AAC & Literacy Research Translation and Community Engagement Specialist

APPLICATION INSTRUCTIONS:

• CURRENT PENN STATE EMPLOYEE (faculty, staff, technical service, or student), please login to Workday to complete the internal application process. Please do not apply here, apply internally through Workday.

• CURRENT PENN STATE STUDENT (not employed previously at the university) and seeking employment with Penn State, please login to Workday to complete the student application process. Please do not apply here, apply internally through Workday.

• If you are NOT a current employee or student, please click “Apply” and complete the application process for external applicants.

Approval of remote and hybrid work is not guaranteed regardless of work location. For additional information on remote work at Penn State, see Notice to Out of State Applicants.

This is a term position; length of the term will be discussed during the interview process. Continuation past the term length discussed will be based on university need, performance, and/or availability of funding.

POSITION SPECIFICS

This position will lead research dissemination, translation, and community engagement activities within the AAC research program. As a subject-matter expert, the position will translate research findings into accessible, meaningful, and actionable information for AAC users, families, educators, clinicians, administrators, researchers, and community stakeholders. The position will independently develop and implement dissemination strategies and create research products for websites, social media, presentations, webinars, and other community-facing platforms. The position will also build collaborative relationships with AAC users and families, schools, educators, clinicians, administrators, and other service providers and independently conduct research-related data-collection activities to understand community needs and perspectives and inform research translation efforts. Professional experience working with AAC users and implementing literacy instruction in school and community settings is an essential research competency for this position.

This is a limited-term position funded for one year from date of hire with excellent possibility of refunding.

PRIMARY DUTIES

1. Research Dissemination & Translation

• Translate AAC and literacy research into clear, accessible, actionable resources.
• Develop and implement dissemination strategies for diverse audiences.
• Adapt research findings for AAC users, families, educators, clinicians, administrators, researchers, and community stakeholders.
• Apply professional expertise in AAC and literacy to guide research translation.

2. Community Engagement & Outreach

• Build and maintain relationships with AAC users, families, schools, educators, clinicians, and administrators.
• Identify stakeholder needs, priorities, barriers, and facilitators.
• Ensure research products are relevant, accessible, and responsive to the AAC community.
• Provide practice-based expertise to inform research and implementation.

3. Research & Community-Engaged Data Collection

• Conduct interviews, focus groups, surveys, observations, and other research data-collection activities.
• Develop data-collection materials and protocols with research investigators.
• Recruit and engage research participants and manage collected data.
• Contribute to analysis and interpretation of stakeholder perspectives and implementation experiences.

4. Digital Dissemination & Professional Outreach

• Develop and maintain research-informed websites and digital resources.
• Create materials for families, AAC users, educators, clinicians, and community stakeholders.
• Conduct presentations, workshops, webinars, and conference activities.
• Share AAC and literacy research findings and evidence-based practices with professional and community audiences.

5. Research Collaboration & Dissemination Evaluation

• Collaborate with principal investigators and research teams to identify findings ready for dissemination.
• Contribute to grant dissemination plans, reports, manuscripts, presentations, and conference materials.
• Track dissemination activities, products, audiences, and stakeholder engagement.
• Collect and evaluate data on the reach, use, and impact of dissemination efforts.

This position will involve travel to various research sites and on campus work for about 1 week a month.

APPLICATION

Interested candidates should submit a curriculum vitae, a cover letter describing their interest in the position and qualifications for the role, and contact information for three professional references. Applications will be reviewed on a rolling basis, beginning October 9th and will continue until the position is filled.

Questions regarding the position or application process may be directed to Dr. Jessica Caron at [email protected].

BACKGROUND CHECKS/CLEARANCES

This position requires the following clearances in addition to applicable background checks: PA State Police Criminal Background Check, PA Child Abuse History Clearance Form, and Federal (FBI) Fingerprint Criminal Background Check. This position requires that you operate a motor vehicle as a part of your job duties. A valid driver’s license and successful completion of a motor vehicle records check will be required in addition to standard background checks.

BENEFITS

Penn State provides a competitive benefits package for full-time employees designed to support both personal and professional wellbeing. In addition to comprehensive medical, dental, and vision coverage, employees enjoy robust retirement plans. One of the standout benefits is the generous 75% tuition discount, available to employees as well as eligible spouses and children.

For more detailed information, please visit our Benefits Page. (Note: For Postdoctoral benefits, please see our Postdoctoral Benefits page.)

CAMPUS SECURITY CRIME STATISTICS

Pursuant to the Jeanne Clery Disclosure of Campus Security Policy and Campus Crime Statistics Act and the Pennsylvania Act of 1988, Penn State publishes a combined Annual Security and Annual Fire Safety Report (ASR). The ASR includes crime statistics and institutional policies concerning campus security, such as those concerning alcohol and drug use, crime prevention, the reporting of crimes, sexual assault, and other matters. The ASR is available for review here.

Penn State is committed to and accountable for advancing equity, respect, and belonging. We embrace individual uniqueness, as well as a culture of belonging that supports equity initiatives, leverages the educational and institutional benefits of inclusion in society, and provides opportunities for engagement intended to help all members of the community thrive. We value belonging as a core strength and an essential element of the university’s teaching, research, and service mission.

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