Description

Position Overview

The Postdoctoral Training Program at the Kansas University Center on Disabilities (KUCD) is searching for a Postdoctoral Researcher to support research on self-determination, transition, inclusive research and community engagement. To support development of an independent line of research, this position is designed to provide opportunities and mentorship to advance skills in research project implementation and management, grant writing, and information dissemination needed for research faculty positions. This position will work across projects to contribute to the development of new and implementation of existing funded research projects, advance inclusive research practices, assist with research grant development, and author or co-author scientific papers or other dissemination products for presentation and publication. These research projects include focus in the following areas:

• Large-scale training and coaching for self-determination intervention to support youth and young adults to engage in goal setting, action planning, and self-evaluation activities.
• Community-engaged research with youth, young adults, and adults with intellectual and development disabilities and their family members to build systems of support for decision making, self-determination, and employment.
• Advancing inclusive research by establishing best practices to support people with intellectual and developmental disabilities to participate in all phases of the research process.
• Research focused on implementing evidence-based interventions, aligned with the tenets of implementation science.

The University of Kansas, Kansas University Center on Disabilities (KUCD) is recognized as a leading research center in the field of disability. KUCD implements and conducts grant-funded projects focusing on (a) applied research on effective assessment and intervention practices with a particular focus on self-determination, transition to employment, supported decision making and (b) interdisciplinary training in the disability field. KUCD is part of the Life Span Institute (LSI), a leading research unit at the University of Kansas. The KUCD maintains facilities on the University of Kansas Lawrence campus and at the KU Medical Center in Kansas City. KUCD also houses the University Center for Excellence in Developmental Disabilities (UCEDD) funded by the Administration on Intellectual and Developmental Disabilities for the state of Kansas with a focus on:

• Community Engagement (including community education, and direct services)
• Information Dissemination
• Interdisciplinary Training
• Research

This position is located at the University of Kansas-Lawrence.

KUCD research staff are expected to actively engage in research projects and disseminate research results through print, online resources, and direct, in-person presentation of information. KUCD is committed to fostering a supportive research and educational environment for all faculty, staff, and students.

Due to complex state employment laws, the University of Kansas may be unable to hire fully remote workers for this position outside of Kansas. Specifically, we cannot currently offer employment to candidates residing in the following states: California, Delaware, Idaho, and Minnesota. We appreciate your understanding and invite interested individuals from eligible states to apply.

Job Description

40% - Research Project Implementation Support - Contribute and increasingly take on leadership roles related to the development of new and implementation of existing, funded research projects in the areas of self-determination, transition, community engagement, inclusive research, and participatory research:

• Manage study activities (e.g., data collection, data management, data analyses) required to meet project objectives under direction of the Director of KUCD.
• Develop and deliver training protocols and support materials related to interventions around self-determination, community engagement, and inclusive research.
• Assist with conducting analyses of data from research projects that use the Self-Determined Learning Model of Instruction (SDLMI), the Self-Determined Career Design Model (SDCDM), the Self-Determination Inventory, the Communicating Interagency Relationships and Collaborative Linkages for Exceptional Students (CIRCLES), and other interventions and assessments designed to increase self-determination and secondary transition outcomes.
• Engage with communities to conduct community engaged research promoting positive transition from high school to promote positive adult outcomes for youth with disabilities.
• Supervise and provide mentorship for graduate or undergraduate students working in support of research project goals.
• Secure IRB approval for study tasks when appropriate and ensure that research integrity policies are followed for all research involving human subjects.
• Prepare and submit progress reports to federal and other funding agencies.

25% - Research Grant Development Support - Assist with and increasingly take on leadership roles related to the development of grant proposals to support research activities relevant to the mission of KUCD:

• Develop or edit language for narrative grant components.
• Communicate with established research partners to solicit letters of support as required.
• Coordinate input from resource teams within the KU Life Span Institute (project development, finance and planning, communication) during grant preparation.

25% - Dissemination of Research Findings:

• Write technical reports, peer-reviewed journal articles, or other manuscripts related to research project activities and analyses.
• Disseminate and present findings and research activities at local, state, and national meetings and conferences.
• Develop publications to advance an independent line of research.
• Support plain language dissemination of research findings.

10% - Service - Provide service to the profession, university, and community/public service:

• Engage and participate in community, state, and national meetings or groups that focus on self-determination, transition to post-secondary education and employment, or supports needs assessment.
• Participate in at least one professional association as a member and in association operations.
• Provide service to the field as a reviewer of research publications, and consultant for government agencies and foundations and other funding agencies.
• Provide consultation or educational support to local community groups or agencies.
• Participate in KUCD team meetings and events.

Required Qualifications

1. Doctorate degree in education (including special education), psychology (including clinical psychology), health and social sciences, disability studies, or related area.
2. Two years of experience with research and publication record in areas such as or related to: self-determination assessment and instruction; transition to post-secondary education and employment, and/or inclusive research as indicated by application materials.
3. Demonstrated strong professional writing skills, including research reports, peer-reviewed research articles, other print and electronic publications and experience presenting at conferences and professional meetings as indicated by application materials.

NOTE: To be appointed at the Postdoctoral Researcher title or equivalent title, it is necessary to have the Ph.D. in hand. Appointments made without a certified transcript indicating an earned doctorate are conditional hires and are appointed on an Acting basis not to exceed 6-months. Appointment duration will be extended upon final verification of degree.

This position requires a formal degree in the cited discipline area(s) to ensure that candidates have advanced knowledge, analytical skills and professional competencies necessary to perform the duties of the position. The level of degree is commonly recognized as the standard qualification for similar roles in the public and private sector, ensuring that the university remains competitive with industry aligned practices, enhances collaboration with external partners, and supports the delivery of services and programs that meet professional and market-driven expectations.

Additional Candidate Instruction

In addition to the online application, the following documents are required to be considered for this position:

• Cover letter describing how you meet the required and preferred qualifications.
• Resume
• List of three (3) professional references

Only complete applications will be considered.

Application deadline is Sunday, 4/5/2026, by 11:59PM Central Standard Time.

Disclaimer

The University of Kansas prohibits discrimination on the basis of race, color, ethnicity, religion, sex, national origin, age, ancestry, disability, status as a veteran, sexual orientation, marital status, parental status, gender identity, gender expression, and genetic information in the university's programs and activities. Retaliation is also prohibited by university policy. The following person has been designated to handle inquiries regarding the nondiscrimination policies and procedures and is the Title IX Coordinator for all KU and KUMC campuses: Associate Vice Chancellor for the Office of Civil Rights and Title IX, civilrights@ku.edu, Room 1082, Dole Human Development Center, 1000 Sunnyside Avenue, Lawrence, KS 66045, 785-864-6414, 711 TTY. Reports can be submitted by contacting the Title IX Coordinator as provided herein or using the Title IX online report form and complaints can be submitted with the Title IX Coordinator or using the Title IX online complaint form.