Research Associate, Research Analyst, Research Scientist

** College of Human Sciences & Education
**** Social Research Evaluation Center
**** Research Associate 3
** The Research Associate 3 will provide several major functions. These activities include:
1) Program Evaluation
2); Grant Writing and Expansion of Evaluation Activities; and
3) Research and Dissemination. This position demands a person with highly developed analytic skills who has the ability to solve complex, real-world problems, collect data from a variety of sources, manage large datasets, analyze statistical data, supervise others, and prepare research reports and findings. The Research Associate 3 must have the ability to make research- and evaluation-related decisions and judgments on a daily basis.

Strong writing skills and the ability to work effectively in a team is essential. This position also requires a person with strong organizational skills who can work both within groups and independently, manage multiple projects simultaneously, and prioritize tasks, often in a fast-paced environment. This RA3 must have statistical knowledge, problem-solving and critical thinking skills, and the ability to communicate clearly, both in writing and verbally, to non-technical expert partners.  

65% Program Evaluation Oversees evaluations and research projects through project completion, as well as in accordance with the local, state, federal regulations
• Develops evaluation protocols that align with the project designs
• Develops research designs, quantitative and qualitative methodology and instrumentation
• Oversees design and management of project databases
• Manages data collection, including administration of surveys and conducting interviews, focus groups and site observations
• Maintains effective/positive working relationships with clients and stakeholders.
• Conducts quantitative and qualitative data analysis
• Ensures evaluation and research reports are completed and submitted to funders and stakeholder in a timely manner  15% Grant Writing and Expansion of Evaluation Activities
• Develops evaluation- and research-oriented content in response to government, nonprofit, and foundation requests for proposals, ensuring alignment with the mission of SREC, CHSE, and LSU
• Provides consistent, concurrent communication with College of Human Sciences and Education Office of Sponsored Research (CHSE-OSR) in the development of grant proposal narratives to facilitate the accurate and timely preparation of proposal budget(s) by CHSE-OSR for submission to the LSU Office of Sponsored Program
• Develop and sustain clients who may use evaluation-related services (including grant proposal work)
• Develops a menu of evaluation-related products and services to be provided to existing organizations  10% Research and Dissemination
• Prepares and presents research findings to multiple audiences and stakeholders
• Contributes to the writing and dissemination of research studies, including publishing in scholarly journals
• Remains current on relevant professional standards, trends, and innovations, including participating in local, state, and national research conferences, trainings, and other professional events  10% Other duties as assigned on SREC projects which might include, but not limited to, program design and implementation, survey design and data collection and analysis

Minimum Qualifications:

Master's degree with 2 years experience in Social Sciences (e.g., Social Work, Education, Psychology) or another relevant discipline

Preferred Qualifications:

PhD in Social Sciences (e.g., Social Work, Education, Psychology) or another relevant discipline;
Master’s degree in Social Sciences (e.g., Social Work, Education, Psychology) or another relevant discipline PLUS four years of relevant experience in social services or related field; experience managing research or evaluation projects; experience in grant writing and working on government funded projects; proficiency in Microsoft Office (Word and Excel) and ability to conduct statistical analysis using computer software (e.g., SPSS, STATA, R, SAS)
Preferred Certifications/Licenses: SQL, Python, Tableau, R## Additional

Job Description:

## Special Instructions:

Provide a cover letter, resume/CV, official transcripts, and three professional references including name, title, phone number and email address. For questions and concerns regarding the status of your application or salary ranges, please contact Madalina Robison at mrobison.