Senior Research Program Coordinator - Texas Center Disability Studies

Senior Research Program Coordinator - Texas Center for Disability Studies

Hiring Department: Office of the Associate Dean for Research

Position Open To: All Applicants

Weekly Scheduled

Hours:

40

FLSA Status: Exempt from FLSA

Earliest

Start Date:

Jul 06, 2026

Position Duration: Expected to Continue Until Jul 31, 2027

Location: PICKLE RESEARCH CAMPUS

This position will coordinate the MILES (Mapping the Interactions of Language and Early Motor Skills in Down Syndrome) and IDEAL (Identifying and Distinguishing Early Indicators of Autism in Latino Children) research studies within the IDEA Research Lab. The role involves working directly with children who have developmental disabilities, their caregivers, and family members.

• Coordinate day‑to‑day operations of multiple federally funded research projects with internal and external collaborators. Facilitate regular team meetings, document research team decisions, and track project milestones.
• Supervise and support research data collection activities, including developmental, language, motor, and autism assessments, parent interviews, and video‑recorded observations. Implement fidelity protocols and quality control to ensure accurate data entry.
• Oversee recruitment strategies for research participants throughout Texas, including bilingual outreach to Latino communities. Monitor participant retention and engagement.
• Provide guidance and support to research assistants. Develop training materials, manuals, and standardized protocols for assessment administration, interviewing, and ethical research practices.
• Assist with preparation and submission of Institutional Review Board (IRB) applications, amendments, renewals, and progress reports to the university and funding agencies.
• Other duties as assigned.

Bachelor’s Degree in social work, psychology, human development, speech‑language pathology, education, or related field with at least 5 years of research coordination experience. Direct experience working with infants, toddlers, or young children with developmental disabilities (e.g., Down syndrome, autism) and their families. Experience administering or coordinating standardized developmental, language, or behavioral assessments. Experience with REDCap or comparable electronic data capture and data management systems.

Proficient in Microsoft Suite (Word, Excel, Outlook, Teams, PowerPoint) and standard scheduling and communication tools. Demonstrated ability to manage multiple concurrent projects and competing priorities. Ability to work in person and engage directly with young children, including floor‑level interactions. Excellent attention to detail and strong verbal and written communication skills. Values the contributions of others in the work environment. Relevant education and experience may be substituted as appropriate.

Master’s Degree in a related field with at least 3 years of research coordination experience OR Doctoral Degree with at least 1 year of research coordination experience. Experience preparing IRB continuing reviews, progress reports, or grant renewal materials. Experience administering developmental and autism assessments and parent interviews, including instruments such as the Bayley Scales of Infant and Toddler Development, Differential Ability Scales–2 Early Years, ADOS‑2, and Vineland Adaptive Behavior Scales.

Familiarity with community‑engaged research methods and partnerships with community organizations, clinics, or schools. Ability to work flexible hours, including occasional evenings and weekends. Bilingual in Spanish.

$60,000 – $70,000 – depending on qualifications

May work around standard office conditions. Repetitive use of a keyboard at a workstation.

Work Shift:

Monday – Friday, Flexible between 8 am – 6 pm.

A criminal history background check will be required for finalists under consideration for this position.

The University of Texas at Austin, as an equal opportunity/affirmative action employer, complies with all applicable federal and state laws regarding nondiscrimination and affirmative action. The University is committed to a policy of equal opportunity for all persons and does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, national origin, age, marital status, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, gender expression, disability, religion, or veteran status in employment, educational programs and activities, and admissions.