Job Summary:
The Wisconsin Center for Education Research (WCER) seeks a Research Subject Matter Expert for its new Simulation Lab. The lab studies how preservice professionals develop skills through simulated real-life scenarios face-to-face and in mixed reality settings. While traditional apprenticeship models have relied on field placements and internships, these approaches often perpetuate existing inequities due to their idiosyncratic nature and potential risks to clients. We leverage cutting-edge technologies such as mixed reality and reimagining face-to-face rehearsals. These innovations offer safe environments for novices to practice culturally responsive interactions without risking harm to historically marginalized clients and communities. Simulation-based learning not only provides a more equitable approach to professional learning; it also generates robust data for studying how novices acquire equity-oriented professional practices. By applying these technologies to fields such as nursing, teaching, social work, occupational therapy, and leadership, we can foster the development of skilled, culturally competent professionals committed to creating inclusive, effective environments for all. The lab's interdisciplinary approach investigates education and professional learning issues across local, national, and global contexts. It aims to impact scholars, educators, and students by advancing educational outcomes through high-quality research.
We are looking to expand our team with a research subject area expert in educational assessment, large scale assessment, and automation. The research subject matter expert in educational assessment, large scale assessment, and automation will play a critical role in developing and enhancing educational assessment tools and processes through automation technologies for the Sim Lab. This position requires a deep understanding of both evidence centered design-based educational assessment methodologies and the application of automation technologies to improve efficiency and accuracy. Core position responsibilities:
- Assessment and standards development: Ensure metrics are useful, reliable, and valid. This includes participating in task analyses, item writing, and standard-setting processes. This also means leading principal investigators and instructors in the development and refinement of scenarios, judgements about performances on those scenarios, and coaching materials for novice professionals.
- Automation integration development and implementation: Lead efforts to integrate automation technologies into educational assessments, enhancing the efficiency of simulation administration and scoring processes. This involves working with technology leads to implement automated systems that align with educational objectives and experiment with AI-enhanced feedback and systems for providing
feedback to novices, instructors, and researchers.
- Training and Education: Prepare and deliver training sessions on the simulation and automated tools. This includes leading workshops and external presentations to educate staff and stakeholders on best practices in educational assessment and automation for the Sim Lab.
- Consultation and Strategy: Advise educational institutions and organizations on strategic initiatives related to assessment and automation. Provide insights to product development teams to ensure that assessment tools meet educational standards and technological advancements.
- Quality Assurance: Review and verify the accuracy of assessment content and automation processes. Ensure that all deliverables meet technical requirements and adhere to best practices in educational assessment.
Essential Skills
- Expertise in Educational Assessment: In-depth knowledge of educational assessment principles and large scale assessment including psychometrics, item analysis, evidence centered design and standard setting.
- Technical Proficiency: Familiarity with automation technologies and their application in educational settings. Ability to work with software and tools that facilitate automated testing and data analysis.
- Communication and Collaboration: Strong communication skills to effectively convey complex concepts to diverse audiences. Ability to collaborate with cross-functional teams, including educators, instructors, IT developers, administration and Lab clients (e.g., researchers). Experience managing remote meeting agendas, collaboration, and communication technologies.
- Problem Solving and Innovation: Ability to identify challenges in current assessment processes and propose innovative solutions through automation. This includes staying updated on emerging technologies and trends in educational assessment.
Responsibilities:
Provides subject-matter expertise and staff training or mentoring to client-based projects in a research, development, and/or manufacturing laboratory to advance research and educational knowledge.
- 10% Serves as a subject matter expert in the areas of a specified subject and/or skill
- 5% Provides training and mentoring to staff and shares knowledge to various stakeholder groups
- 20% Develops standard operating procedures (SOP) and performs research testing activities per approved protocols and procedures
- 25% Researches, designs, and executes new project-specific process development, assay development, and/or manufacturing processes
- 15% Assesses impacts of proposed process(es) or method(s)
- 15% Contributes to the development of (research type) by delivering research information through various mediums to internal and external audiences
- 10% Contributes to external funding applications
Institutional Statement on Diversity:
Diversity is a source of strength, creativity, and innovation for UW-Madison. We value the contributions of each person and respect the profound ways their identity, culture, background, experience, status, abilities, and opinion enrich the university community. We commit ourselves to the pursuit of excellence in teaching, research, outreach, and diversity as inextricably linked goals.
The University of Wisconsin-Madison fulfills its public mission by creating a welcoming and inclusive community for people from every background - people who as students, faculty, and staff serve Wisconsin and the world.
For more information on diversity and inclusion on campus, please visit: Diversity and Inclusion
Education:
Preferred
Master's Degree
Preferred focus in education, mathematics, or computer science.
Preferred
Terminal Degree
Preferred focus in education, mathematics, or computer science.
Qualifications:
Experience Required:
- 5+ years of experience working in assessment.
- 2+ years of experience working in technology development or automation
- 2+ years of experience working in a research setting.
Experience Preferred:
- Previous experience working with simulation or rehearsal technology preferred
- Experience collaborating effectively across disciplines, organizations, and communities. Experience carrying out research with practitioners using a positive, collaborative approach.
- A record of innovative accomplishments and flexibility and courage to test new ideas and take risks. Commitment to excellence and continuous improvement.
- Track record of fostering a workplace that is based on mutual respect and transparency.
- An optimistic spirit and a grounded, realistic, and positive demeanor. Excellent communication skills with high emotional intelligence. Success as an effective listener and authentic partner.
Work Type:
Full or Part Time: 50% - 100%
It is anticipated this position will be remote and allow for work be performed at an offsite, non-campus work location.
Appointment Type, Duration:
Ongoing/Renewable
Salary:
Minimum $65,449 ANNUAL (12 months)
Depending on Qualifications
Actual hiring rate will be commensurate with education and experience. Employees in this position can expect to receive benefits such as generous vacation, holidays, and paid time off; competitive insurances and savings accounts; retirement benefits.
Additional Information:
The Wisconsin Center for Education Research (WCER), established in 1964, is one of the first, most
productive, and largest university-based education research and development centers in the world.
WCER's researchers and staff work to make teaching and learning as effective as possible for all ages
and all people. WCER's mission is to improve educational outcomes for diverse student populations,
impact education practice positively and foster collaborations among academic disciplines and
practitioners. To this end, our center helps scholars and practitioners develop, submit, conduct, and share
grant-funded education research.
WCER's Commitment to Diversity, Equity & Inclusion:
Diversity is a source of strength, creativity, and innovation for UW-Madison and The Wisconsin Center for
Education Research (WCER). Individual differences and group diversity inspire creative and equitable
outcomes. WCER actively affirms values and seeks to increase diversity in our everyday interactions,
practices, and policies.
For more information and news about our center, please go to https://wcer.wisc.edu/.
How to Apply:
To apply, click "Apply Now" and upload a current CV/resume, cover letter, and three professional references. References will not be contacted until after final interviews.
To ensure consideration, please apply by 11:55 p.m. on November 19, 2024.
Contact:
Erik Borresen
borresen@wisc.edu
608-265-5608
Relay Access (WTRS): 7-1-1. See RELAY_SERVICE for further information.
Official Title:
Research Subject Matter Expert(RE014)
Department(s):
A17-SCHOOL OF EDUCATION/WCER
Employment Class:
Academic Staff-Renewable
Job Number:
306758-AS
The University of Wisconsin-Madison is an Equal Opportunity and Affirmative Action Employer.
Qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to, including but not limited to, race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, age, pregnancy, disability, or status as a protected veteran and other bases as defined by federal regulations and UW System policies. We promote excellence through diversity and encourage all qualified individuals to apply. For more information regarding applicant and employee rights and to view federal and state required postings, click here
If you need to request an accommodation because of a disability, you can find information about how to make a request at the following website: https://employeedisabilities.wisc.edu/disability-accommodation-information-for-applicants/
Employment may require a criminal background check. It may also require you and your references to answer questions regarding sexual violence and sexual harassment.
The University of Wisconsin System will not reveal the identities of applicants who request confidentiality in writing, except that the identity of the successful candidate will be released. See Wis. Stat. sec. 19.36(7).
The Annual Security and Fire Safety Report contains current campus safety and disciplinary policies, crime statistics for the previous 3 calendar years, and on-campus student housing fire safety policies and fire statistics for the previous 3 calendar years. UW-Madison will provide a paper copy upon request; please contact the University of Wisconsin Police Department.
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University of Wisconsin Madison
$65,449 ANNUAL (12 months)
paid time off
Nov 15, 2024