Job Description

Position Title:

Clinical Research Associate

Compensation:
$55,000-$60,000

Department:
Special Education_B

About this opportunity:

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.

What you'll do and what you'll bring:

Position Function:

The Clinical Research Assistant 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).

Duties and Responsibilities:

1. Research and Project Leadership

• 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.

2. Qualitative and Quantitative Research Activities

• 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.

3. Compliance and Grant Administration

• 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.

4. Scholarly Activities

• 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.

5. Collaboration and Professional Engagement

• 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.

6. Other

• Perform additional program-related duties as assigned.

Minimum Qualifications:

• Master's degree in Special Education, Psychology, Educational Psychology, Human Development, Social or Behavioral Sciences, or a closely related field completed by the start date.
• Some knowledge of autism spectrum disorder and educational, community, or related service settings.
• Familiarity with diagnostic and adaptive behavior assessment skills.
• Demonstrated ability to manage multiple projects and meet deadlines.
• Strong written and verbal communication skills.

Preferred Qualifications:

• Experience working with autistic youth, families, educators, or transition service providers.
• Experience working in U.S. public schools.

How to apply:

For inquiries about this position, please contact: Dr. Lisa Ruble, [click to reveal email address] lisa.ruble@bsu.edu

Please follow upload instructions and attach all required supporting application documents listed below. Only applications submitted through Workday, which include all required documents listed below, will be considered.

Required Application Documents:

• Curriculum Vitae/ Resume *Please do not use the Autofill feature for resume/vitae
• Cover summarizing qualifications
• Include the names and contact information for three references in the cover letter, and within the application when prompted

Optional Documents:

Transcripts may be uploaded at the time of application, however, an official transcript must be received by the issuing institution at the time of employment.

Application Deadline: July 29, 2026, 12:01 a.m.

What we offer:

At Ball State University, we understand the importance of balancing professional responsibilities with personal well-being. That's why we offer paid 24 vacation days, 12 sick days and 10 holidays a year. Plus, our paid parental leave (6 weeks) is there for life's most significant moments. We offer affordable health and dental insurance, robust long-term disability and life insurance plans, as well a range of retirement benefits to provide financial security to you and your family. These benefits ensure that you can focus on your work and personal growth without worrying about the unexpected.

When you work for us, you are family. And to show our support of your family, we will cover 90 percent of your child's (or children's) undergraduate college tuition at Ball State. We do the same for you. In fact, we'll cover 100 percent of the tuition costs for you to earn your undergraduate degree and 80 percent of your graduate tuition. This offer is good from the very first day you start. It's just one way we do our part to uplift you.

Let's fly together toward a secure and prosperous tomorrow.

Curious about our excellent benefits package?

We have developed a calculator that shows you the value of our core benefits. Select the Total Compensation Calculator - Professional and download the spreadsheet. If you are applying for a 10-month position or one with Burris or Indiana Academy, please select the corresponding calculator.

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