Assistant Research Professor

50% - Research and Development

Lead the AI technology development team to design, develop, and refine AI-SCORE digital components.

Plan, consult, and conduct statistical analyses using R, SAS, or SPSS.

Oversee data management and study flow directing staff as needed for analyses.

Develop and implement statistical procedures for the research project.

Review literature, apply writing theory, and conduct writing needs assessments, including creating user profiles.30% - Project Coordination and Supervision

Assume the leadership role to plan, coordinate, manage, and supervise research/project activities.

Structure and lead bi-weekly project team meetings.

Coordinate activities with OSEP and maintain project reporting and communications.

Recruit, create, train, coordinate, develop, design, engage with, and implement School Implementation Teams, Writing Content Team, and Technology Team.

Coordinate and communicate with development, pilot, and dissemination sites.

Create, identify, design, implement, coordinate, evaluate, and report project evaluation efforts.

Provide leadership and support to share perspectives on School Implementation Teams.20% - Program Management and Support

Manage program recruitment and management in school settings.

Attend annual OSEP meetings.

Maintain communication with OSEP and other stakeholders.

Direct project planning and coordination efforts.

Disseminate research findings through peer-reviewed publications and presentations to local, regional, and national professional organizations.

Direct and assist with grant writing and grant submissions to sustain funding opportunities as they arise.10% - Service

Attend and participate in scientific group meetings, departmental seminars, and problem sessions.

Assist in the mentorship, training and supervision of graduate students on research related requirements.

Disclaimer

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Contact Information to Applicants

Dr. Sean Smith

Ph.D. in Special Education or related field.

Special Education teaching credential.

Five (5) years experience in special education K-12 classroom instruction

Experience in project coordination and research assistance

Proven track record of peer-reviewed publications and involvement in scholarly research related to technology and writing.

Experience in assisting in planning, coordinating, and supervising research projects and educational programs.

Proficiency in statistical software (e.g.,R, SAS, Mplus, SPSS), and educational technology.

Experience in K-12 teacher coaching.

Strong communication skills and the ability to work collaboratively with teams, including educators, researchers, students, and families.

Active involvement in professional organizations and committees related to special education and technology.

Active program of research on the use of AI to support writing and students with disabilities.

Demonstrated experience working to a deadline, as evidenced in application materials.

Demonstrated experience with flexibility and change in a fast-paced environment, as well as working successfully both independently and with a team as evidenced in application materials.

Position Overview

Project AI SCORE (Artificial Intelligence Scored Composition to Improve Outcomes for Written Expression) has an opening for an Assistant Research Professor who will serve as Co-Principal Investigator and Project Director. This project is housed within the Life Span Institute, which has a network of more than 350 KU scientists, staff and students who work toward a world where everyone thrives.

This position directly reports to Dr. Sean J. Smith, Professor in the Department of Special Education. The Assistant Research Professor will structure and lead bi-weekly project team meetings, share as an expert in writing instruction for students with disabilities, direct and oversee the iterative development of OSCAR in collaboration with the project's technology team and national writing experts, coordinate activities with Office of Special Education Programs (OSEP), and manage program recruitment and management in school settings. They will lead the design, development, and refinement of the technology, and oversee project planning, coordination, and supervision of staff. Additionally, they will recruit, create, coordinate, develop, design, engage with, and implement School Implementation Teams, a Writing Content Team, a Technology Team, while maintaining project reporting and communications with OSEP.

KU's excellence is a result of the rich tapestry of experiences, perspectives, and backgrounds of our faculty, staff, students, and colleagues from across our nation and the globe. At KU, we invest in continuous learning and growth by creating a climate where people engage in respectful dialogue and debate, and support each other's success. We foster a culture of care where each person is seen, heard and valued. When people feel a true sense of belonging, we believe they are better able to reach their full potential and achieve remarkable things. The successful candidate must be eligible to work in the U.S. by the effective date of the appointment.

Additional Candidate Instruction

Please apply online at A complete application will include the following: 1) a cover letter describing how the required and preferred qualifications are met; 2) current Resume/CV; and 3) a list of 3 professional references including email addresses.

Only complete application will be considered.

Application review will begin Monday May 19, 2025 and will continue until a qualified pool of applications is received.