Research Assistant, Institute of Gerontology

Wayne State University • Detroit, MI

4d • Onsite

About The Position

Research support for program evaluations, needs assessments, and other community-based research efforts at the Institute of Gerontology by assisting with all aspects of survey research, focus group administration, and quantitative and qualitative data analysis. Administrative and project-based support for aging and older adult advocacy initiatives at Wayne State University, guided by WSU’s Friendly University Steering Committee. Support community engagement and outreach efforts by working in tandem with other members of the Institute of Gerontology’s outreach, publications, and communications staff.

Requirements

• Bachelor’s degree in Social Sciences
• Intermediate (3 to 4 years job-related experience)
• The successful candidate will have a BA and several years of experience in social science, or an MA and some research experience, with an interest in aging and older adults.
• Must be organized, professional, able to work independently or with a team, have good oral and written communication skills, and be well acquainted with the Microsoft Office suite of applications.
• Must have knowledge and experience with quantitative data analysis using SPSS (Statistical Packages for the Social Sciences) or equivalent.
• Must have knowledge and experience with qualitative data analysis, preferably using ATLAS.ti (Archive of Technology, Life world and Language / text interpretation) or equivalent.
• Must have knowledge and experience with the production of a variety of data graphics using suitable applications.

Nice To Haves

• Knowledge and experience with geographical information systems applications for mapping and geographical analysis preferred.

Responsibilities

• Plan, organize, schedule, and implement community-based data collection efforts using surveys, focus groups, interviews, and other common social science research methodologies.
• Collect, compile, manage, and analyze qualitative and secondary and primary quantitative data using ATLAS.ti (Archive of Technology, Life world and Language / text interpretation) or equivalent application for qualitative analysis and SPSS (Statistical Package for the Social Sciences) or equivalent application for quantitative analysis.
• Design and produce visual representations of quantitative and qualitative data including charts, graphs, maps, diagrams, word clouds using suitable graphing and GIS (Geographic Information System) applications.
• Plan, organize, schedule, and keep meeting notes for WSU’s Friendly University Steering Committee meetings.
• Support the Friendly University Steering Committee co-chairs by completing assigned advocacy, administrative, and organizational tasks advancing the mission.
• Work with other professional staff on project-based tasks associated with our outreach, community engagement, research recruitment, and continuing education efforts.
• Plan, organize, schedule, and conduct meetings, events, presentations and other activities associated with community-based research, recruitment, outreach, and advocacy efforts.
• Perform other related tasks as assigned.

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Entry Level
• Number of Employees: 5,001-10,000 employees