Research Assistant​/Associate

Research Assistant/Associate

Wayne State University is searching for an experienced Research Assistant/Associate at its Detroit campus location.

Wayne State is a premier, public, urban research university located in the heart of Detroit, Michigan where students from all backgrounds are offered a rich, high-quality education. Our deep-rooted commitment to excellence, collaboration, integrity, diversity and inclusion creates exceptional educational opportunities which prepare students for success in a global society.

Research Assistant/Associate

(Program Evaluation & Survey Research)

Center for Urban Studies , a research center located within Wayne State University in Detroit, Michigan, seeks an experienced Program Evaluator to serve as a Research Assistant/Associate.

• Develop formative and summative evaluation plans, and construct comprehensive logic models that capture program activities and outcomes.
• Design evaluation procedures/protocols and develop data collection/survey instruments, and manage and supervise the construction and maintenance of databases and web-based data profiles.
• Collaborate with others regarding data management, and in the planning and implementation of data quality assurance plans.
• Perform day-to-day oversight in program evaluation and primary data collection activities, including: large survey mailing, face-to-face and telephone interviews, focus groups, and so forth; monitor data collection progress; and seek innovative strategies to increase survey response rates.
• Conduct statistical analysis of evaluation data, and assume a lead role in producing reports or other deliverable documents, and prepare and deliver presentations to policy-making bodies and professional organizations.
• Initiate grant proposals in the area of program evaluation and survey research, including: identifying funding sources and RFPs; conducting literature reviews; developing research question; designing research methods, data analysis plan, and data collection procedures.
• Maintain a research agenda, plan to collaborate with colleagues on publications, and expect to complete peer reviewed publications every year.
• Prepare regular updates to Center Director and Managing Director.

• A degree in social science research (including political science, public administration, demography, education, geography, psychology, public health, social work, sociology, survey methodology, statistics, and urban studies), especially coursework in program evaluation and advanced statistical analyses, is required . Working toward a Ph.D. in process is highly preferred.

• 2-4 years of solid experience in designing or leading Program Evaluation projects/studies, and managing primary data collection, especially in an academic setting.

• Experience in evaluating early childhood or special education statewide programs is a plus.

• Demonstrated experience in designing, implementing, and managing program evaluation projects, including both formative and summative dimensions. Experience with the development and use of logic models to describe complex programs.
• Skilled at designing and implementing data collection tools, including survey instruments to conduct primary data collection.
• Ability to develop action plans and systems to facilitate and track implementation of evaluation and survey findings and recommendations.
• A strong working knowledge of social science research methods and experience in managing primary data collection procedures (CATI lab, web-based surveys, mail surveys, in-person interviews, focus groups, etc.) and practicalities of implementation required.
• Effectively utilize software necessary to convert and process data (e.g. SAS, SPSS, Excel, Access, Dbase). Computer programming capability, including CATI programming software (especially for remote work), is an advantage.
• Experience in advanced statistical analyses.
• Supervision skills and experience, including effective recruitment strategies and performance assessment, is a plus. A capability and willingness to get along with colleagues and constructively solve problems.
• Ability to manage several projects simultaneously, prioritize and plan work activities while meeting respective deadlines. Strong organizational and time-management skills.
• Flexible and adaptable style; a professional and resourceful style; the ability to work independently and as a team player, to take initiative, and to manage multiple tasks…