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Writing Project Director of Research

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Position description

Writing Project Director of Research
School of Education

I. BASIC FUNCTIONS

Under the supervision of the UCI Writing Project (UCIWP) Director, the Writing Project Director of Research is responsible for the following:

• Directing the multiple, highly complex, UCIWP research projects (the i3 Project and the OELA project), with a total budget scope of approximately $13.5 million.
• Communicating and collaborating closely with the Principal Investigator, study teams, and teachers at multiple sites across California
• Coordinating with outside evaluator, Stanford Research Institute (SRI) International staff
• Liaising with research site coordinators
• Managing research assistants and project assistants
• Providing support for post-research analysis and the writing of reports, and making actionable recommendations to the principal investigator of the research project

II. SPECIFIC RESPONSIBILITIES AND AUTHORITIES

Specific responsibilities on a yearly basis include the following:

PROJECT MANAGEMENT:
• Provide management and administrative coordination for the research projects.
• Participate in planning, design, and implementation of the research projects.
• Consult with granting agencies and attend national meetings to maintain compliance and smooth implementation of the projects as needed.
• Consult and collaborate with research site directors, coordinators, and personnel.
• Collaborate with external evaluators and provide support for data collection efforts.
• Facilitate regular communication to ensure study coordination by organizing and participating in regular conference calls with researchers at study sites, attending site coordinator meetings throughout the US, and conducting site visits when appropriate.
• When appropriate, work closely with relevant department faculty, the Dean’s office, and personnel from the Institutional Review Board (IRB).
• Maintain good relations with schools and districts where Human Subjects study participants attend.
• Work closely with the P.I. to prepare grant continuation applications, annual progress reports and ensure adherence with grantor requirements and IRB protocols.
• Establish protocols and organizational structures to effectively meet deadlines.
• Monitor and regulate program implementation.

RESEARCH:
• Write, edit, and collaborate with principal investigator to help frame proposals, understand requirements, and develop outcome measures.
• Collaborate on the development of observation measures, interview protocols, and surveys.
• Prepare Human Subjects protocol for review and approval by the IRB.
• Use electronic resources and libraries to conduct literature reviews and support the project with current research.
• Schedule data collection activities and ensure that data collection occurs within specified time frames
• Coordinate subject retention efforts through mail and telephone with study participants.
• Create and maintain databases for the research project.
• Attend national meetings with other study personnel for purposes of coordinating the implementation of the protocol across research sites.
• Collaborate with faculty to write papers and prepare presentations for studies.
• Review and provide editorial feedback on manuscripts.

LEADERSHIP AND TRAINING:
• Provide leadership and supervision of research assistants and project assistants.
• Train and supervise research personnel on administration of research instruments and collection of data.
• Supervise data entry and transmission of data to the appropriate databases.

III. WORKING RELATIONSHIPS

• Works under the supervision of the UCIWP Director
• Works with research team comprised of other Writing Project site directors, School district personnel (including assistant Superintendents, literacy specialists, data specialists), external evaluators, and granting agencies
• Works with teachers
• Works with Writing Project Staff

IV. SCOPE

Serves
• 4 Writing Project sites
• 7 school districts
• 240 Teachers in Grades 7-12
• 10,000 Students
• Represents the Writing Project at conferences, grantor meetings, and educational organizations.

V. SKILLS AND ABILITIES/EXPERIENCE

• Ph.D. or equivalent degree in Education or related field.
• In addition to their own field of expertise, ability to grasp concepts in various education fields and to be able to relate to researchers from both academia and industry.
• Excellent organizational skills and ability to follow through with complex tasks to meet deadlines.
• Excellent interpersonal skills to relate easily and effectively with people within and outside the
University, including both strong written and verbal communication skills.
• Resourcefulness in finding appropriate solutions to problems, presenting alternatives, and implementing solutions to ensure effective change.
• Ability to anticipate problems and take necessary action to eliminate or mitigate potential negative effects.
• Ability to be flexible in working independently as well as collaboratively with members of the research team.
• Ability to supervise and train employees, to include organizing, prioritizing and scheduling work assignments.
• Strong computer skills including knowledge of Microsoft Word, and Excel, and Outlook.
• Ability to conduct research using both qualitative and quantitative methods (e.g. interviews, observations, statistical data analysis).
• Experience working with statistical analysis software (STATA preferred) in order to use data for program evaluation.
• Has grade 7-12 English/Language Arts teaching experience in urban school settings.
• Experience managing multiple grants preferred.
• Relevant record of publication preferred.
• Has knowledge of professional development research and models for teaching English Learners.

Salary
The salary rate is competitive and commensurate with education and experience. The base annual salary range begins at $63,960. This position is grant funded and may be renewed annually depending on the funding.

Application Process:

Applications should be submitted online at https://recruit.ap.uci.edu/apply/JPF03541 and must include a cover letter and resume.

More information about UCI’s School of Education can be found at: www.education.uci.edu.

The University of California, Irvine is an Equal Opportunity/Affirmative Action Employer advancing inclusive excellence. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, age, protected veteran status, or other protected categories covered by the UC nondiscrimination policy

Application Requirements

Document requirements
  • Curriculum Vitae - Your most recently updated C.V.

  • Cover Letter

  • Statement of Research (Optional)

  • Misc / Additional (Optional)

Reference requirements
  • 3 required (contact information only)

Job location

Irvine, CA