Research Associate

University of Minnesota; Minneapolis (MN); Hybrid; USD 58,000 - 61,000; Part time

Job summary

University of Minnesota is seeking a part-time Research Associate for CAREI to support a Minnesota-focused study on school mental health. The position involves data analysis, writing reports, briefs, and manuscripts, with most work conducted virtually and some in-person meetings at the CAREI office in St.

Paul. Strong writing and collaboration are essential, with a flexible schedule to accommodate data collection and analysis.

Qualifications

• Advanced degree in social sciences or related field with research experience.
• Experience supporting students' mental health in a school setting.
• Excellent interpersonal skills and collaboration across diverse communities.
• Proficiency with email, Office suite, databases, PDFs, Zoom, and web-based tools.

Responsibilities

• Data Analysis (20%): prepare data, check transcripts, code data, analyze, create visualizations.
• Writing (75%): generate findings and draft reports, briefs, and manuscripts.
• Other research duties (5%): attend meetings and assist dissemination of findings.

Skills

Data analysis

Writing

Interpersonal skills

Education

Advanced degree in social sciences

Tools

Microsoft Office

Zoom

Google Docs

Job description

Job Details

Job ID: 375437

Location: Twin Cities

Job Family: Supplemental Employee

Full/Part Time: Part-Time

Regular/Temporary: Temporary

Job Code: 0005

Employee Class: Civil Service

About the Job

Casual Nonexempt position with job code 0005 with Working Title Research Associate

ABOUT THE POSITION:

The Center for Applied Research and Educational Improvement (CAREI), in the College of Education and Human Development (CEHD), is seeking a research associate to support a study of school mental health supports for students in Minnesota. The position is a part-time hourly appointment with variable hours based on the data collection, analysis, and writing needs of the project.

All Research Associates receive training in conducting human participant research, as well as project-specific protocol training. The primary responsibility of Research Associate is to support data analysis and report, brief, and/or manuscript writing. Data have already been collected and include focus groups/interviews and a statewide survey. Most work will take place virtually, though there may be in person meetings at various locations including the CAREI office in St. Paul as needed.

The ideal candidate will have prior experience with supporting students' mental health, quantitative and qualitative data analysis, as well as have strong writing skills.

The University of Minnesota encourages a healthy work life balance for employees. CEHD is committed to an excellent employee experience, offering a flexible work environment that meets the needs of students, staff, faculty, and the communities we serve. Flexible work arrangements may include flexibility in schedule and/or work location, as approved by managers. All UMN employees are expected to follow applicable public health and safety procedures.

Job Responsibilities

Data Analysis (20%)

• Prepare data for analysis
• Check focus group/interview transcriptions
• Assist with data coding tasks
• Conduct data analysis
• Create visualizations of survey data
• Other research duties as assigned

Writing (75%)

• Collaborate on using data and analysis to generate findings and answers to the research questions
• Collaborate on writing up findings in reports, briefs, pamphlets, and publications

Other research duties (5%)

• Attend project research meetings
• Assist in dissemination of research findings

Qualifications

Required Qualifications:

• Advanced degree in social sciences or related field (psychology, education, family social science, educational psychology, public health or related field), with research experience.
• Prior experience working in a school setting to support students' mental health
• Excellent interpersonal skills and ability to collaborate effectively with people from a variety of communities, backgrounds, and identities
• Proficiency with standard computer resources and software including email, Microsoft Office, database systems, PDF files, Zoom (or other video conferencing systems), and other web-based platforms such as search engines, google docs/sheets, etc.

Preferred Qualifications:

• Self-directed and detail oriented with strong communication skills
• Prior experience writing research-based reports, briefs, and/or manuscripts for publication
• Experience conducting multiple projects involving students, teachers, parents and administration in school settings, and coordinating the analysis and reporting on all phases of the project(s)

About the Department

The College of Education and Human Development (CEHD), the University’s third largest college, contributes to a just and sustainable future through engagement with the local and global communities to enhance human learning and development at all stages of life. We know diversity is necessary to do our best work and foster our humanity. That’s why the CEHD community is collectively dedicated to cultivating an inclusive and equitable environment, embracing and celebrating all identities of our students, staff, and faculty. These values are also a moral imperative requiring continuous proactive measures and a firm stance against prejudice, discrimination, and systemic injustice.

The description of the department:

CAREI is a well-established college-wide center that serves as the link between research and practice in Minnesota schools PreK-16 and other agencies interested in applied educational and social science research. CAREI’s mission is to maximize well‑being in schools, families, and communities by becoming the premier hub for making research accessible and actionable to ensure equitable outcomes.

Pay and Benefits

Pay Range: $42.00-$44.00 per hour; depending on education/qualifications/experience.

Final salary offers are dependent on the candidate's experience, skills, and internal equity within the department.

Retirement plan options are available for Civil Service, Faculty, Labor-Represented, Professional & Administrative, and Temp Casual classifications. Learn more about retirement plans.

Diversity

The University recognizes and values the importance of diversity and inclusion in enriching the employment experience of its employees and in supporting the academic mission. The University is committed to attracting and retaining employees with varying identities and backgrounds.

The University of Minnesota provides equal access to and opportunity in its programs, facilities, and employment without regard to race, color, creed, religion, national origin, gender, age, marital status, disability, public assistance status, veteran status, sexual orientation, gender identity, or gender expression. To learn more about diversity at the U: http://diversity.umn.edu

Employment Requirements

Any offer of employment is contingent upon the successful completion of a background check. Our presumption is that prospective employees are eligible to work here. Criminal convictions do not automatically disqualify finalists from employment.

About University of Minnesota

The University of Minnesota, Twin Cities (UMTC)

The University of Minnesota, Twin Cities (UMTC), is among the largest public research universities in the country, offering undergraduate, graduate, and professional students a multitude of opportunities for study and research. Located at the heart of one of the nation’s most vibrant, diverse metropolitan communities, students on the campuses in Minneapolis and St. Paul benefit from extensive partnerships with world-renowned health centers, international corporations, government agencies, and arts, nonprofit, and public service organizations.

At the University of Minnesota, we are proud to be recognized by Forbes as a Best Employer for Company Culture (2026), Best Employer for Women (2023, 2025, 2026), and Best Employer by State (2022-2026). In 2026, we also received Culture Excellence & Industry Awards recognition for employee appreciation and work-life flexibility.