SimLab Director and Researcher

at  University of WisconsinMadison

JOB SUMMARY:

The Wisconsin Center for Education Research (WCER) is seeking the founding scientific director of its innovative Simulation Lab. Over five years, this senior leader will build and lead cutting-edge research on face-to-face, mixed-reality, and virtual reality simulation-based learning for novice professionals across multiple disciplines.
The Wisconsin Center for Education Research (WCER) seeks a director of the Simulation Lab (SimLab). The SimLab director will report to the director of WCER and be responsible for collaboratively creating, leading, and administering an externally funded world-class research and development lab that leverages face-to-face, mixed-reality, and virtual reality simulation toward more skilled and equitable professional practice. The lab has been launched with investment funds that will be spent over five years. The lab studies how novice and practicing professionals develop skills through simulated conversation-based real-life scenarios. This senior scientist will lead cutting-edge research on simulation-based learning for novice professionals across multiple disciplines while managing a team of researchers, students, and staff.
While traditional apprenticeship models of professional learning have relied on field placements, practicums, and internships, these approaches often leave novices ill-prepared for the complex social contexts in which they work. This is, in part, because learning experiences in the real world frequently are idiosyncratic and occur with actual stakeholders (e.g., other professionals, clients, customers, students). This can result in sub-optimal learning opportunities for the novice professional and harm stakeholders. The SimLab leverages cutting-edge technologies such as mixed reality, virtual reality, and artificial intelligence to create more systematic and effective learning environments. These innovations offer safe environments for novices to practice culturally responsive interactions without risking harm to marginalized communities and other stakeholders. Simulation-based learning not only provides a more equitable approach to professional learning but also generates robust data for studying how novices learn equity-oriented professional practices. By applying these technologies to fields like nursing, teaching, social work, occupational therapy, and leadership (among others), the lab will foster the development of skilled, culturally competent professionals committed to creating inclusive, effective environments for all.
The lab’s interdisciplinary approach investigates the training and professional learning across local, national, and global contexts. It aims to impact scholars, educators, and students by advancing educational outcomes through high-quality research and service provision. This position offers an exciting opportunity to strengthen and shape the future of simulation-based professional learning while advancing equitable practices across multiple fields. The successful candidate will play a pivotal role in generating knowledge to foster skilled, culturally competent professionals committed to creating inclusive environments for all, while leading and developing a talented research and development team with demonstrated skills in assessment, innovation, automation, and leadership.
The position offers access to WCER, School of Education, and University of Wisconsin resources, cross-departmental collaborations, and the opportunity to impact multiple professional fields through innovative simulation research.
This position will be eligible for fully remote work as assigned by the University of Wisconsin-Madison. A successful candidate will have the ability to work from home or an alternate office location as the position’s Headquarters Location. This means that business travel and travel back to UW-Madison’s campus would be compensated and eligible for reimbursement. More information and expectations of remote work can be found in the following UW Remote Work Policy (UW-5087).
We will be happy to discuss and answer any questions you may have related to remote work during the interview process.

EDUCATION:

Required
PhD in education, educational psychology, assessment, or a related field in the social sciences

QUALIFICATIONS:

Experience Requirements
Previous supervision experience or department leadership
7+ years of research experience
Experience collaborating with leadership and subject matter experts to develop capabilities and policies
Proficiency in designing, executing, and overseeing research projects
Successful record of external funding for research
Experience directing a center or department in establishing priorities, enacting a vision, achieving goals
Experience Preferred
Previous experience in professional learning, assessment or quality control processes

Identifies research problems, designs research methodologies, performs and supervises research, and prepares and presents results for presentation to professional organizations or for scholarly publications. May supervise staff.

• 5% Identifies research problems and develops highly complex research methodologies and procedures. Publishes and presents results to help advance research
• 20% Collects and analyzes highly complex research data, conducts experiments and interviews, and documents results according to established policies and procedures
• 10% Conducts literature reviews, prepares reports and materials and, disseminates information to appropriate entities
• 5% Attends and assists with the facilitation of scholarly events and presentations in support of continued professional development and the dissemination of research information
• 20% Identifies, writes, or assists in developing grant opportunities, grant applications, and proposals to secure research funding
• 10% May supervise the day-to-day activities of a research unit and staff and resolve routine personnel issues
• 10% Serves as an institutional subject matter expert and liaison with key internal and external stakeholders providing expert level information and representing the interests of a specialized research area
• 5% Monitors program budget and approves unit expenditures
• 10% Together with potential clients, develop lab procedures and services to ensure the lab provides high-quality services
• 5% Collaboratively develop lab vision and lead based on that vision