Research Scientist - School of Education and Human Development

The School of Education and Human Development at the University of Virginia (UVA) seeks a Research Scientist to join the STORMED Lab (Supporting Teachers Through Coaching, Observations, and Multimedia to Educate Students with Disabilities) within the Department of Curriculum, Instruction, and Special Education. The STORMED Lab conducts cutting-edge research focused on the design, implementation, and experimental testing of multimedia-based interventions and AI-driven educational technologies. These efforts aim to strengthen pre- and in-service teachers' knowledge and use of evidence-based practices that support students with disabilities and benefit all learners. In addition to advancing rigorous research, the lab is committed to training the next generation of doctoral students and special educators.

Position Summary

The Research Scientist will work collaboratively with Principal Investigators to provide leadership across multiple ongoing projects and will contribute to research activities ranging from the development of human subjects protocols to the publication of peer-reviewed articles.

Responsibilities

• Collaborating with project team members to visit school sites, recruit participants, provide professional development, conduct observations, and meet with research partners.

• Working with Principal Investigators to analyze qualitative and quantitative data and to write reports, manuscripts, book chapters, and other scholarly products.

• Reviewing, synthesizing, and applying research literature related to special education, evidence-based practices, educational technology, and relevant methodological approaches.

• Contributing to the development of intervention and technical protocols, instructional materials, and professional development content.

• Co-creating efficient, valid, and reliable systems for data collection, management, and sharing.

• Leading development of paper concepts as first author and contributing as a co-author to manuscripts across the lab's portfolio.

• Supporting strategies to strengthen participant engagement and recruitment.

• Ensuring secure storage and management of study data.

• Preparing agenda content and materials for internal and external project meetings.

• Contributing to the development of grant proposals in collaboration with STORMED Lab faculty.

Minimum Requirement

Education: Requires a doctoral degree or master's degree with significant experience.

Preferred Qualifications

Education: An earned Ph.D. in Education, Special Education, Psychology, Human Development, or a related field.
Experience:

• Prior experience providing professional development to teachers, conducting observations, and data collection.

• Prior experience conducting analyses for writing and submitting peer-reviewed journal articles.

• Proficiency with quantitative statistical analysis software (e.g., R, Mplus, Stata, and/or other statistical) software programs.

• Skilled with qualitative (Dedoose, Nvivo, or other qualitative) analytic software programs.

• Background in implementation fidelity tracking systems for school-based interventions.

• Prior experience developing content and contributing to submission of a federal or private grant proposals.

• Experience in developing and using educational technology, including multimedia materials and AI.

Physical Demands: This is primarily a sedentary job involving extensive use of desktop computers. The job does occasionally require traveling some distance to attend meetings, and programs.

Salary Range: Salary will be commensurate with education and experience.

Exemption Status: This is an exempt-level, benefited position. Learn more about UVA benefits.

Funding Details: This is a restricted position, which is dependent on funding and is contingent upon funding availability.

Work Arrangement: This position is in-person, based in Charlottesville, VA.

About UVA and the Community: To learn more about UVA and in the Charlottesville area, visit UVA Life and Embark CVA.

Application Timeline: Application review will begin after [DATE].

Additional Requirements

Background Check: Background checks will be conducted on all new hires prior to employment.

Visa Sponsorship: This position will not consider candidates who require immigration sponsorship now or in the future.

How to Apply: Please apply online, by searching for requisition number R0080079. Complete an application with the following documents:

• Resume

• A cover letter with a statement of research interests (addressed to Dr. Michael Kennedy)

• Two publications

• Contact Information for 3 references, including name, email and phone number for each

Upload all materials into the resume submission field. You can submit multiple documents into this one field or combine them into one PDF. Applications without all required documents will not receive full consideration.

Internal applicants:Search and apply for jobs on theUVA Internal Careers website.

Reference Check Process: Reference checks will be completed by UVA's third-party partner, SkillSurvey, during the final phase of the interview. Five references will be requested, with at least three responses required.

Recruiter Contact: For questions about the application process, please contact Margaret Weeks.

The University of Virginia is an equal opportunity employer. All interested persons are encouraged to apply, including veterans and individuals with disabilities. Learn more about UVA's commitment to non-discrimination and equal opportunity employment.