Research Associate I (ISR

Broad Scope & Function

The Research Associate I is responsible for conducting a variety of research tasks for clients of ISR. This includes conceptualizing the research problem, developing appropriate measures and instruments (questionnaires, interviews, observational schedules), supervising data collection and data entry, outlining and executing analysis, including applying appropriate statistical tests, designing tables and graphics for the display of results, and assisting in writing research reports.

The position reports directly to and receives general supervision from the Associate Director of the Institute for Social Research. The position provides work direction to ISR staff/students in relation to tasks under the incumbent’s direction. May receive work direction from the Finance & Business Operations Manager and other ISR staff in the performance of tasks under that person’s direction.

Full range: $23.78 - $35.68 per hour ($49,462 - $74,214 per year)

Anticipated hiring range: $23.78 - $29.73 per hour ($49,462 - $61,838 per year)

• UEI contribution to a TIAA retirement plan after one year of service
• Paid Vacation Time
• Paid Sick Time
• Paid Holidays – 14 paid holidays per year including paid time off the week between Christmas Day and New Year’s Day as the CSUS campus is closed
• Excellent medical benefits – 100% employer-paid medical & dental for employee-only coverage and low cost for family coverage
• Educational Assistance Program for employees and/or dependents
• Discounted membership to The WELL, Sacramento State’s on-campus fitness center

• Assists with literature reviews and consultation with subject matter specialists in developing the scope and conduct of studies and identifying appropriate resources and data.
• Assists with the construction of questionnaires, interview schedules, and coding manuals needed to obtain primary and secondary data. This includes outlining the logic of question sets, writing questions, defining, and formatting response categories.
• Establishes methods and procedures for data collection and management. Devises coding manuals, outlines the data analysis, including data tabulation and summary procedures, appropriate statistics, and the structure of tabled outcomes.
• Analyzes, interprets, and synthesizes research results.
• Presents periodic oral and written reports on the status of research projects under this person’s direction.
• Assists in writing research reports, summarizing the results and inferring policy outcomes suggested by the data.
• Assigns and monitors the work, performance, and efficiency of student and staff employees on tasks under the incumbent’s direction.
• Performs other job‑related duties as assigned.

• Bachelor’s Degree in Political Science, Sociology, Psychology, Public Policy, Public Health, or related social science discipline or the equivalent combination of education and research experience.
• Demonstrated understanding of questionnaire and interview construction and knowledge of applied research design.
• Demonstrated experience with computer software programs for statistical analysis and database management.
• Demonstrated understanding of statistical and data processing techniques as they are applied in social science research.
• Demonstrated analytical skills and the ability to understand, review and analyze information to find underlying details.
• Ability to manage multiple tasks with competing timelines and deliverables.
• Excellent attention to detail, problem solving skills, and ability to work independently.
• Excellent writing skills with the ability to orally present/recommend findings suggested by the data.
• Must be fingerprinted and pass a background check. Must continue to meet the established standards.

• Master’s Degree in a related social science discipline.
• Bilingual in English and Spanish (or another language).
• Demonstrated experience in quantitative and/or qualitative data collection and research designs.
• Demonstrated experience with computer software programs for data analysis, database management, and survey administration. (e.g., NVivo, ArcGIS, SPSS,…