Senior Research Associate

Are you someone who strives for excellence, values accountability, provides the best service, all while reflecting unwavering integrity? Our talented team members across the state follow the behaviors, beliefs and outcomes of these core values to ensure that our vision is met. If you're ready to join the TSTC family and make great memories please complete our application process.


Job Description

Serves as a senior applied research professional responsible for designing, leading, and executing empirical research initiatives that drive institutional effectiveness and strategic decision-making. Independently develops comprehensive research studies using qualitative and quantitative methodologies to inform executive leadership on student experience, employee engagement, instructional effectiveness, and business growth opportunities.
Provides expert guidance on research design, data interpretation, and program evaluation while translating complex findings into actionable recommendations that support institutional priorities and continuous improvement.


Essential Functions


The employee will demonstrate TSTC's Core Values of Excellence, Accountability, Service, and Integrity with internal and external stakeholders, customers, students, and community members.

Research Design & Leadership

Independently design, implement, and lead applied research studies aligned to institutional priorities. Develop integrated research frameworks incorporating qualitative and quantitative methodologies. Identify emerging research needs in collaboration with executive leadership and conduct program evaluations to assess institutional initiatives and recommend improvements.

Data Collection & Analysis

Design and administer surveys, interview protocols, focus groups, and observational tools. Conduct site visits and stakeholder engagements. Perform advanced statistical and qualitative analyses to generate meaningful insights. Ensure data integrity and compliance with FERPA and institutional standards.

Strategic Communication

Translate research findings into executive-level reports, visualizations, dashboards, and presentations. Communicate complex findings clearly to non-technical audiences. Present research outcomes at institutional meetings and inform strategic planning efforts.

Collaboration & Stakeholder Engagement

Partner with departments to identify research priorities aligned with institutional goals. Serve as a research consultant to leadership on methodology, design, and interpretation. Foster a culture of data-informed decision-making across the college.

Additional Duties

Perform other tasks as required to support organizational goals and strategic initiatives. Other duties as assigned by the Director of Applied Research.


Education & Experience


Minimum Qualifications

Master's degree (preferred) in Institutional Research, Higher Education, Social Sciences, or related field; OR equivalent combination of advanced education and demonstrated applied research expertise.

Minimum 3-5 years of progressive experience in applied research, institutional research, or program evaluation. Demonstrated ability to independently design and lead research initiatives from conception through completion. Proven experience conducting rigorous qualitative and quantitative research.

Preferred Qualifications

Experience in higher education research environments.

Experience with advanced data visualization platforms such as Power BI.

Experience with survey administration tools such as Qualtrics.
Experience presenting research findings to executive leadership teams.

Evidence-based experience may be considered in lieu of a degree.


Skills and Abilities


Advanced knowledge of quantitative and qualitative research methodologies.
Proficiency in statistical software such as SPSS, R, Python, or SAS.
Strong data visualization and reporting capabilities.
Ability to synthesize complex data into actionable insights.
Strong written and verbal communication skills.
Ability to manage multiple concurrent research initiatives independently.
Strong understanding of research ethics, data privacy, and FERPA compliance.


Core Competencies


Applied Research Expertise

Designs and executes…