Research Associate 3

Louisiana State University Social Research and Evaluation Center; Baton Rouge (LA); On-site; USD 55,000 - 75,000; Full time

Job summary

Louisiana State University (LSU) seeks a Research Associate 3 to lead complex program evaluations, grant writing, and dissemination of research findings. The role requires strong analytic skills, data management, and the ability to supervise peers while prioritizing multiple projects in a fast-paced environment.

The candidate should have a Master’s degree in Social Sciences with relevant evaluation and research experience; PhD is preferred for advanced expertise and leadership within

Qualifications

• Master's degree with 2 years of experience in Social Sciences or related field.
• PhD in Social Sciences is preferred; additional years of relevant experience strengthen candidacy.
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office (Word/Excel) and ability to conduct statistical analyses.

Responsibilities

• Lead program evaluation projects through completion in alignment with regulations.
• Develop grant proposals and expand evaluation activities.
• Conduct research and disseminate findings to funders and stakeholders.
• Oversee data collection, management, and analysis including surveys and interviews.
• Supervise team members and coordinate with partners to achieve project goals.
• Perform other duties on SREC projects as assigned.

Skills

Research design

Statistics

Data analysis

Grant writing

Team leadership

Education

Master's degree in Social Sciences

PhD in Social Sciences (preferred)

Tools

SPSS

STATA

R

SAS

Excel

SQL

Python

Tableau

Job description

Job application link:

https://lsu.wd1.myworkdayjobs.com/LSU/job/0313-William-B-Hatcher-Hall/Research-Associate-3_R00121249

Center website:

https://lsu.edu/srec/

The Research Associate 3 will provide several major functions. These activities include: 1) Program Evaluation 2); Grant Writing and Expansion of Evaluation Activities; and 3) Research and Dissemination. This position demands a person with highly developed analytic skills who has the ability to solve complex, real-world problems, collect data from a variety of sources, manage large datasets, analyze statistical data, supervise others, and prepare research reports and findings. The Research Associate 3 must have the ability to make research- and evaluation-related decisions and judgments on a daily basis. Strong writing skills and the ability to work effectively in a team is essential. This position also requires a person with strong organizational skills who can work both within groups and independently, manage multiple projects simultaneously, and prioritize tasks, often in a fast-paced environment. This RA3 must have statistical knowledge, problem-solving and critical thinking skills, and the ability to communicate clearly, both in writing and verbally, to non-technical expert partners.

65% Program Evaluation Oversees evaluations and research projects through project completion, as well as in accordance with the local, state, federal regulations Develops evaluation protocols that align with the project designs Develops research designs, quantitative and qualitative methodology and instrumentation Oversees design and management of project databases Manages data collection, including administration of surveys and conducting interviews, focus groups and site observations Maintains effective/positive working relationships with clients and stakeholders. Conducts quantitative and qualitative data analysis Ensures evaluation and research reports are completed and submitted to funders and stakeholder in a timely manner

15% Grant Writing and Expansion of Evaluation Activities Develops evaluation- and research-oriented content in response to government, nonprofit, and foundation requests for proposals, ensuring alignment with the mission of SREC, CHSE, and LSU Provides consistent, concurrent communication with College of Human Sciences and Education Office of Sponsored Research (CHSE-OSR) in the development of grant proposal narratives to facilitate the accurate and timely preparation of proposal budget(s) by CHSE-OSR for submission to the LSU Office of Sponsored Program Develop and sustain clients who may use evaluation-related services (including grant proposal work) Develops a menu of evaluation-related products and services to be provided to existing organizations

10% Research and Dissemination Prepares and presents research findings to multiple audiences and stakeholders Contributes to the writing and dissemination of research studies, including publishing in scholarly journals Remains current on relevant professional standards, trends, and innovations, including participating in local, state, and national research conferences, trainings, and other professional events

10% Other duties as assigned on SREC projects which might include, but not limited to, program design and implementation, survey design and data collection and analysis

Minimum Qualifications: Master's degree with 2 years experience in Social Sciences (e.g., Social Work, Education, Psychology) or another relevant discipline

Preferred Qualifications: PhD in Social Sciences (e.g., Social Work, Education, Psychology) or another relevant discipline; Master’s degree in Social Sciences (e.g., Social Work, Education, Psychology) or another relevant discipline PLUS four years of relevant experience in social services or related field; experience managing research or evaluation projects; experience in grant writing and working on government funded projects; proficiency in Microsoft Office (Word and Excel) and ability to conduct statistical analysis using computer software (e.g., SPSS, STATA, R, SAS)

Preferred Certifications/Licenses: SQL, Python, Tableau, R