The Marsico Institute for Early Learning is housed in the Morgridge College of Education (MCE) at the University of Denver. We have dedicated ourselves to improving learning environments and outcomes for children, birth to age 8. We identify the best in early learning research, practice, and policy, and we deliver that information at just the point it will be useful to academics, practitioners, policymakers, and parents the people who can create and implement changes to improve the lives of young children. The quality of relationships and learning opportunities that young children experience can set the stage for what they will be able to accomplish throughout the rest of their lifetimes.

Position Summary

The Research Associate/Senior Research Associate position at the Marsico Institute for Early Learning supports pivotal projects in early STEM education with a specific focus on inclusive practices for young children with disabilities. This role is essential in advancing the research and development of educational methodologies that affirm diverse identities and foster inclusive educational environments. The Research Associate/Senior Research Associate aids in various research initiatives, assists in project management, engages in the development of educational resources, performs data analysis, contributes to the dissemination of academic findings, and collaborates with stakeholders. This position is crucial for those aiming to influence the field of early childhood education and special education significantly, requiring a blend of academic knowledge, leadership potential, and organizational skills.

Essential Functions

Technical Assistance and Resource Development 

• Support the development and refinement of instructional guides, e-learning modules, and other digital resources that embody best practices in early inclusion and STEM
• Support the management of online educational content implementing inclusive STEM education practices.
• Assist in organizing events and training sessions focused on STEM inclusion to support diverse communities.
• Attend and contribute to meetings with community partners and stakeholders.

Conduct Research Activities 

• Engage in comprehensive reviews of literature and best practices in early inclusion and STEM education.
• Support the design and execution of research methodologies that align with study objectives.
• Participate in data collection, analysis, and interpretation to inform educational strategies.

Project Management 

• Oversee project timelines and ensure milestones are achieved.
• Coordinate among team members to enhance collaboration and efficiency.
• Participate actively in regular project planning and status meetings.
• Facilitate collaborations with external partners and interdisciplinary teams, including academic institutions and community organizations.

Writing and Dissemination 

• Co-author academic papers and assist in developing materials for grant proposals.
• Participate in conferences and contribute to the development of outreach materials, such as newsletters and infographics.

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities

• Proficient in supporting research studies in early childhood special education, STEM, and inclusion, including data collection, entry and analyses, and report writing.
• Capable of assisting in project management and ensuring adherence to timelines.
• Experienced in building and maintaining relationships with educational and community stakeholders.
• Able to assist in the development and distribution of educational materials.
• Well-versed in using modern educational technology and research tools.
• Strong ability to communicate effectively across various platforms and with diverse audiences.
• Strong team player with a proven track record of contributing to collaborative projects.
• Eager to learn and adapt to new challenges in the fields of STEM education and inclusion.

Required Qualifications

Research Associate:

• Master’s degree in Special Education, Early Childhood Education, STEM Education, or a closely related discipline
• 1 year of experience supporting high-quality educational research.
• Experience functioning within a team and meeting deadlines.
• College-level coursework on conducting high-quality, advanced quantitative and qualitative analysis.

Senior Research Associate:

• PhD in a relevant field such as Special Education, Early Childhood Education, STEM Education, or a closely related discipline.
• 2 years of experience conducting high-quality, educational research.
• Experience functioning within a team, working on multiple projects simultaneously, and meeting deadlines.
• Demonstrated experience in successfully conducting high-quality, advanced quantitative and qualitative analysis.
• Demonstrated commitment to fostering an environment in which faculty, staff, students, and community partners from diverse backgrounds and cultural identities feel welcome and valued.

Preferred Qualifications

Research Associate:

• At least 2 years of experience conducting high-quality educational research and/or at least 2 years of working in early childhood and/or inclusion classrooms in a teaching and/or research context.

Senior Research Associate:

• At least 5 years of experience in high quality educational research related to early childhood, special education, or STEM inclusion and/or at least 5 years of working in early childhood and/or inclusion classrooms in a teaching and/or research context.
• Supervisory experience.

Working Environment

1. Standard office environment.
2. Unexpected interruptions occur often and stress level is moderate to high.
3. Noise level is quiet to moderate.

Physical Activities

1. Ability to sit in front of a computer for an extended period of time.
2. Occasionally required to move about the office/campus with the capability of transporting objects up to 20 lbs.

Work Schedule

The University’s administrative offices are open Monday - Friday, 8:00 a.m. - 4:30 p.m. Work schedule may vary.

Application Deadline

For consideration, please submit your application materials by 4:00 p.m. (MST) October 1, 2024.

Special Instructions

Candidates must apply online through jobs.du.edu to be considered. Only applications submitted online will be accepted.

Salary Grade Number:

Research Associate:

• The salary grade for the position is 10.

Senior Research Associate:

• The salary grade for the position is 12.

Salary Range:

The salary range for the positions are:

Research Associate I:

• $59,000 - $71,500.

Research Associate II

• $65,000-$78,700

Senior Research Associate:

•  $73,000 - $88,100.

The University of Denver has provided a compensation range that represents its good faith estimate of what the University may pay for the position at the time of posting. The University may ultimately pay more or less than the posted compensation range. The salary offered to the selected candidate will be determined based on factors such as the qualifications of the selected candidate, departmental budget availability, internal salary equity considerations, and available market information, but not based on a candidate’s sex or any other protected status.

Benefits:

The University of Denver offers excellent benefits, including medical, dental, retirement, paid time off, tuition benefit and ECO pass. The University of Denver is a private institution that empowers students who want to make a difference. Learn more about the University of Denver.

Please include the following documents with your application:

1. Resume
2. Cover Letter

The University of Denver is an equal opportunity employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex (including sex stereotypes, sex characteristics, sexual orientation, gender identity, and gender expression), marital, family, or parental status, pregnancy or related conditions, national origin, disability, or status as a protected veteran. The University of Denver does not discriminate and prohibits discrimination on the basis of race, color, national origin, ancestry, age, religion, creed, disability, sex (including sex stereotypes, sex characteristics, sexual orientation, gender identity, and gender expression), marital family, and parental status, pregnancy, genetic information, military enlistment, or veteran status, and any other class of individuals protected from discrimination under federal, state, or local law, regulation, or ordinance in any of the University’s educational programs and activities, and in the employment (including application for employment) and admissions (including application for admission) context, as required by Title IX of the Education Amendments of 1972; the Americans with Disabilities Act; Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973; Title VI and VII of the Civil Rights Act of 1964; the Age Discrimination Act of 1975; the Age Discrimination in Employment Act of 1967; the Equal Pay Act; the Colorado Equal Pay for Equal Work Act; the Colorado Protecting Opportunities and Worker's Rights ("POWR") Act; and any other federal, state, and local laws, regulations, or ordinances that prohibit discrimination, harassment, and/or retaliation. For more information, please see the University of Denver's Non‑Discrimination‑Statement.

All offers of employment are contingent upon satisfactory completion of a criminal history background check.