journal articles, book chapters, white papers and project reports, and grant reports

Degree of independent action performed on the job:

High. This position routinely meets with sponsors within local and state agencies, leaders of professional networks, and develops collaborations with other researchers, research centers, and/or subject matter experts in the field.

Internal and external contacts required as part of the job:

Internal contacts include CTE leadership and as needed, School of Education faculty and staff. External contacts include, but are not limited to, state partners, current and potential funders educators, other researchers, and other members of the public.

Qualifications

Education: (Level of education necessary to perform this job)

-       An earned Doctoral degree in education, special education, or a closely related field is preferred. (Individuals who clearly demonstrate expectancy of the terminal degree, such as through a scheduled dissertation defense date during the first year of employment, will be considered).

-       Individuals with a Master's degree in education, special education, or a related field, along with extensive experience in education and applied research, will also be considered.

The Johns Hopkins University is committed to equal opportunity for its faculty, staff, and students. To that end, the university does not discriminate on the basis of sex, gender, marital status, pregnancy, race, color, ethnicity, national origin, age, disability, religion, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, veteran status or other legally protected characteristic. The university is committed to providing qualified individuals access to all academic and employment programs, benefits and activities on the basis of demonstrated ability, performance and merit without regard to personal factors that are irrelevant to the program involved.

Pre-Employment Information

The successful candidate(s) for this position will be subject to a pre-employment background check.

If you are interested in applying for employment with The Johns Hopkins University and require special assistance or accommodation during any part of the pre-employment process, please contact the HR Business Services Office at [email protected]. For TTY users, call via Maryland Relay or dial 711. For more information about workplace accommodations or accessibility at Johns Hopkins University, please visit accessibility.jhu.edu.

Johns Hopkins has mandated COVID-19 and influenza vaccines, as applicable. The COVID-19 vaccine does not apply to positions located in the State of Florida. Exceptions to the COVID and flu vaccine requirements may be provided to individuals for religious beliefs or medical reasons. Requests for an exception must be submitted to the JHU vaccination registry. For additional information, applicants for SOM positions should visit https://www.hopkinsmedicine.org/coronavirus/covid-19-vaccine/ and all other JHU applicants should visit https://covidinfo.jhu.edu/health-safety/covid-vaccination-information/.

The following additional provisions may apply depending on which campus you will work. Your recruiter will advise accordingly.

The pre-employment physical for positions in clinical areas, laboratories, working with research subjects, or involving community contact requires documentation of immune status against Rubella (German measles), Rubeola (Measles), Mumps, Varicella (chickenpox), Hepatitis B and documentation of having received the Tdap (Tetanus, diphtheria, pertussis) vaccination. This may include documentation of having two (2) MMR vaccines; two (2) Varicella vaccines; or antibody status to these diseases from laboratory testing. Blood tests for immunities to these diseases are ordinarily included in the pre-employment physical exam except for those employees who provide results of blood tests or immunization documentation from their own health care providers. Any vaccinations required for these diseases will be given at no cost in our Occupational Health office.