Sr Research Associate

Temple University's Hope Center for Student Basic Needs is searching for a Senior Research Associate!

Salary Grade: T26

Salary Range: $65,000 - $70,000

A variety of important factors are reviewed by HR when considering salary, including job duties, the applicant's education and experience, all relevant internal equity considerations, department budget, and funding source.

Become a part of the Temple family and you will have access to the following:

Full medical, dental, vision coverage

Paid time off

9 Federally Observed Paid Holidays

3 Personal Days

Tuition remission - eligible employees and their dependents can obtain a degree TUITION FREE

A generous retirement plan and so much more!

Position Summary:

The Hope Center for Student Basic Needs at Temple University is seeking a Research Associate to join our team. As a mission-driven organization, we take seriously the importance of rigorous research, engagement and communication activities, and advocacy. Our diverse team is committed to communities that demand affordable, accessible, high-quality education from high school through higher education and beyond.

We seek teammates who are not only committed to our mission but are also capable and comfortable with working in a fast-paced environment.

Required Education and Experience:

* PhD in economics, sociology/demography, political science, psychology, statistics, educational policy, or a related field

* Minimum of 2-3 years of relevant experience - including experience conducting applied quantitative and survey research, as well as analyzing and interpreting the results

* An equivalent combination of education and experience may be considered.

Required Skills and Abilities:

* Strong applied research skills and ability to design, plan and conduct research activities and serve as an authoritative source on research practices and research rigor.

* Strong quantitative skills, including knowledge of experimental and/or quasi-experimental research designs in real life settings.

* Strong programming skills, preferably in Python and/or R (at least 3 years).

* Strong writing skills and demonstrated ability to present research in an accessible manner.

* Strong communication and interpersonal skills, along with the ability to work with a diverse population.

* Demonstrated organizational and time management skills, along with the ability to work on multiple projects simultaneously.

Preferred Education and Experience:

* Research experience studying higher education and applying research for program evaluation and policy analysis.

* Experience working on higher education topics or those related to the Center's work on basic needs (such as food and housing) insecurities.

* Experience working directly with colleges and universities on research.

* Experience/demonstrated success working in a remote or hybrid work environment and/or with remote colleagues.

Essential Duties:

Reporting to the Senior Director of Research and Evaluation, the Research Associate will undertake the following responsibilities:

* Conduct data analytic work (i.e. data cleaning, coding and statistical programming) for a grant funded project focused on using regression discontinuity design to study the impact of a state policy on community college student outcomes

* Conduct data analytic work (i.e. data cleaning, merging survey and institutional data, data analysis, and interpretation) for a grant funded project focused on community college students in STEM

* Contribute to survey administration, data cleaning, analysis, and interpretation for The Hope Center Student Basic Needs Survey

* Navigate Temple's IRB process for human subjects research as well as external data use agreements

* Translate complex research findings for multiple audiences (researchers, practitioners, and policymakers)

* Help prepare deliverables for funders (e.g., reports, white papers, one-pagers, presentations) as well as academic publications)

* Deliver presentations, seminars, and media interviews as needed

* Contribute rigorous research methodology expertise to drafting center wide proposals

Research duties include:

* Help manage research studies at the center: understand the logistics that are needed for successful study completion (e.g., designing and planning research studies, navigating human subjects protocols and legal approvals recruiting institutions and study participants; managing incentives; overseeing general data collection, cleaning, and analysis).

* Serve, internally and externally, as an authoritative source on rigorous research methodology, particularly quasi-experimental designs such as regression discontinuity design, difference-in-differences.

* Manage survey administration and logistics using Qualtrics.

* Monitor and implement proper data collection and management policies and procedures, as well as data quality standards.

* Lead preparation and completion of public-facing reports on research studies (i.e. academic publications, conference proposal submissions, non-technical briefs, and white papers).

* Establish and maintain collaborative relationships with external partners to facilitate research needs such as data collection and research dissemination activities.

* Support grant proposal and reporting activities including drafting letters of intent (LOIs), drafting proposal narratives, and managing grant deliverables.

* Performs other duties as assigned.

This position is assigned a hybrid work arrangement (on-campus and remote), the duration of this hybrid work arrangement is at the discretion of Temple University and the Department.

Temple University is committed to a policy of equal opportunity for all in every aspect of its operations, including employment, service, and educational programs. The University has pledged not to discriminate on the basis of age, color, disability, marital status, national origin or ethnic origin, race, religion, sex (including pregnancy), sexual orientation, gender identity, genetic information or veteran status.

Compliance Statement: In the performance of their functions as detailed in the position description employees have an obligation to avoid ethical, legal, financial and other conflicts of interest to ensure that their actions and outside activities do not conflict with their primary employment responsibilities at the institution. Employees are also expected to understand and be in compliance with applicable laws, University and employment policies and regulations, including NCAA regulations for areas and departments which their essential functions cause them to interact.

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