ANSWER Liaison Team

One of the key goals of ANSWER is to foster a sense of community and collaboration between individuals with different neurotypes, both within and beyond the AIR-P Network. This includes creating opportunities for autistic researchers to connect with one another, as well as with researchers from other backgrounds, in order to exchange ideas and insights. Such collaboration can help to bridge the gap between different perspectives on autism, ultimately leading to more nuanced and effective autism research.

ANSWER's Liaison members (up to two people) are responsible for building collaborations between autistic and non-autistic researchers within the network and coordinating communication between ANSWER and the National Coordinating Center (NCC) at UCLA. They will help identify collaboration opportunities, such as joint research projects or co-authored publications, and work to bring these opportunities to fruition. The liaison will also be responsible for building relationships with autistic and non-autistic researchers outside of the network and promoting the work of autistic researchers to a wider audience. Overall, this individual will play a crucial role in helping to bridge the gap between autistic and non-autistic researchers and foster a more inclusive and collaborative research community.

Responsibilities:

  • Maintain positive community relations within the AIR-P entities; between the AIR-P entities and external organizations (including those focused on autism as well as other scientific organizations); and-- across all relations-- foster collaborative partnerships and exchange valuable insights. Facilitate networking and mentoring opportunities between autistic researchers, non-autistic researchers, and the larger community to foster collaboration and knowledge sharing.

  • In collaboration with the mentorship and training directors, coordinate with external training programs and institutions, such as CanNRT and LEND, to facilitate collaborations and provide reciprocal training opportunities.

Requirements:

  • Holds a doctorate (e.g. PhD, MD) or equivalent terminal degree OR Is actively enrolled in a degree-granting doctoral program.

  • Have relevant experience and expertise in the field of autism, including a deep understanding of critical autism studies, neurodiversity, strength-based approaches, and neuro-affirming language.

  • Knowledge of career development and mentorship principles within research contexts

  • Comfort with forging interdisciplinary collaborations and reaching out to form new connections and relationships

  • An understanding of high-quality mentorship and training relationships-- as well as the barriers in mentorship/training faced by autistic trainees--preferably in an academic or research setting.

  • Approachable and demonstrated ability to create an open and safe environment for honest and transparent communication.

  • Willingness and ability to provide encouragement and emotional support to autistic researchers in the network so they can navigate challenges and achieve personal and professional growth.

  • Commitment to promoting the perspectives and development of autistic researchers.