Research Analyst

Arizona State University•Phoenix, AZ

9d•$60,000 - $68,000•Onsite

About The Position

The Research Analyst conducts quantitative and qualitative social science research across policy areas such as education, child and family well-being, housing, and workforce retention. Under the supervision of the research director, the analyst performs applied research, communicates findings to clients, funders, policymakers, stakeholders, and the public, and contributes to research partnerships and public dialogue. The role requires strong written, oral, and public-speaking skills, as well as the ability to manage complex timelines, meet deadlines, and keep work within project scope. The position provides technical research support, follows lab safety standards, and works on research at Morrison Institute for Public Policy, an Arizona State University resource focused on nonpartisan research, analysis, and public outreach. The salary range is $60,000–$68,000 annually, depending on experience. Staff positions cannot receive visa sponsorship.

Requirements

Bachelor's degree and three years of experience appropriate to the area of assignment or field, or an equivalent combination of experience and/or training demonstrating comparable knowledge, skills, and abilities.
Strong written and oral communication skills.
Proficiency in conducting primary and secondary research.
Ability to engage with clients, funders, policymakers, and other key stakeholders.
Strong public-speaking skills, including the ability to present at public forums and respond to media inquiries.
Strong interpersonal skills.
Ability to manage complex timelines, meet project deadlines, and keep tasks within project scope.
Ability to use a computer for research, data entry, and documentation.
Frequent or constant sitting at a desk or work area.

Nice To Haves

Master's degree in a related policy or social science field.
Knowledge of quantitative and qualitative research design and methodologies.
Experience conducting public policy or applied social science research.
Experience designing and implementing program evaluations.
Fluency in Spanish, both oral and written.
Thorough knowledge of library and online research resources.
Ability to review and synthesize current literature and best practices.
Experience writing and editing for a variety of audiences.
Experience translating complex concepts and data for a broad readership.
Skill in planning and coordinating research activities and setting priorities to meet deadlines.
Experience with SPSS and/or similar statistical analysis software and documenting data processing through syntax.
Experience developing and analyzing surveys.
Experience conducting and analyzing interviews and/or focus groups.
Experience writing data-driven reports to funders.

Responsibilities

Design, coordinate, and conduct applied social science research in one or more Morrison Institute focal areas, including housing, education, governance, livability, and human services.
Compile data from government agencies, libraries, the internet, nonprofit research organizations, and other sources.
Clean and manage large datasets and conduct descriptive and inferential statistical analyses.
Design and implement surveys, including instrument design, sampling strategies, and margin-of-error considerations.
Facilitate qualitative data collection, including key informant interviews and focus groups.
Write research-based reports, data briefs, and project summaries that communicate data and policy considerations to target audiences and the public.
Provide editing assistance for research products in preparation for publication.
Develop rapport and credibility with funders, academic and industry partners, and policymakers to facilitate substantive partnerships.
Prioritize tasks and meet deadlines, including assisting with organizational, scheduling, and logistical needs for research activities.
Provide input on selecting and hiring interns and potentially supervise and mentor interns.
Present at public forums and respond to media inquiries.
Follow lab safety standards.