Research Assistant (CATI Manager) at Wayne State University Detroit, MI

Wayne State University; Detroit (MI); On-site; USD 50,000 - 65,000; Full time

Job summary

Wayne State University in Detroit, MI is seeking a Research Assistant (CATI Manager) to manage the Computer‑Assisted Telephone Interviewing (CATI) lab. Responsibilities include training interviewers and ensuring the quality of survey operations.

Applicants should have a Bachelor's degree in social science research and at least two years of experience leading a survey research lab. The position offers a salary range of $50,000–$65,000 annually.

Qualifications

• Minimum of two years leading a survey research lab.
• Experience in CATI programming is an advantage.
• Demonstrated experience designing and delivering training sessions.

Responsibilities

• Manage the CATI lab and train interviewers.
• Ensure quality control of survey operations.
• Conduct assessments and implement Performance Improvement Plans.

Skills

Survey research lab leadership

Supervision skills

Excellent command of English

Organizational skills

Time-management skills

Education

Bachelor’s degree in social science research

Tools

SAS

SPSS

Excel

Access

Qualtrics

WinCATI

Job description

Position Overview

Research Assistant (CATI Manager) at Wayne State University, Detroit, MI. The role involves managing the Computer‑Assisted Telephone Interviewing (CATI) lab, training interviewers, ensuring quality of survey operations, and supporting research projects.

Responsibilities

• Perform day‑to‑day oversight and quality control of the survey research unit.
• Recruit, train, schedule, and assign interviewers and support staff to project tasks.
• Conduct ongoing assessments of interviewers, provide feedback, and implement individualized Performance Improvement Plans.
• Implement and oversee quality‑control measures to ensure accuracy and effectiveness of telephone interviews.
• Maintain high productivity and efficiency among the interviewing team and support staff.
• Monitor data collection progress and call dispositions, and provide regular updates to project leads and leadership.
• Work a flexible schedule between 8:30am–9:30pm, including Saturdays and Sundays, to accommodate survey participants.
• Collaborate on data management and plan/implement data quality‑assurance protocols.
• Seek innovative strategies to increase survey response rates and apply cutting‑edge technology and methodology.
• Program and test CATI and online surveys using software such as WinCATI and Qualtrics, manage sample lists, and adapt to software changes.
• Prepare regular updates for the Center Director and Managing Director; report day‑to‑day to the Managing Director and ultimately to the Center Director.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in social science research (e.g., political science, sociology, statistics, data science, computer science, or related fields); coursework in survey research required.
• Minimum of two years leading a survey research lab, preferably in an academic setting; CATI programming experience is an advantage.
• Excellent command of the English language, both written and spoken.
• Extensive supervision skills, including recruitment strategies and performance assessment.
• Demonstrated experience designing and delivering training sessions; strong diplomatic skills to present and address concerns.
• Flexible, adaptable, professional, and resourceful style; ability to work independently and as a team member, take initiative, and manage multiple tasks and projects.
• Strong organizational and time‑management skills; ability to prioritize and meet deadlines.
• Working knowledge of survey research methods and primary data‑collection procedures (CATI, web‑based, mail, in‑person).
• Proficiency in data‑processing software such as SAS, SPSS, Excel, Access, or Dbase; computer programming capability, including CATI programming, is an advantage.

Employment Details

Full‑time, regular employee; salary range: $50,000–$65,000 annually. This position is 100% subsidy‑conditioned.

Wayne State is an equal‑opportunity employer. The university welcomes applications from persons with disabilities and veterans.