Co-Science Directors, Science of Learning Center on Visual Language and Visual Learning

The Center for Visual Language and Visual Learning (VL2) at Gallaudet University is seeking two co-Science Directors to lead a large collaborative effort in research involving visual language and visual learning. VL2 is a Science of Learning Center (SLC), one of six SLCs funded by the National Science Foundation. Funded in 2006, VL2 currently supports over 30 interdisciplinary research projects, located across 10 different universities, including two international universities. Projects include neuroimaging studies of reading and visual language development, cognitive and behavioral studies of language development and literacy among deaf individuals, and socio-cultural developmental studies of early visual language and literacy practices in families and schools. The VL2 Center's budget is approximately $4 million per year; we are currently preparing our renewal application for an additional five years of funding (2011-2016).

We are seeking science leaders who will bring groundbreaking research to the Gallaudet campus in areas compatible with the ongoing work of VL2. Due to the large scope and bilingual nature (English and American Sign Language) of our research, we seek two scientists to lead our evolving work. One of directors must have a strong background in research with deaf persons and be fluent in American Sign Language. The other director must have a willingness and enthusiasm to learn ASL on the job. The Co-Science Directors will work alongside the Principal Investigator in overseeing the scientific activities of the Center. As tenure-line faculty members at Gallaudet University, the Co-Directors will play an integral role in the educational activities of VL2 and the University promoting the scholarly and professional development of deaf and hard-of-hearing researchers.

VL2 can provide significant resources to the new Directors. It is situated in the new Sorenson Language and Communication Center on the Gallaudet campus. It has partnerships with nine other universities (including, locally, Georgetown University) that may provide access to facilities and human resources to support research efforts.

Each Co-Science Director, a mid- to senior-career level individual, must have a PhD. or equivalent in Linguistics, Psychology, Education, Cognitive Neuroscience or related field; a distinguished record of research publications and of grant funding; experience in center-based research activities, and a commitment to collaborative, inter-disciplinary, team-based research. As noted, a first or second language fluency in American Sign Language and knowledge of Deaf culture are required for one of the two positions. Salary: dependent on rank and experience.

Send a cover letter, CV, and the names and addresses for three references to:

Dr. Thomas E. Allen, PI
Science of Learning Center on Visual Language and Visual Learning
Gallaudet University
SLCC 1223
800 Florida Ave, NE
Washington, DC, 20002
Email: thomas.allen@gallaudet.edu
Website: VL2.gallaudet.edu
Phone: 202-651-5866