University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign · 14 hours ago
Visiting Research Scientist, College of Education - Department of Special Education
Urbana, IL
Full-time
Onsite
Mid, Senior Level
$75K/yr - $105K/yrThe University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign is inviting applications for two Visiting Research Scientist positions in the Department of Special Education. These roles aim to advance early childhood research and policy initiatives by coordinating research efforts and collaborating with various stakeholders to inform data-driven decisions for children and families.
Higher Education
No H1B
Responsibilities
Develop statewide research priorities in collaboration with PI and state partners
Design, conduct, and disseminate applied early childhood research to inform policy and practice across Illinois
Coordinate data collection, analysis, and reporting to support initiative goals and statewide research priorities
Initiate and lead new research projects aligned with the initiative’s long-term vision
Build and maintain research infrastructure to strengthen collaboration among state and community partners
Create frameworks, work plans, and decision-making structures that guide implementation and ensure consistency across partners
Monitor progress toward strategic goals and adjust plans based on emerging data, stakeholder feedback, and changing state priorities
Collaborate with external partners to develop and refine a statewide early childhood research and policy agenda
Engage with state agencies, policymakers, and organizational leaders to ensure research aligns with statewide priorities
Identify emerging trends, gaps, and opportunities to guide strategic decision-making and long-term planning
Align research activities, timelines, and resources with the initiative’s long-term vision and policy priorities
Lead and contribute to strategic initiatives to strengthen statewide research capacity
Assist with existing data initiatives
Foster a collaborative, relationship-centered team culture with state and university partners
Supervise graduate students and other project personnel, providing mentorship and professional development
Represent the initiative at external meetings, presentations, and professional events
Provide general project support, documentation, and administrative coordination
Work with interdisciplinary teams, community partners, and policymakers to ensure research priorities remain relevant, rigorous, and actionable
Support outreach and dissemination activities to increase research utilization and public understanding
Qualification
Required
Ph.D. in Special Education, Early Childhood Education, Human Development, or a closely related field
Demonstrated experience conducting applied research, including study design, data collection, data analysis, and dissemination
Proficiency in quantitative, qualitative, or mixed-methods research approaches
Experience working with early childhood programs, disability services, or education systems
Strong analytical, writing, and communication skills, including the ability to translate research into clear, accessible language for a broad range of audiences
Commitment to fostering a positive, professional, and relationship-centered team environment
Extensive experience leading or coordinating interdisciplinary research teams and mentoring students or staff
Experience managing multiple priorities, working both independently and collaboratively, and maintaining strong stakeholder relationships
Experience managing complex projects, supervising personnel, or collaborating across academic and community settings
Established track record of building and sustaining collaborative relationships with internal university partners, including faculty, research centers, or administrative units
Preferred
Experience leading or managing research projects
Experience collaborating with policymakers, state agencies, or cross-sector early childhood systems
Familiarity with statewide or large-scale data systems
Experience supervising research staff, graduate students, or project teams
Record of translating research findings into practice, training, or policy recommendations for broad audiences
Ability to learn new skills quickly, adapt to emerging needs, and contribute to strategic planning processes
Demonstrated professionalism, humility, and a collaborative, relationship-centered mindset
Benefits
Health
Dental
Vision
Life Insurance
A Retirement Plan
Paid time Off
Tuition waivers for employees and dependents
Company
University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign
The University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign is dedicated to building upon its tradition of excellence in education, research, public engagement and economic development.
Founded in 1915
10001+ employees
Funding
Current Stage
Late StageLeadership Team
Robert Whitmore
Co-Founder | Evolution & Impact of Societies in Africa | *EISA*
Shelley Giordano
Co-Founder Academy for Home Equity in Financial Planning University of Illinois
Recent News
2024-05-10
Alfred P. Sloan Foundation
2023-10-25
StartuptoEnterprise
2022-05-14
Company data provided by crunchbase