Research Assistant

Overview

Since its establishment in 2000, the Joseph

C. Cornwall Center for Metropolitan Studies has been a signature component of Rutgers University‑Newark’s commitment to serve the metropolitan area. The Center brings the campus’s intellectual talent and resources to address community revitalization challenges, supports vulnerable urban populations, and sponsors research projects, conferences, workshops, and translation of research into effective practice.

Rutgers University‑Newark, an urban public research university and anchor institution located in Newark, New Jersey, is seeking a Research Assistant (Temporary) to support the Center’s research projects and initiatives. The role reports to the Sr. Program Manager, requires strong critical thinking, and values experience in social science research.

• Qualitative and quantitative data collection (ethnographic fieldwork, interviews, surveys) and analysis.
• Proofreading, editing, and preparation of grant applications, manuscripts, presentations, protocols, and reports.
• Marketing the Center’s projects and programming (flyer, newsletter, report design; email and phone correspondence; general promotion).
• Organizing public events around research projects including booking space, speaker coordination, logistics.
• Other duties as assigned.

Minimum Education and Experience

• Bachelor’s degree in a related field, or an equivalent combination of education and/or experience.
• Up to two years of relevant experience in an administrative function, good communication and interpersonal skills, and computer literacy.

Required Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities

• Strong foundation in qualitative and quantitative research methods and measurements.
• Experience using data analysis software (R, SPSS, Stata, ATLAS.ti, Dedoose, MAXQDA, NVivo, etc.).
• Experience using graphic design software to prepare marketing materials.
• Experience writing for a variety of audiences.
• Familiarity with IRB and human subjects procedures.

Preferred Qualifications

• Previous research assistant experience or equivalent education/experience.
• Experience conducting qualitative research (interviews, coding, document review).
• Experience analyzing quantitative data and creating charts, graphs, visualizations.
• Capacity and willingness to learn new software, work routines, and research methods.
• Ability to work independently and accurately without direct supervision.
• Strong writing and editing skills.
• Responsiveness – willingness to respond to emails within 24 hours.
• Master’s degree in a related field or equivalent.

Hourly rate: $18–$35. Final offer determined by qualifications, experience, and grant funding availability.

• Medical, prescription drug, and dental coverage.
• Paid vacation, holidays, and leave programs.
• Competitive retirement benefits, including defined contribution plans and voluntary tax‑deferred savings options.
• Employee and dependent educational benefits (when applicable).
• Life insurance coverage.
• Employee discount programs.

Part‑time, 19.75 hours per week. Possible hybrid work arrangement under Rutgers Policy 60.3.22 (pilot program effective Sept 1 2022 – Aug 31 2024).

Employers must provide equal opportunity for all applicants. Applicants should submit a resume/CV, cover letter, and list of professional references. For documents related to disability accommodations or technical assistance, contact the appropriate Rutgers offices as indicated.

Rutgers University is an equal‑access/equal‑opportunity institution and provides equal employment opportunity to all employees and applicants regardless of race, creed, color, national origin, age, ancestry, disability status, veteran status, gender identity, sexual orientation, or any other protected class. For additional information, see the Non‑Discrimination Statement at (Use the "Apply for this Job" box below)./non‑discrimination‑statement
.