Research Assistant/Associate

Wayne State University; Detroit (MI); On-site; USD 62,000 - 72,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Health care

Retirement savings plan

Tuition assistance

Vacation and illness hours

Long-term disability

Job summary

Wayne State University in Detroit, MI is seeking an experienced Research Assistant/Associate to support program evaluation and survey research in the Center for Urban Studies.

The role involves designing evaluation plans, data collection, analysis, reporting, and contributing to peer‑reviewed publications. Candidates should have strong knowledge of social science methods and experience with large surveys, able to manage multiple projects.

Qualifications

• Experience designing or leading program evaluation projects in academia.
• 2–4 years of experience in data collection and evaluation.
• Experience with early childhood or education programs is a plus.

Responsibilities

• Develop evaluation plans and logic models for programs.
• Design data collection protocols and manage databases.
• Lead data analysis and produce reports and policy briefs.
• Collaborate on data quality assurance and grant proposals.
• Prepare updates to Center Director and Managing Director.

Skills

Program evaluation design

Survey research methods

Data management

Statistical analysis

Team leadership

Education

PhD coursework in process (preferred)

Master's or higher in social science or related field

Tools

SAS

SPSS

Excel

Access

CATI software

Job description

Research Assistant/Associate

Wayne State University is searching for an experienced ResearchAssistant/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.

Essential functions (job duties):

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 ResearchAssistant/Associate.

Responsibilities

• 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.

Minimum Qualifications

• 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.

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities

• 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, focusgroups, 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 and projects at a time.
• Strong diplomatic skills to present, and answer questions and concerns effectively.
• Outstanding written and oral communication skills.

Annual competitive salary

range is $62,000 to $72,000 based on training and professional experience.

Benefits

• health care
• dental
• vision
• life insurance
• retirement savings plan
• tuition assistance
• vacation and illness hours
• long-term disability
• long-term care insurance
• flexible spending accounts

School/College/Division

Generic Division

Primary department

H6614

Employment type

• Regular Employee
• Job type: Full Time
• Job category: Staff/Administrative

Funding/salary information

• Compensation type: Annual Salary
• Hourly rate:
• Salary minimum:
• Salary hire maximum:

Job openings

• Number of openings: 1
• Reposted position: No
• Reposted reason: None (New Requisition)
• Prior posting/requisition number:

Background check requirements

University policy requires certain persons who are offered employment to undergo a background check, including a criminal history check, before starting work. If you are offered employment, the university will inform you if a background check is required.