Associate Researcher

26870BR

Achievement & Assessment Inst

Position Overview

The Center for Public Partnerships and Research (CPPR) seeks a full-time Associate Researcher to develop and implement program evaluations for small and large-scale initiatives. CPPR specializes in research and evaluation, data science projects, and social innovation work that supports our mission to optimize the well-being of children, youth, and families. CPPR primarily pursues its mission by assisting partners, including state-level and community-based organizations, in their work to secure funding, facilitate stakeholder collaboration, orchestrate large-scale data efforts, and conduct research, cost analysis, and evaluation. This position will promote healthy, happy, thriving communities by conducting evaluations of new or existing programs. The successful applicant should have prior experience managing and reporting quantitative and qualitative data and helping partners with data reporting and quality improvement efforts utilizing information derived from evaluation efforts. The Associate Researcher should have experience sharing findings with partners outside of the academic community. The person in this position will work with teams and independently to troubleshoot problems actively and quickly develop and implement solutions. We are looking for individuals who are passionate about achieving social change for good through data and technology.
This position is contingent upon funding.

The University of Kansas offers competitive benefits that include health benefits, paid leave and holidays, optional Flexible Spending, Health Savings Accounts, and life insurance; Employee Assistance Program, retirement benefits, and much more that can be found on the KU Human Resources Management page.

AAI is dedicated to improving the lives of people in the many communities we serve. Our mission requires that we seek out and address the structural and systemic injustices preventing marginalized communities from thriving. We endeavor to not only be free of bias but to also adapt our approaches to the specific needs and lived experiences of each population with whom we work. Therefore, we commit to creating a supportive work environment where our staff, partners, and clients feel safe to share their ideas, critically examine their biases, and push positive, lasting change. We commit to uplifting the voices of all marginalized and oppressed communities as we strive toward a just and equitable future. 

Job Description

65% Applied Research

• Work as a part of the Applied Research Team as needed across a variety of projects.
• Design quantitative and qualitative evaluation projects, including innovative approaches and methodologies.
• Coordinate research and evaluation activities, including data collection/database management.
• Provide technical assistance and capacity building activities to programs and stakeholders.
• Develop project dashboards using charts, tables, graphs, and other data visualizations, and prepare progress reports and summary reports.
• Supervise graduate research assistants, project coordinators, or research assistants.
• Help Applied Research Team with the implementation of new research approaches and coordinated research efforts.

25% Project Management and Support

• Interact with partner organizations to understand data needs, translate needs to research/evaluation methods and approaches, and adapt program evaluation strategies as necessary to support project efforts.
• Assist with writing of evaluation plans to submit as part of grant applications or in response to requests for proposals.
• Synthesize and convey complex ideas into    clear, compelling, and varied communications.

10% Other

• Special projects and other duties as assigned.

Position Requirements

On-site, hybrid, and fully remote-based candidates and working arrangements will be considered.  Travel and in-person work may be required.

Required Qualifications

A doctorate or highest professional degree (including JD, MD or international equivalents) in Education, Social Welfare, Psychology, Sociology, Public Health, or related field OR a Master’s degree in Education, Social Welfare, Psychology, Sociology, Public Health, or related field and 3 years of additional experience in the field/area of research.

Three (3) years experience working with internal and external teams on technical solutions or applications as demonstrated in application materials and work experience.

Two (2) years experience analyzing data using SQL, R, SPSS, STATA, SAS, or other statistical programs as evidenced by academic or work history.

Excellent written communication skills as demonstrated through application materials.

Preferred Qualifications

Experience supervising research assistants or staff as evidenced by work history.

Content knowledge in one or more of the following areas: early childhood; home visiting; mental health; behavioral health; services to children and families; diversity, equity, inclusion, and belonging; child maltreatment; maternal and child health; Experience working with community partners and/or state agencies.

Experience reporting to federal agencies and funders.

Contact Information to Applicants

Virginia Musser
Cppr_hr@ku.edu

Additional Candidate Instruction

A complete online application consists of:
1. CV/Resume
2. Cover letter describing how you meet the required and preferred qualifications.
3. Three Professional References and their contact information.

• Application review begins Tuesday, January 16, 2024.  For consideration apply no later than January 15, 2024.

Advertised Salary Range

$75,000

Application Review Begins

16-Jan-2024

Anticipated Start Date

22-Jan-2024

Primary Campus

University of Kansas Lawrence Campus

Employee Class

U-Unclassified Professional Staff

Work Schedule

During the hours of 8am-5pm M-F

Conditions of Employment

Contingent on Funding

Work Location Assignment

Hybrid

Disclaimer

The University of Kansas prohibits discrimination on the basis of race, color, ethnicity, religion, sex, national origin, age, ancestry, disability, status as a veteran, sexual orientation, marital status, parental status, gender identity, gender expression, and genetic information in the university’s programs and activities. Retaliation is also prohibited by university policy. The following person has been designated to handle inquiries regarding the nondiscrimination policies and is the Title IX coordinator for all KU and KUMC campuses: Associate Vice Chancellor for Civil Rights and Title IX, civilrights@ku.edu, Room 1082, Dole Human Development Center, 1000 Sunnyside Avenue, Lawrence, KS 66045, 785-864-6414, 711 TTY.