Research Project Coordinator

University of Kansas
United States, Kansas, Lawrence
1450 Jayhawk Boulevard (Show on map)
May 29, 2025
Position Overview KU Center on Disabilities (KUCD) seeks a research project coordinator to support research on self-determination for people with disabilities across the life course. This position will work across projects to coordinate research activities, monitor and communicate study progress, and assist with grant management and reporting tasks. These projects focus on the following areas: School-based research with students with disabilities Technology-focused research and activities involving a web-based app to support transition-aged youth with disabilities in setting goals, and a system to deliver measures of self-determination, such as the Self-Determination Inventory Community-based research with adults with disabilities to support decision-making and self-determination The research project coordinator is an important part of the KUCD self-determination research unit team and will supervise the work of professional staff (e.g., research assistants or aides) and students supporting research project goals. The ideal candidate will have previous project coordination experience, be highly reliable at meeting established goals and deliverables within strict timelines, pay close attention to detail, be adept at independent problem-solving, and collaborate well within a complex team including colleagues at multiple universities and other community partners. About KUCD The University of Kansas, Kansas University Center on Disabilities (KUCD) is recognized as a leading research center in the field of disability. KUCD implements and conducts grant-funded research projects focusing on (a) applied research on effective assessment and instructional methods with a particular focus on self-determination and transition from high-school to employment, postsecondary education, or community participation 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. This position is located at the University of Kansas-Lawrence with a hybrid designation (requiring a minimum of three days per week on campus) and occasional travel within the United States to study locations will be required. KUCD is committed to fostering a supportive research and educational environment for all faculty, staff, and students. Job Description The Research Project Coordinator is a critical role within the KUCD self-determination research unit and responsibilities include those described below. 55% - Coordinate research projects to provide all required deliverables and meet established goals within project timelines. Coordinate the development of study protocols aligned with project goals and deadlines, working closely with project leadership to ensure alignment with grant goals and deliverables. Organize study activities such as: (a) recruiting/managing participants, (b) tracking study activities and timelines, (c) data collection organization and monitoring, including training data collectors, and tracking data collection activities, and (d) ensuring timely provision of ClinCards or other participant incentive processing as required. Communicate regular, timely, thoroughly summarized project updates to all team members through careful planning of internal study team meetings, written status updating on a consistent schedule, being sure to escalate items of concern to project leadership as needed. Organize inventory and ordering of necessary supplies and coordinate shipping of materials as needed. Strengthen team working relationships by communicating professionally with team members at multiple universities and other local community organizations, study participants (e.g., teachers and students with disabilities), project funders, and the public around study details and activities as required and appropriate. 20% - Supervision of research staff (e.g., research assistants or graduate or undergraduate students). Recruit, hire, and train new research staff or students for project support as needed. Supervise research staff or students in a variety of tasks such as: Creation of study materials for recruitment or implementation (e.g., editing video/audio clips, training materials, recruitment flyers) Data collection (e.g., training study staff to implement research protocols) Data management (e.g., data entry, organizing and tracking study activity progress in project trackers) Performing additional clerical tasks as required. 20% - Provide information dissemination support Prepare and deliver presentations regarding project recruitment, implementation, or results via in-person or virtual delivery methods. Assist in creating summary reports and other information dissemination products for research projects (e.g., editing, verifying accurate references, creating graphics or charts using project data). This includes contributing to annual reporting required by our Core funding agency, as well as annual project update reports for research studies. Collaborate with KUCD information dissemination team around tasks, such as: ensuring materials accessibility (including plain language, creating video products, multimedia elements, social media posts, and website management. Participate in and support activities during KUCD hosted events to share research findings with the local community (e.g., KUCD fall festival, film hosting events, training institutes) Perform entry of project data into federal data collection systems to support annual project tracking and reporting requirements from project funders. 5% - Provide additional support as needed. Required Qualifications Bachelor's degree in a related field and one year of related professional experience. Strong written and interpersonal communication skills, as evidenced by application materials. Work history that required strong attention to detail as evidenced by application materials. Three years of work experience that required strong organizational skills with capacity for responding to and managing rapidly developing priorities, as evidenced in application materials. Three years of experience that required using a variety of software systems such as: Microsoft Office suite (Outlook, Excel, PowerPoint), Google Drive, Emma, Zoom, MS Teams, SharePoint, Adobe Acrobat, Qualtrics as demonstrated by application materials and work experience. Preferred Qualifications Previous experience that required data management, analysis or storage systems (e.g., Excel, RedCap), as evidenced by application materials. Work history that required being skilled in complex problem solving, including data-based decision making, as evidenced by application materials. One year of experience that required supervising others (e.g., students, research assistants or aides, or classroom staff) in completing activities and assignments, as evidenced by application materials. Previous work experience that required working professionally with all individuals, including people with disabilities, as evidenced by application materials. Five years of experience that required using a variety of software systems such as: Microsoft Office Suite (Outlook, Excel, PowerPoint), Google Drive, Emma, Zoom, MS Teams, SharePoint, Adobe Acrobat, Qualtrics, and a willingness to learn new software as required with training support, as evidenced by application materials. Additional Candidate Instructions A complete application includes: Cover Letter indicating how your skills and experience contribute to KUCD. Resume/CV Contact information for three professional references, including a current or former supervisor. Incomplete applications will not be considered. Application review begins Monday June 16th, 2025 and will continue until a qualified pool of applicants are identified. Contact Information to Applicants Lisa Hildebrandt, lisa.hildebrandt@ku.edu Advertised Salary Range 55,000.00 - 60,000.00 Commensurate with Experience Application Review Begins Monday June 16, 2025 Anticipated Start Date Monday July 21, 2025