Research Associate, Systems Development & Improvement Center, (Dublin, Ohio)

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UC is a mission-driven organization where we are committed to student success and positively transforming the community through scholarship and service. We thrive on innovation, making an impact, and fostering an environment where staff and faculty are key contributors to UC's success.

About The College

The College of Education, Criminal Justice, Human Services and Information Technology (CECH-IT) is dedicated to making a difference in our communities through outreach, academic programs, and community partnerships. Our students and faculty work side-by-side with educators, athletic directors, community wellness experts, cybersecurity analysts, and local, state and federal law enforcement officials. We value experiential learning as an important element of our degree programs. Current research is incorporated into every course to ensure our graduates are prepared to address the most urgent challenges of our society.

Job Overview

T he CECH Systems Development & Improvement (SDI) Center in Columbus, Ohio is searching for a Research Associate who is knowledgeable in literacy/reading science. The SDI Center fosters the development, implementation, and evaluation of P20 education, research, and demonstration efforts that improve opportunities to learn for children and youth, their families, and the professionals who support them. SDI Center activities reflect a commitment to accelerating learning, especially in literacy and mathematics, for all children, as well as partnerships - with school districts, professional associations, institutions of higher education, regional providers, and the state - that improve conditions and outcomes for students with disabilities and other groups of learners (e.g., learners who are economically disadvantaged, learners at risk of school failure, etc.). The individual hired for this position will help conduct research aligned with SDI Center focus areas in P20 education. Specifically, the individuals hired for this position will support improvements in literacy achievement and the capacity of educators to use evidence-based literacy practices (i.e., science of reading). This position is open for individuals with a master's degree who have a high level of competency in reading science and research but may not have an independent research program.

Essential Functions

• Support the research agenda related to the mission of the UC Systems Development & Improvement Center (UC SDI) to foster the development, implementation, and evaluation of P20 education research and demonstration efforts that improve opportunities to learn for all youth, their families, and the professionals who support them;
• Support the design and delivery of professional learning content using a variety of computer technologies (e.g., Elementor, Canva) to improve district, school, and educator team capacity to promote the use of evidence-based literacy practices aligned with the science of reading (SoR) to improve literacy outcomes for all groups of students;
• Support the development of high-quality online learning resources in literacy and mathematics based on the use of explicit, systematic instruction (i.e., science of reading, science of math, learning science);
• Support continuous improvement in the development and dissemination of high-quality professional learning materials and related resources, with an understanding of instructional design and evidence-based practices for teaching adult learners;
• Independently work on research projects, while also working as part of collaborative SDI Center teams and contributing effectively to the collective team effort to accomplish assigned results for project/studies;
• Make presentations at a variety of national, state, regional, and local meetings and events to expand awareness and reach of SDI Center project activities.
• Identify and obtain sources of funding to support and expand the UC SDI research agenda.
• May provide direct and/or indirect supervision to exempt and non-exempt staff (i.e., hiring/firing, performance evaluations, disciplinary action, approve time off, etc.).
• Perform related duties based on departmental need. This job description can be changed at any time.

Required Education

Master's degree in education, reading/literacy science, or a related field.

Required Trainings/Certifications

ALTA or CERI certification or the willingness to obtain such certification. Preference will be given to individuals who are in the practicum portion of obtaining CERI or ALTA certification.

Required Experience

• In-depth knowledge of evidence-based practices in literacy aligned with Ohio's Plan to Raise Literacy Achievement .
• Experience in designing, developing, and implementing professional development (PD) and coaching models to support adult learning (e.g., designing and implementing a PD series; developing PD modules or a website).
• Experience with professional writing for educational audiences.

Additional Qualifications Considered

• Doctoral degree in the field of education, reading/literacy, or a related field.
• Experience with Ohio's P20 education system.
• Experience working with children and youth with disabilities.
• Experience in developing grant proposals and obtaining funded projects in response to competitive requests for applications (e.g., National Science Foundation, U.S. Department of Education).

Physical Requirements/Work Environment

• Sitting - Continuously
• Repetitive hand motion (such as typing) - Often
• Hearing, listening - Often
• Talking - Often
• Standing - Often
• Walking - Often
• Bending - Often
• Stooping - Often
• Kneeling, squatting - Seldom
• Lifting - up to 20 pounds - Often
• Noise: There is sufficient noise to cause you to shout in order to be heard above the noise level.
• Hazards: Includes a variety of physical conditions, such as proximity to moving mechanical parts of machinery or tools used to perform work, moving vehicles, electrical current, working on scaffolding and high places, or exposure to chemicals.
• Atmospheric Conditions: Conditions that affect the respiratory system, such as fumes, odors, dusts, mists, gases, or poor ventilation.

Compensation and Benefits

UC offers an exceptional benefits package designed to support your well-being, financial security, and work-life balance. Eligibility varies by position and FTE. Highlights include:

Comprehensive Tuition Remission

UC provides tuition remission for you and your eligible dependents, covering tuition costs for nearly all undergraduate and graduate programs offered by the university.

Robust Retirement Plans

As a UC employee, you won't contribute to Social Security (except Medicare). Instead, you'll choose between state pension plans (OPERS, STRS) or an Alternative Retirement Plan (ARP), with UC contributing 14-18% of your salary based on position.

Real Work-Life Balance

UC prioritizes work-life balance with a generous time-off policy, including:

Vacation and sick time

11 paid holidays and additional end-of-year paid time off (Winter Season Days)

6 weeks of paid parental leave for new parents

Additional Benefits Include:

• Competitive salary range of $75,000 - $81,000 based on experience
• Comprehensive health coverage (medical, dental, vision, prescription)
• Flexible spending accounts & wellness programs
• Professional development & mentorship opportunities

For questions about the UC recruiting process or to request accommodations with the application, please contact Human Resources at jobs@uc.edu.

Equal Opportunity Employer. Building a workplace where all qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment, including Individuals with Disabilities and Protected Veterans.

REQ: 100104

Research Associate, Systems Development & Improvement Center, (Dublin, Ohio)

Date: Sep 30, 2025

Location:
Cincinnati, OH, US

Facility: Main Campus

Nearest Major Market: Cincinnati
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