Applied Research Associate — Data, Evaluation & Visualization

UCLA; Los Angeles (CA); On-site; USD 65,000 - 95,000; Full time

Job summary

UCLA AV notablely advances data-informed decisions by turning complex data into accessible visuals and reports. The Research Associate will support multifaceted evaluation projects, handling data collection, management, analysis, and the development of reporting products for diverse stakeholders.

Ideal candidates bring strong qualitative and quantitative skills, experience across research lifecycles, and a passion for utilizing-focused evaluation.

Qualifications

• Ability to assess priorities and coordinate workflows across projects to complete tasks in a timely and accurate manner.
• Ability to work both independently and collaboratively as member of a research team across cultures.
• Data collection experience including survey design and programing, coordinating data collection plans, and facilitating focus groups and interviews.
• Working knowledge of qualitative and quantitative research methodologies.
• Strong written and verbal communication with diverse stakeholders.
• Ability to learn new software and web-based apps with minimal training.
• Familiarity with software: Microsoft Office, project management tools (Asana, Calendly, Slack), ETL (Alteryx, Knime), data analysis (Stata, SPSS, R, ATLAS.ti, Deedose), and data visualization (Tableau, Power BI, Python, D3) and report design (Visme, Canva, InDesign).
• Knowledge of utilization-focused evaluation and participatory research, and current research in child welfare, etc.
• Data management and analysis skills (quantitative & qualitative).
• Visual design and perception principles for clear data presentation.
• Spanish-language fluency (preferred).
• Lived experience in human services systems (preferred).

Responsibilities

• Support complex evaluation and research projects through data collection, data management, and analysis.
• Develop and disseminate reporting products.
• Collaborate across multidisciplinary teams to turn data into actionable information.
• Contribute to evaluation-focused and participatory research activities.
• Learn and apply new software and web-based tools as required.

Skills

Project coordination

Independent work

Qualitative research

Quantitative research

Written communication

Education

Bachelor's degree in social sciences

PhD in social sciences (preferred)

Tools

Asana

Calendly

Slack

Alteryx

Knime

Tableau

Power BI

Python

D3

InDesign

Job description

UCLA AV notablely advances data-informed decisions by turning complex data into accessible visuals and reports. The Research Associate will support multifaceted evaluation projects, handling data collection, management, analysis, and the development of reporting products for diverse stakeholders.

Ideal candidates bring strong qualitative and quantitative skills, experience across research lifecycles, and a passion for utilizing-focused evaluation.