Title: Research Scientist

Employee Classification: Research Scientist I

Campus: University of North Texas

Division: UNT-Provost

SubDivision-Department: UNT-Col of Health & Public Servic

Department: UNT-Autism Center-132710

Job Location: Denton

Salary: Compensation is competitive and commensurate with the candidate’s qualifications, experience, and discipline, in accordance with university guidelines and available funding.

FTE: 1.00

Retirement Eligibility: ORP Eligible

About Us - Values Overview

Department Summary

The College of Health and Public Service (HPS) at the University of North Texas
prepares graduates to address diverse and complex social issues such as aging, disability, disaster management and recovery, criminal justice, health disparities and public safety, and find solutions to challenges in public administration, public health and urban design.

We have eight academic departments with undergraduate and graduate programs, the Kristin Farmer Autism Center, the Center for Public Management, the UNT Speech and Hearing Center, the UNT Work Inclusion and Supported Employment (UNTWISE) program, UNT ELEVAR, and several professional development and clinical training programs to facilitate careers to address a global society.

The UNT Kristin Farmer Autism Center (KFAC) provides clinical services to support learning, development, community participation, and quality of life for individuals on the autism spectrum. KFAC offers programming for early childhood as well as middle childhood/adolescence. In addition, KFAC offers specialized programming for children with challenging behaviors that interfere with access to age-appropriate activities.

UNT has a highly diverse campus with a wide range of languages spoken in addition to English. We welcome candidates who have experience with HSI/MSIs and/or who speak Spanish, Vietnamese, American Sign Language, Chinese (Cantonese, Mandarin and other variations), Arabic, Tagalog, Farsi, French, or/and Yoruba.

Position Overview

The UNT Kristin Farmer Autism Center (KFAC) is seeking a full-time Research Scientist to support the development, implementation, and scaling of Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA) programs for young children with autism. Aside from managing a caseload of clients, this position is responsible for developing/refining novel intervention approaches, and creating tools, resources, and training materials to support scaling.

The successful candidate will be a Licensed Behavior Analyst (Board Certified Behavior Analyst, BCBA; at the master’s or doctoral level) with at least two years of experience in that role, overseeing skill-building programs for children and adolescents on the autism spectrum (particularly in the area of promoting conversation skills during middle childhood and early adolescence). Further, the successful candidate will have a comprehensive understanding of evidence-based interventions for autism, the ability to systematize intervention/service delivery frameworks, and experiences with training staff and caregivers. The primary responsibility of the Research Scientist will be to design, implement, and scale direct intervention and instructional programs for young children with autism, utilizing evidence-based interventions. The position will involve close supervision by KFAC’s Clinical Director, and leverage connections with UNT faculty from Behavior Analysis, Special Education, and Speech Language Pathology. Opportunities for professional growth and program development are encouraged, making this a dynamic and rewarding position for the right candidate.

Minimum Qualifications

The successful candidate will be a Licensed Behavior Analyst (Board Certified Behavior Analyst, BCBA; at the master’s or doctoral level) with at least two years of experience in that role, overseeing skill-building programs for children and adolescents on the autism spectrum (particularly in the area of promoting conversation skills during middle childhood and early adolescence). Research experience or evidence of the ability to conduct research and publish or present results.

Knowledge, Skills and Abilities

• Strong understanding of autism spectrum disorders and evidence-based practices.
• Ability to work with clients with disabilities.
• Ability to be patient, flexible, versatile and cope with stressful situations.
• In depth knowledge of the principles and practice of Applied Behavior Analysis. This includes general behavioral assessment and Ethical Standards in Behavior Analysis.
• In depth knowledge of the behavioral impact of developmental disabilities, as well as the cognitive, educational, vocational and social challenges encountered by persons with developmental disabilities.
• Ability to work independently and prioritize tasks/goals for self and others.
• Effective written and verbal communication skills with individuals and groups at all professional levels.
• Strong problem-solving skills.
• Ability to work effectively with various technology including word processing software, internet-based databases, etc.

Preferred Qualifications

Ph.D. in Applied Behavior Analysis, Special Education, or Psychology.

Required License/Registration/Certifications

Licensed Behavior Analyst (Board Certified Behavior Analyst, BCBA)

Job Duties

• Develops novel programming, independently or collaboratively, under the direct supervision of a faculty member or more senior research staff person. 
• Develops, implements, evaluates, and manages client assessments, evidence-based treatment goals, client performance, and reports client progress to parents and other consumers. 
• Develops and manages procedures to meet the individual medical, physical, communicative, emotional, personal care, and instructional needs of all clients. 
• Develops and implements staff training programs. Trains, consults, and coordinates care with professionals and caregivers. 
• Implements accurate and reliable data collection methods (i.e., staff implementation fidelity, client outcomes), summarizes, and analyzes data to monitor programming effectiveness. 
• Develops and implements processes for documenting service receipt. Maintains administrative records, and prepares and submits required reports in a timely manner. 
• Maintains awareness of trends and best practices in the area of autism intervention and as directed, assists in designing, conducting, and disseminating research products, journal articles, book chapters, and presentations at professional meetings and conferences. 
• Develops, refines, and implements processes for client intake and discharge.
• Provides training, supervision, and evaluative feedback to Behavior Technicians and Senior Behavior Technicians on the implementation of treatment, collection and visual representation of data, and all other assigned instructional tasks. 

Work Schedule

Monday through Friday between 8 a.m. and 6 p.m.

Driving University Vehicle

No

Security Sensitive

This is a Security Sensitive Position.

Special Instructions

Applicants must submit a minimum of two professional references as part of their application. If needed, additional references can be added after the application has been submitted. 

Benefits

For information regarding our Benefits, click here.

EEO Statement

The University of North Texas System is firmly committed to equal opportunity and does not permit -- and takes actions to prevent -- discrimination, harassment (including sexual violence, domestic violence, dating violence and stalking) and retaliation on the basis of race, color, religion, national origin, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, age, disability, genetic information, or veteran status in its application, employment practices and facilities; nor permits race, color, national origin, religion, age, disability, veteran status, or sex discrimination and harassment in its admissions processes, and educational programs and activities, facilities and employment practices. The University of North Texas System promptly investigates complaints of discrimination, harassment and related retaliation and takes remedial action when appropriate. The University of North Texas System also takes actions to prevent retaliation against individuals who oppose any form of harassment or discriminatory practice, file a charge or report, or testify, assist or participate in an investigative proceeding or hearing.