Research Scholar Jobs

This position involves contributing to the development and delivery of research, training, professional development, and practical resources to improve the quality of Pre-Employment Transition Services (Pre-ETS) and vocational outcomes for students with disabilities across the state of Tennessee. This research scholar will work as part of a collaborative team of faculty, staff, and graduate and undergraduate students to: (a) carry out research and evaluation addressing the design and delivery of efforts to improve Pre-ETS; (b) develop online professional development modules and resources for vocational rehabilitation, Pre-ETS providers, and youth with disabilities; (c) organize regional trainings on Pre-ETS; (c) improve the quality of Pre-ETS delivery, supports, and partnerships funded by Tennessee’s Department of Human Services; and (d) contribute to a statewide transition leadership team. Numerous opportunities for publishing and resource development are available as part of this position. Effort may be split across multiple transition-related projects in the Department of Special Education at Vanderbilt University.

Duties and Responsibilities

In Collaboration with other Transition Tennessee team members, the research scholar will carry out the following activities:

• Contributing to the design of our professional development and training approaches, associated materials, and data collection efforts.
• Contributing to the development of high-quality trainings, professional development, and resources to equip providers of Pre-ETS, youth with disabilities, and other stakeholders to support successful transitions for young people with disabilities
• Supervising Vanderbilt students and trainees contributing to the project
• Coordinating surveys and qualitative studies addressing the professional development training, and resource needs of providers and other stakeholders
• Supporting two model demonstration sites to implement and align quality Pre-ETS planning and delivery with school-based transition services
• Co-designing and carrying out other studies aimed at understanding critical service and policy needs in our state, as well as evaluating the impact of our work with schools and districts.
• Crafting grant proposals to expand our project’s capacity and reach.
• Carrying out other grant activities as assigned
• Contributing to state and national dissemination activities through conference presentations as well as preparation of article and chapter submissions
• Overseeing data-related activities to ensure their timely and quality completion.

Qualifications

• Strong organizational, communication, and presentation skills
• Direct experience working with transition-age youth or young adults with disabilities.
• Deep knowledge of the transition and career development needs of youth and young adults with disabilities
• Demonstrated ability to work effectively with multiple people as part of a collaborative team.
• Demonstrated ability to manage multiple tasks and activities simultaneously.
• Prior experience on a research project and fluency in educational research methods.
• Doctoral degree in special education, rehabilitation counseling, education, or a closely related field is necessary

Additional Information:

This is a full-time, exempt position (40 hours per week). This position is grant-funded.

Moderate travel throughout the state of Tennessee may be required for this position.

Salary is dependent upon education and experience.

Background screens will be performed, and education will be verified prior to employment. Please be prepared to provide required information and/or documentation.

Commitment to Equity, Diversity, and Inclusion

At Vanderbilt University, we are intentional about and assume accountability for fostering advancement and respect for equity, diversity, and inclusion for all students, faculty, and staff. Our commitment to diversity makes us who we are. We have created a community that celebrates differences and lets individuality thrive. As part of this commitment, we actively value diversity in our workplace and learning environments as we seek to take advantage of the rich backgrounds and abilities of everyone. The diverse voices of Vanderbilt represent an invaluable resource for the University in its efforts to fulfill its mission and strive to be an example of excellence in higher education.

Vanderbilt University is an equal opportunity, affirmative action employer. Women, minorities, people with disabilities, and protected veterans are encouraged to apply.

Please note, all candidates selected for an offer of employment are subject to pre-employment background checks, which may include but are not limited to, based on the role for which they have been selected: criminal history, education verification, social media review, motor vehicle records, credit history, and professional license verification.

At Vanderbilt University , our work - regardless of title or role - is in service to an important and noble mission in which every member of our community serves in advancing knowledge and transforming lives on a daily basis. Located in Nashville , Tennessee, on a 330+ acre campus and arboretum dating back to 1873, Vanderbilt is proud to have been named as one of “America’s Best Large Employers” as well as a top employer in Tennessee and the Nashville metropolitan area by Forbes for several years running. We welcome those who are interested in learning and growing professionally with an employer that strives to create, foster and sustain opportunities as an employer of choice through:

• Working and growing together as a community of communities... we are One Vanderbilt .
• Encouraging development, collaboration, and partnership both internally and externally while fostering the value that every member of the Vanderbilt community can lead and grow regardless of title or position.
• Providing a work environment where every staff and faculty member can be their authentic and best self , while providing the resources and opportunities to learn and grow.

We understand you have a choice when choosing where to work and pursue a career. We understand you are unique and have a story. We want to hear it. We encourage you to apply today so that you might become a part of our story.

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