Job Description
Job Title
Senior Research Associate
Agency
Texas A&M University
Department
Public Policy Research Institute
Proposed Minimum Salary
Commensurate
Job Location
College Station, Texas
Job Type
Staff
Job Description
Our Commitment
Texas A&M University is committed to enriching the learning and working environment by promoting a culture that respects all perspectives, talents & lived experiences. Embracing varying opinions and perspectives strengthens our core values which are: Respect, Excellence, Leadership, Loyalty, Integrity, and Selfless Service.
Who We Are
Established by the Texas State Legislature in 1983 at Texas A&M University, the Public Policy Research Institute (PPRI) serves as a leading interdisciplinary government and social policy research organization. Since inception, PPRI has secured external research contracts totaling $140 million for providing scientific research and evaluative services to more than 90 public and private sponsors engaged in formulating public policy. We invite you to explore our website to learn more. https://ppri.tamu.edu/
What We Want
The Senior Research Associate will assist the Principal Investigator(s) conducting research, including program evaluation and survey research. The selected candidate will coordinate with sponsors regarding research needs and objectives, coordinate project activities, collect qualitative and quantitative data, conduct qualitative analysis of data collected through interview and observational methods, and conduct statistical analysis of quantitative data, preferably using Stata. Additional responsibilities will include preparing presentations of research results, drafting research reports summarizing study goals, methods, and findings while assisting with writing proposals to pursue independent research projects and other related duties in support of research projects as assigned.
What You Need to Know
- Salary: Compensation will be commensurate based on the selected hire’s education and experience
- Special Note: Because all or a portion of your salary may be funded by grants or contracts, your continuing salary and overall employment is contingent upon availability of these funds
Required Education and Experience:
- Bachelor’s degree
- Four years of related experience
Required Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities:
- Ability to multi-task and work cooperatively with others
- Ability to travel across the State where overnight stay is required (Site visits, focus groups, training, meetings, and conferences)
Preferred Qualifications:
- Master’s degree or Ph.D. in social sciences or related field (criminal justice, political science, public health, economics, education, statistics, psychology or sociology)
- Experience in public policy (program evaluation and political analysis) and project management
- Experience in focus group management, regression techniques and application, and multivariate analysis and interpretation
- Strong knowledge of/proficiency with Stata
- Experience using software such as R.Experience with ArcGIS, LaTeX, and text analysis software
- Experience drafting research proposals and/or reports
Responsibilities:
- Data Management & Statistical Analysis: Collects qualitative and quantitative data. Provides database management for multiple research projects. Conducts qualitative analysis of data collected through interview and observational methods. Conducts complex statistical analysis of quantitative data, preferably using Stata. Maintains project records and documentation. Assists with data analysis to fulfill routine reporting to sponsor, routine management activities, and special information needs within the scope of the contract. Maintain knowledge of current data analysis tools to continue to develop qualitative and quantitative skills.
- Research Support: Assists Principal Investigator with research activities such as coordinating with sponsors regarding research needs and objectives, coordinating project activities, attending meetings related to research projects, data collections, project planning, and maintaining project databases. Conducts focus groups and interviews. Collaborates with other research teams to support project needs through the department as assigned.
- Proposal Development & Report Writing: Creates summary graphics for reports and presentations. Writes, edits, and formats reports. Assists with preparation of reports for submission to project sponsors and stakeholders. Participate in preparation of grant proposals to funding agencies.
Why Texas A&M University?
We are a prestigious university with strong traditions, Core Values, and a community of caring and collaboration. Amenities associated with a major university, such as sporting and cultural events, state-of-the-art recreation facilities, the Bush Library and Museum, and much more await you. Experience all that a big city has to offer but with a reasonable cost-of-living and no long commutes.
- Medical, prescription drug, dental, vision, life and AD&D, flexible spending accounts, and long-term disability insurance with Texas A&M contributing to employee health and basic life premiums
- 12-15 days of annual paid holidays
- Up to eight hours of paid sick leave and at least eight hours of paid vacation each month
- Automatically enrollment in the Teacher Retirement System of Texas
- Health and Wellness: Free exercise programs and release time
- Professional Development: All employees have access to free LinkedIn Learning training, webinars, and limited financial support to attend conferences, workshops, and more
- Educational release time and tuition assistance for completing a degree while a Texas A&M employee
- Living Well, a program at Texas A&M that has been built by employees, for employees
All positions are security-sensitive. Applicants are subject to a criminal history investigation, and employment is contingent upon the institution’s verification of credentials and/or other information required by the institution’s procedures, including the completion of the criminal history check.
Equal Opportunity/Veterans/Disability Employer.
