Research Assistant (Pre-doctoral Fellow)

Loyola Marymount University; Los Angeles, Northern (CA, KY); Hybrid; USD 31,000 - 37,000; Full time

Job summary

Loyola Marymount University invites applications for a Pre-Doctoral Fellow to join StudyLA. You will assist in design, implementation, and analysis of research projects, including public opinion surveys and community-based initiatives, while preparing for graduate study in the social sciences.

One-year, full-time commitment with regular mentorship meetings and skill development activities. Salary range is $22.26–$26.68 per hour; visa sponsorship may not be available.

Qualifications

• Typically a bachelor's degree in political science, sociology, urban studies, public policy, or related field from Loyola Marymount University.
• Recent LMU graduate (within two years of graduation).
• Demonstrated interest in pursuing graduate study (doctoral, professional, or related program).
• Strong interest in social science research, public opinion, and/or community-based research.
• Basic familiarity with research methods and data analysis (coursework acceptable).
• Strong organizational and time management skills with exceptional attention to detail; follow through.
• Inspires new ideas and fresh approaches.
• Has a high energy and passion for the LMU and StudyLA missions.
• Has a flexible and adaptable style.
• Ability to be proactive and able to anticipate the needs of the StudyLA and implement a course of action.
• Exhibits excellent communication skills, both written and oral; possess excellent writing, grammar, proofreading, and punctuation skills.
• Spanish fluency is a plus.
• Ability to work independently without close oversight, but also a team player.

Responsibilities

• Supports StudyLA in its mission to assist students, staff, and faculty become agents for social justice.
• Supports senior leadership in the planning, programming, and execution of research projects and associated activities, meetings, and events.
• Gathers and organizes project-related information and assists with project-related data/information collection, management and reporting.
• Assists with basic quantitative and qualitative data analysis under the guidance of senior researchers.
• Contributes to research reports, presentations, and written materials.
• Expands relationships within the university, the Los Angeles community, other academic communities, and other relevant individuals and organizations Increases awareness about StudyLA research and help increase use of StudyLA data by other professionals and students.
• Helps represent StudyLA at professional activities and meetings, both inside and outside the university.
• Manages multiple assignments with guidance and prioritizes tasks effectively.
• Demonstrates cultural sensitivity, leadership, professionalism, and sound decision-making ability; work respectfully with people from all cultural and socioeconomic backgrounds Performs other related duties.

Skills

Spanish fluency

Proactive

Excellent communication

Written and oral skills

Education

Bachelor's degree in political science or related field (LMU)

Recent LMU graduate (within two years)

Tools

Microsoft Word

Excel

PowerPoint

Job description

Work with the Center for the Study of Los Angeles (StudyLA) to support research projects that respond to the needs of Los Angeles while gaining intensive training and mentorship in social science research. The Pre-Doctoral Fellow will assist in the design, implementation, and analysis of research projects, including public opinion surveys and community-based initiatives, while preparing for graduate study in the social sciences.

Position Specific Responsibilities

• Supports StudyLA in its mission to assist students, staff, and faculty become agents for social justice.
• Supports senior leadership in the planning, programming, and execution of research projects and associated activities, meetings, and events.
• Gathers and organizes project-related information and assists with project-related data/information collection, management and reporting.
• Assists with basic quantitative and qualitative data analysis under the guidance of senior researchers.
• Contributes to research reports, presentations, and written materials.
• Expands relationships within the university, the Los Angeles community, other academic communities, and other relevant individuals and organizations Increases awareness about StudyLA research and help increase use of StudyLA data by other professionals and students.
• Helps represent StudyLA at professional activities and meetings, both inside and outside the university.
• Manages multiple assignments with guidance and prioritizes tasks effectively.
• Demonstrates cultural sensitivity, leadership, professionalism, and sound decision-making ability; work respectfully with people from all cultural and socioeconomic backgrounds Performs other related duties.

Loyola Marymount University Expectations

• Communicate and employ interpersonal actions that models high standards of professional, responsible, accountable, and ethical conduct.
• Demonstrate a commitment to outstanding customer service.

Requisite Qualifications

• Typically a bachelor's degree in political science, sociology, urban studies, public policy, or related field from Loyola Marymount University.
• Recent LMU graduate (within two years of graduation).
• Demonstrated interest in pursuing graduate study (doctoral, professional, or related program).
• Strong interest in social science research, public opinion, and/or community-based research.
• Basic familiarity with research methods and data analysis (coursework acceptable).
• Demonstrates strong organizational and time management skills with exceptional attention to detail; follow through.
• Inspires new ideas and fresh approaches.
• Has a high energy and passion for the LMU and StudyLA missions.
• Has a flexible and adaptable style.
• Ability to be proactive and able to anticipate the needs of the StudyLA and implement a course of action.
• Exhibits excellent communication skills, both written and oral; possess excellent writing, grammar, proofreading, and punctuation skills.
• Spanish fluency is a plus.
• Ability to perform duties with speed and accuracy.
• Understands modern office practices, procedures, and use of equipment; knowledge of software programs (Microsoft Word, Excel, and Power Point).
• Interest in policy issues or urban politics is a plus.
• Possesses the ability to work both independently without close oversight, but also a team player who productively engages with others at varying levels of seniority within and outside of LMU.

Fellowship Expectations

• One-year, full-time commitment to work with StudyLA.
• Participation in regular mentorship meetings with faculty and research staff.
• Active engagement in research projects and skill development activities.
• Commitment to applying to graduate or professional programs during the fellowship year.
• Participation in service activities aligned with LMU's mission.

The above statements are intended to describe the general nature and level of work being performed. They are not intended to be construed as an exhaustive list of all responsibilities, duties, and skills required of this position.

Staff Term (Fixed Term)

Salary range $22.26 - $26.68

Salary commensurate with education and experience.

Please note that this position may not be eligible for visa sponsorship now or in the future.

Loyola Marymount University

Loyola Marymount University, a Carnegie classified R2 institution in the mainstream of American Catholic higher education, seeks outstanding applicants who value its mission and share its commitment to inclusive excellence, the education of the whole person, and the building of a just society.

LMU is an equal opportunity employer committed to providing an environment free from discrimination and harassment as defined by federal, state and local law.

We invite all persons in the full diversity of their being, life experience, and beliefs to apply. (Visit www.lmu.edu for more information.)

LMU is committed to providing equal access to employment opportunities and ensuring a comprehensive recruitment and selection process for all applicants.

Individuals who require a reasonable accommodation to participate in any stage of the application, interview, or selection process may contact Human Resources at [e-mail] or by phone at [phone].

Applicants are not required to disclose the nature of a disability or provide medical information when requesting an accommodation during the recruitment process.

LMU will work with applicants in a timely and interactive process to identify and provide reasonable accommodations consistent with applicable federal and state law.

Founded in 1911, Loyola Marymount University is a Carnegie classified R2 institution rooted in the Jesuit and Marymount traditions.

We are committed to fostering a diverse academic community rich in opportunity for intellectual engagement and real-world experience.

We enroll an academically ambitious, multicultural, and socioeconomically diverse student body.

We recruit, retain and support a diverse faculty committed to excellence in teaching, research, scholarship and creativity.

Our three campuses are rooted in the heart of Los Angeles, a global capital for arts and entertainment, innovation and technology, business and entrepreneurship.

LMU is a unique and rewarding place to work.

As you consider your employment opportunities with our institution, we encourage you to take the time to learn about the university community and how it distinguishes us from other places of employment.

We are proud of the programs, benefits and services we provide our community.

We strive to ensure an inclusive environment in all aspects of campus life that fosters a strong sense of trust and mutual respect.

EEO Statement

Loyola Marymount University is an equal employment opportunity employer and prohibits unlawful discrimination on the basis of race, religious creed (including religious dress and grooming practices), color, national origin (including language and language use restrictions), ancestry, disability (mental and physical) including HIV and AIDS, legally protected medical condition (cancer-related or genetic characteristics), denial of Family and Medical Care Leave, marital status, sex (including pregnancy, childbirth, breastfeeding or related medical condition), gender, gender identity, gender expression, age 40 or over, military or veteran status, sexual orientation, genetic information or any other bases protected by federal (including but not limited to Title VI and Title VII of the Civil Rights Act of 1964, Title IX of the Education Amendments of 1972, Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973 and the Americans with Disabilities Act of 1990), state or local law. The University does not discriminate on these bases, or any other basis protected by law, in the administration of any of its education or admissions policies, scholarship or loan programs, athletics, and other school-administered policies and programs, or in its employment policies and practices. All University policies, practices, and procedures are administered in a manner consistent with LMU's Jesuit identity and character. To learn more about the University's Statement of Non-Discrimination policy and related grievance procedures, click here. To report questions or concerns about sex-based discrimination, please contact [e-mail] or 310.568.6105. To learn more about Federal & State Employment Notices, click here: