Researcher, Neurodiversity

About the Position

Digital Promise is seeking a Neurodiversity Researcher to support a growing portfolio of projects that bring together practitioners and ed tech developers to solve shared problems and improve technology use in schools. This role will support a new project facilitating rapid-cycle, research and design (R&D) collaboratives as well as existing work with the Learner Variability Project. Focus areas may change over time as new projects are launched. 

This position will be part of the Networks and Programs team, which acts as a catalyst for change and connects research, practice, and innovation by building thriving networks of educators, bringing research into practice through pilots, expanding our work globally, codifying proven ideas into replicable professional services, and advancing collaborative, cross-sectoral conversations about the future of education.

Responsibilities

Research and Subject Matter Expertise

• Leads the development of new content and resources related to neurodiversity.
• Applies knowledge of qualitative and quantitative methods to collaboratively plan/conduct data collection (e.g., interviews, observations, focus groups) and analysis; summarize insights and findings;  and articulate evidence-based recommendations to guide improvements.
• Supports recruitment of PK-12 teachers and leaders in research projects. 
• Adapts research questions, methods, analyses, & reporting to address research contingencies.
• Completes research tasks with a high degree of independence.
• Given a project or task, generates subtasks and schedules to accomplish the work.
• Understands, implements, and monitors high standards of ethics and equity in the work; understands and meets quality expectations of leadership.
• Follows policies with respect to IRB, data handling, and security. 
• Coordinates with team members on potential research risks, contributing to solutions when risks are non-routine or when decisions must be made at more senior leadership levels.

Communications and Dissemination

• Participates in partner meetings (e.g. practitioner partners, edtech partners), contributing specialized expertise and helping our team better understand partners’ research/evaluation needs and requirements.
• Co-authors well-structured, clear and concise research reports and presentations on topics related to neurodiversity in education and edtech.
• Determines how a report can communicate about challenging issues ethically and effectively.
• Co-design and deliver webinars and professional learning for educators and edtech partners. 
• Presents project reports and briefings to clients in collaboration with Digital Promise staff.

General

• Take direction and elevate questions to ensure understanding of work objectives
• Deliver clear verbal and written communications with relevant stakeholders
• Exercise good judgment and ability to carry out defined tasks and procedures. 
• Understand and meet process and quality expectations of project leaders in their work, carrying out assigned tasks within work plans and meeting deadlines.
• Think, work, and plan sequentially towards outcomes on various projects, managing multiple deadlines and needs of different stakeholders

Qualifications

• Doctorate in a field related to neurodiversity in education, expertise in ASD and/or ADHD highly desired. 4-7 years of related experience.
• Knowledge of accessibility standards (WCAG) and assistive technologies a plus
• 3+ years of research experience with an academic publication record in neurodiversity in education and related topics 
• Experience with mixed methods research (qualitative and quantitative) 
• Experience working with students and teachers in research projects; experience working with edtech companies a plus
• Ability to exercise good judgment within generally defined research goals and procedures
• Strong writing and oral communication skills  

At Digital Promise, we also seek candidates with:

• An interest in redesigning learning systems
• Experience collaborating with cross-functional team members to ensure information is shared, projects are completed on time, and goals are reached
• Stellar organizational skills and attention to detail
• Ability to work in a fast-paced environment and manage completing tasks, deadlines, requirement, and decisions
• A team mentality, with a creative and positive, "can-do" spirit

Working Conditions

Digital Promise Global is a hybrid organization. The position is primarily working in a remote environment. Employees are expected to travel at least 4 times a year for in-person meetings and the annual staff retreat. Additional travel may be required based on role and responsibilities.

Physical/Sensory Demands: Fast-paced working environment. Extensive computer usage and online engagement & communication. Must be willing to build inclusive relationships and collaborate with employees at all levels within the organization and external partners.

Special Provisions: Occasional work outside normal business hours, such as weekends and evenings required.

For external candidates, this role is term-limited to 18 months with an opportunity to extend.

Compensation

We consider candidate experience and location when determining where a candidate may fall within that range. Digital Promise Global offers a competitive total rewards package including coverage of 85% of health insurance premiums for employee coverage and 75% of health insurance premiums for dependent and family coverage, 15 vacation days, 12 sick days, 3% 401k employer contribution, 3% employer 401k match, and a flexible work environment.

The full-time salary range for the position is based on geographical regions, with exact salary depending on relevant experience.

California: $107,130-$126,035

DC Metro Area & NYC: $97,391-$114,577

National: $87,652-$103,119

To Apply

Please apply and submit your resume, cover letter, and salary requirements. Applicants are encouraged to submit their materials as soon as possible. Submissions are reviewed on a rolling basis until the search is successful.

Digital Promise is an equal opportunity employer and considers all applications without regard to race, color, religion, creed, sex/gender, national origin, age, genetic information, disability, marital or veteran status, or any other legally protected status.