Clinical Research Associate

Position Title

Clinical Research Associate

$55,000-$60,000

Special Education_B

Important:
The Clinical Research Assistant must have experience in the field of Special Education. The Department of Special Education at Ball State University seeks a highly motivated full-time Clinical Research Assistant to support an Institute of Education Sciences (IES)-funded research project focused on the development, implementation, and evaluation of a novel intervention for high school students with autism spectrum disorder (ASD), COMPASS Across Settings (CAST).

The successful candidate will work collaboratively with the Principal Investigator (PI), co-investigators, and research team and will implement and evaluate CAST, a wrap-around intervention designed to support autistic students, caregivers, educators, and pre‑employment specialists across home, school, and community settings. The position offers significant opportunities for independent research, scholarly publication, grant‑related activities, conference presentations, and professional development.

This is a grant‑funded position and continuation of employment is contingent upon project funding.

Candidates for searches must have current authorization to be employed in the United States without employer sponsorship.

The Clinical Research Assistant must have experience in the field of Special Education, and will play a central role in the implementation, evaluation, and dissemination of a grant‑funded research focused on improving outcomes for students through CAST (COMPASS Across Settings).

• Implement and evaluate the CAST intervention in a randomized controlled trial evaluating intervention effectiveness.
• Conduct Autism Diagnostic assessments using the Autism Diagnostic Observation Schedule.
• Conduct adaptive behavior interviews with caregivers using the Vineland Adaptive Behavior Scales.
• Implement intervention fidelity measures and implementation monitoring systems.
• Conduct quantitative and qualitative research activities related to intervention outcomes.
• Monitor coaching fidelity, implementation fidelity, and student goal attainment outcomes.
• Contribute to data management, data analysis, interpretation of findings, and preparation of research reports.

• Conduct research participant interviews to inform outcomes.
• Analyze qualitative and quantitative data to prepare summaries for progress reporting to the granting agency.
• Utilize statistical software (e.g., SPSS) to manage and analyze quantitative research data.
• Coordinate outcome evaluation processes and support the dissemination of research findings.

• Support the preparation, submission, and ongoing management of Institutional Review Board (IRB) applications and documentation.
• Ensure compliance with university, federal, and funding agency research requirements.
• Coordinate the preparation and submission of progress reports, annual reports, and final reports required by funding agencies in accordance with grant and contractual requirements.
• Support grant management activities and project documentation.

• Prepare manuscripts for submission to peer‑reviewed journals.
• Present research findings at state, national, and international professional conferences.
• Contribute to dissemination activities designed to share study outcomes with educators, researchers, families, and community stakeholders.

• Work collaboratively with interdisciplinary teams, school personnel, families, community partners, and research staff.
• Participate in project meetings and research planning activities.
• Maintain current knowledge of evidence‑based practices related to autism, special education, transition services, and intervention research.

• Perform additional program‑related duties as assigned.

• Master’s degree in Special Education, Psychology, Educational Psychology, Human Development, Social or Behavioral Sciences, or a…