Assistant Professor of Research - School of Social Work

Virginia Commonwealth University•Richmond, VA

2d•$85,000 - $95,000•Hybrid

About The Position

Virginia Commonwealth University's School of Social Work is seeking an Assistant Professor of Research for the Evaluation Lab. The Evaluation Lab provides research and evaluation services to various partners, including community agencies, nonprofit organizations, and government bodies. The lab's mission is to collaborate with partners to address their needs by offering research expertise and incorporating partner feedback. Services include program evaluation, survey development, grant writing, data analysis, and research dissemination. The lab is staffed by faculty, staff, and research assistants. VCU School of Social Work is a well-established leader in social work education and research, offering BSW, MSW, and PhD programs. VCU is a Carnegie-designated Research Intensive (R1) and Community Engaged public university located in Richmond, VA.

Requirements

Doctorate in social work, psychology, behavioral sciences, or a related field.
Experience with policy-related research, providing training and technical assistance to local and state organizations (e.g., development of training modules), and program evaluation, including conducting critical literature reviews, synthesizing community-level demographic and socioeconomic information, and developing policy recommendations.
Experience working with foundations and engaging and collaborating with community stakeholders.
Experience mentoring students at the undergraduate and graduate levels and developing research-focused training plans and curricula.
Proficiency in computer applications, including statistical, data management, and word processing software (e.g., Google Workspace, Microsoft Office Suite, REDCap, SPSS, or R).
Excellent oral and written communication skills.
Excellent time management, organizational, and project management skills.
Ability to work independently and collaboratively as part of a team.
Demonstrated ability to work in and foster an environment of respect, professionalism and civility with a population of faculty, staff, and students from all backgrounds and experiences, or a commitment to do so as a faculty member at VCU.

Nice To Haves

MSW with clinical and/or community practice experience.
Knowledge of, and/or established relationships with, local and state community agencies.
Experience working in a fast-paced research environment.
Familiarity with behavioral health research and community-engaged research.
Experience teaching and mentoring undergraduate and/or graduate students, including managing evaluation- or research-focused student field placements.
Experience using administrative and research-related software applications, such as Collegiate Travel Planners, Chrome River, xTrain, and Articulate/Rise 360.
Experience coordinating student travel and related logistics.

Responsibilities

Collaborate closely with the Evaluation Lab on program planning, budgeting, research activities, and evaluation initiatives.
Plan, coordinate, and facilitate Evaluation Lab meetings, activities, and project deliverables.
Assist with the day-to-day coordination of graduate and undergraduate field placements and research training programs.
Contribute to the development and implementation of research training curricula.
Coordinate and oversee student recruitment, selection, placement, and training activities.
Ensure the timely completion of required regulatory documentation and compliance processes.
Mentor undergraduate and graduate students in research and evaluation activities, with an emphasis on community-engaged research, knowledge translation, and science communication.
Pursue and contribute to scholarly activities, including publications, grant development, and teaching opportunities.
Support and contribute to Evaluation Lab projects and initiatives as assigned by the Dean.