Translational Language Research Scientist

Boys Town National Research Hospital (BTNRH) invites applications for early or mid-career level research scientist positions within the Center for Childhood Deafness, Language & Learning (CCDLL). There are four positions to be filled: three are Scientist I (equivalent to Assistant Professor) and one is Scientist II (equivalent to Associate Professor).

New colleagues will join a cohort of researchers and clinicians committed to collaborative investigation of language development and disorders and to making a positive impact on the quality of life of individuals with language disorders and their families. Our vision is to continue to grow the CCDLL into a program with tightly integrated research and clinical arms that work synergistically on issues of language development and disorders. While we are broad in our vision, work that fits this focus could involve:

• examination of differences between learners with varying diagnoses (e.g., autism, epilepsy, Down Syndrome)
• determination of the influences of language intervention as well as family, academic, and social environments on language outcomes
• comparison of developmental processes that support language learning during infancy, childhood, adolescence, and young adulthood
• investigation of brain adaptability and neurologic pathways that support language learning and development. 

Our growing faculty offer a unique perspective on such issues – one that is informed by both depth and breadth of expertise in child language and a strong commitment to understanding and ameliorating the effects of childhood disabilities on language learning and development.

The successful candidate will have a Ph.D. in Speech-Language Pathology, Cognitive Science, Developmental Psychology, Special Education, Linguistics, or a related field and a record that demonstrates a highly productive and excellent translational research program that lives at any level: laboratory, clinical, or community. Candidates for the Scientist II position must have a record of external funding and leadership experience.

Scientists at Boys Town National Research Hospital are full-time researchers with no teaching responsibilities and reasonable service commitments. Scientist positions are institutionally funded, and mid- and senior scientists aim for 50% salary support on external grants.  Early career scientists are provided with extensive mentoring and three years of full support to enable them to reach this goal.  All scientists will have access to new, state-of-the art laboratory facilities, generous start-up funds, and extensive supports for grant management, IT, participant recruitment, and clinical measurement.

Scientists at Boys Town National Research Hospital have the advantage of working alongside an outstanding, internationally recognized group of colleagues.  In addition to clinicians and scientists in the CCDLL, collaborations are possible with faculty in the Centers for Neurobehavioral Research, Sensory Neuroscience Research, Audiological and Vestibular Services, Hearing Research, and Child and Family Translational Research.  Our intellectual community also includes colleagues at the University of Nebraska-Omaha, the University of Nebraska-Lincoln, the University of Nebraska Medical Center, Creighton University, and the Creighton University School of Medicine.  Our participation in the Great Plains IDeA-Clinical & Translational Research Center provides training opportunities, partnerships, and resources for scientists who wish to translate science into better health outcomes.

Omaha, Nebraska, a city located on the banks of the Missouri River, is frequently rated as one of the best places to live in the United States.  Advantages include a low cost of living, quality schools, an increasingly diverse and vibrant population, excellent restaurants, a strong artistic and cultural environment, low unemployment, and a strong economy.

Inquiries about the Scientist I positions may be addressed to Drs. Lisa Goffman or Justin Kueser (lisa.goffman@boystown.org; justin.kueser@boystown.org). Inquiries about the Scientist II position may be addressed to Dr. Karla McGregor (karla.mcgregor@boystown.org). Interested applicants should submit their CV and statement of research in a single document. We encourage applications by December 1, 2024, but we will continue to consider applications until the positions are filled. 

This advertisement describes the general nature of work to be performed and does not include an exhaustive list of all duties, skills, or abilities required. Boys Town is an equal employment opportunity employer and participates in the E-Verify program. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability or veteran status.  To request a disability-related accommodation in the application process, contact us at 1-877-639-6003.

Diversity is more than a commitment at Boys Town—it is the foundation of who we are and what we do.

At Boys Town, we cultivate a culture of inclusion for all employees that respects their individual strengths, views, and experiences. We believe that our differences enable us to be a better team – one that makes better decisions, drives innovation, and delivers better business results.

About Boys Town:

Boys Town has been changing the way America cares for children and families since 1917. With over a century of service, our employees have helped us grow from a small boardinghouse in downtown Omaha, Nebraska, into one of the largest national child and family care organizations in the country. With the addition of Boys Town National Research Hospital in 1977, our services branched out into the health care and research fields, offering even more career opportunities to those looking to make a real difference.

Our employees are our #1 supporters when it comes to achieving Boys Town's mission, which is why we are proud of their commitment to making the world a better place for children, families, patients, and communities.  A unique feature for employees and their dependents enrolled in medical benefits are reduced to no cost visits for services performed by a Boys Town provider at a Boys Town location.  Additional costs savings for the employee and their dependents are found in our pharmacy benefits with low to zero-dollar co-pays on certain maintenance drugs.   Boys Town takes your mental health seriously with no cost mental health visits to an in-network provider.  We help our employees prepare for retirement with a generous match on their 401K or 401K Roth account. Additional benefits include tuition assistance, parenting resources from our experts and professional development opportunities within the organization, just to name a few. Working at Boys Town is more than just a job, it is a way of life.

This advertisement describes the general nature of work to be performed and does not include an exhaustive list of all duties, skills, or abilities required. Boys Town is an equal employment opportunity employer and participates in the E-Verify program. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity and/or expression, national origin, age, disability, or veteran status. To request a disability-related accommodation in the application process, contact us at 1-877-639-6003.