Internal Search – candidates must currently be employed at the University of Iowa as tenure-track faculty.

Position Description

The College of Education and the Scanlan Center for School Mental Health at the University of Iowa invite applications for a fiscal-year Director of Research within the Scanlan Center for School Mental Health. This open-rank tenure-track faculty position (Assistant Professor, Associate Professor, or Full Professor) offers a unique opportunity to lead and expand a collaborative, externally funded research program that drives meaningful improvements in school mental health services, practices, and student outcomes.

The Director of Research will play a central leadership role in advancing the Center’s mission through innovative, collaborative, and externally funded research that improves outcomes for schools, educators, school-based mental health providers, and students. The Scanlan Center offers a supportive environment for research growth and impact, including access to extensive, real-world data generated through its professional development and clinical service initiatives, as well as a strong culture of interdisciplinary collaboration.

Faculty affiliated with the Center actively lead and contribute to major funded initiatives, including:

• An OSEP-funded doctoral training grant in special education and mental health


• An OSEP-funded research grant focused on educational technology


• An HRSA-funded technical assistance grant to expand access to school-based mental health services

Position Responsibilities Include

• Work collaboratively with Center directors to design, implement, and evaluate the research mission of the Center


• Develop data management, analysis, and dissemination plan for clinical and professional development services to ensure research efforts directly support Center priorities


• Articulate the research mission of the Center to a broad array of audiences, including donors


• Develop the Center’s grant portfolio focused on school mental health through writing grants and collaborating within and beyond the College of Education (e.g., school districts, government agencies, community organizations), with priority given to grant projects that align with the Center’s strategic goals, strengthen partnerships, and serve PK-12 schools


• Conduct and support research on school mental health


• Develop and lead data analyses for research projects


• Develop dissemination materials for internal and external partners, such as policy briefs and reports


• Develop dissemination materials for research audiences, such as peer-reviewed manuscripts and conference presentations


• Supervise students on research projects


• Serve as an active leadership partner in advancing the strategic priorities of the Center, the College of Education, and external collaborators.


• Contribute to service opportunities in the College (as negotiated)

About the Center

The Scanlan Center for School Mental Health (SCSMH) launched in June 2021 with an ambitious mission – to provide social, emotional, behavioral, and psychological services to all of Iowa’s schools, not only to aid in COVID-19 recovery, but to build state capacity for immediate and future delivery of mental health supports across the state. The Center brings together educational partners, researchers, policymakers, and mental health professionals. Collectively, these professionals serve as Iowa’s hub for delivering professional development to schools; training to graduate students; providing clinical services to K-12 students, families, and school professionals; and conducting research to improve the well-being of schools and communities.

About the College

Recognized as the State of Iowa's top College of Education, we offer more than 80 undergraduate and graduate degree programs, including licensure, endorsement, and certificate programs, many of which are regularly ranked among the best in the nation.  Students study with our world-renowned faculty who are the leaders in their fields.  Our college is comprised of four departments: Educational Policy and Leadership Studies, Psychological and Quantitative Foundations, Counselor Education, and Teaching and Learning.  The College houses several Centers that support work in critical areas of education, including UI REACH, Iowa Reading Research Center, Scanlan Center for School Mental Health, and the Belin-Blank Center for Gifted Education and Talent Development. The College is guided by a Strategic Plan which defines our mission and the vision and values that bolster it.

• Prospective candidates must hold a PhD in a relevant field such as psychology, special education, counseling, educational leadership, or another related field.

• Must currently be employed at the University of Iowa as tenure-track faculty.


• Have publications in relevant peer-reviewed journals


• Demonstrate a record of securing external research funding


• Knowledge in advanced statistical methods


• Experience working with an interdisciplinary team and mentoring students


• Evidence of innovative thinking and a collaborative approach to research and problem-solving


• Experience contributing to a welcoming and respectful academic environment

• Expertise in mental health research and/or practice


• A demonstrated commitment to collaborative, center-based work that aligns research priorities with organizational mission, key partnerships, and the needs of schools