Research Associate, Schaefer Center, grant-funded

UM28 University of Baltimore (UBALT); United States; On-site; USD 60,000 - 80,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Health insurance

Tuition remission benefits

Paid leave

Retirement plans with employer contributions

Job summary

UM28 University of Baltimore (UBALT) is seeking a Research Associate for the Schaefer Center. This role involves leading quantitative research projects, analyzing data, and preparing reports for clients. A Master's degree and 3 years of relevant experience are essential.

The position includes a competitive benefits package, with health plans, tuition remission benefits, and extensive paid leave. Join UBALT for a meaningful career impacting public affairs.

Qualifications

• Master's degree required.
• 3 years of quantitative analysis experience in social science research.
• Proven proficiency in statistical software such as SPSS.

Responsibilities

• Serve as lead researcher on evaluation projects.
• Design and execute data collection plans.
• Prepare reports for public-sector executives.
• Manage client relationships for assigned projects.

Skills

Quantitative analysis

Program evaluation

Statistical software proficiency

Organizational skills

Analytical skills

Education

Master's degree in public administration, public policy, social science, or related discipline

Tools

SPSS

Microsoft Excel

Qualtrics

NVivo

Job description

Job Title

Research Associate, Schaefer Center (grant‑funded, regular position)

Overview

The Schaefer Center is an applied research and consulting organization within the College of Public Affairs that conducts externally funded research and training for government and nonprofit clients located primarily in Maryland. The primary role of this position is to conduct quantitative data collection and analysis to complete research projects on behalf of the Center’s clients.

Responsibilities

• Serve as a primary or lead researcher on grant‑funded evaluation or policy research projects.
• Design and execute data collection and analysis plans.
• Coordinate the work of research team members including faculty researchers, Center staff, and graduate fellows.
• Determine sources of information, their reliability, and the method of study.
• Edit raw data for accuracy, completeness and consistency, and detect and trace data discrepancies.
• Prepare Institutional Review Board applications for the UBalt IRB and external IRBs, respond to questions and maintain required documentation.
• Lead the collection of original data through surveys, focus groups, and in‑person interviews.
• Design and implement complex web‑based surveys in support of research and training initiatives.
• Collect and analyze original qualitative data using focus groups, in‑person interviewing, and other qualitative methods.
• Prepare both narrative and statistical reports of a complicated nature to inform decision‑making of public‑sector executives and managers.
• Serve as principal investigator and project manager for assigned projects.
• Manage client relationships and serve as the primary point of contact for clients on assigned projects.
• Draft progress reports, work plans, and final reports for assigned projects.
• Document and resolve discrepancies in deliverables.
• Monitor timelines and status of deliverables; schedule project tasks and recommend priorities or modifications to the scope of work or time for sponsored research projects.
• Identify potential research opportunities, participate in the development of proposed research designs, and assist in preparation of proposals.
• Participate in meetings with potential clients and assist in the development of new client relationships.
• Promote the visibility of the Schaefer Center and UBalt through support of high‑visibility external events, maintain an active research agenda that includes presenting at academic conferences and publishing in academic journals.

Minimum Qualifications

• Master’s degree in public administration, public policy, social science, or related discipline.
• Three years of related experience in performing quantitative analysis for social science research.
• Advanced proficiency in quantitative research methods, Excel, Word, PowerPoint and SPSS or similar statistical software.

Preferred Qualifications

• Ph.D. or DPA degree is highly preferred.
• Significant prior policy analysis, program evaluation, or public‑sector research experience.

Required Knowledge, Skills and Abilities

• Proficiency in program evaluation and policy analysis.
• Experience designing and executing research plans using strong quantitative methods across multiple projects.
• Knowledge of statistics or research methods, and proficiency in statistical interpretation and data analysis using statistical software (e.g., SPSS); experience designing and managing surveys using web platforms such as Qualtrics.
• Experience with qualitative analysis software such as NVivo.
• Proficiency with word processing, spreadsheet and database management software applications (e.g., Microsoft Excel, Access).
• Strong analytical and problem‑solving skills.
• Excellent report‑writing skills, including the ability to synthesize complex research processes and findings into actionable information suitable for executive and lay audiences, and to rigorously document the research process and findings.
• Excellent organizational and project‑management skills; excellent attention to detail.
• Excellent interpersonal skills and ability to manage client and peer relationships.
• Ability to work collaboratively in a team and coordinate the work of research teams without a formal supervisory role.
• Ability to maintain confidentiality of subjects and information obtained.
• Occasional evening and weekend hours required to meet project deadlines, conduct focus groups, attend public hearings, client events, and Staff Schaefer Center events.

Benefits

Competitive benefits package, including health, life, prescription, and dental plans, tuition remission benefits, paid leave (22 days of annual, 15 days of sick, 3 days of personal, and 14–15 holidays), and retirement plans with employer contributions.

Equal Opportunity / ADA TitleIX

The University of Baltimore (“UBalt” or “University”) does not discriminate on the basis of sex, gender, race, religion, age, disability, national origin, ethnicity, sexual orientation, gender identity, or other legally protected characteristics in its programs, activities or employment practices. UBalt is an Equal Opportunity/ADA Compliant Employer & TitleIX Institution.