Research Assistant Professor of Education Policy
About The Position
The Research Assistant Professor is a 9-month, non-tenure-track faculty position in the University of Arkansas Department of Education Reform. The role advances rigorous, policy-relevant research and supports multiple projects, many in collaboration with the Arkansas Department of Education. Research topics include the educator workforce, school finance, school choice, and career and technical education. The position involves empirical research using large-scale administrative datasets and data collected through surveys and interviews. The role is in person, and on-campus presence is an essential function. Extensive in-person engagement—including office hours, student advising, collaborative work, and departmental, college, and university committee meetings—is required. Regular, reliable, non-disruptive attendance and the ability to maintain collegial working relationships are essential job duties. The position is a Designated Research Position regulated by the Arkansas Research Education Protection Act of 2025. Before an employment offer, the University must request additional information about the applicant’s background and may conduct an additional review. The position is benefits eligible, and salary is commensurate with education and experience.
Requirements
- Ph.D. in Economics, Public Policy, Data Science, or a related field from an accredited institution, conferred by the start of employment.
- On-campus presence and extensive in-person engagement are essential functions of the position.
- Regular, reliable, and non-disruptive attendance.
- Ability to create and maintain collegial, harmonious working relationships.
Nice To Haves
- Experience with the U.S. education system.
- Experience managing and analyzing large, complex datasets.
- Demonstrated expertise in applied econometrics, causal inference, and quantitative research methods.
- Demonstrated ability to produce research papers, reports, and presentations on education issues using quantitative analysis.
- Proficiency with statistical software and programming tools such as Stata, R, and Python.
- Experience developing data visualizations, dashboards, or other tools that make complex data accessible to research, policy, or practitioner audiences.
- Strong research writing and communication skills, including experience producing policy briefs, technical reports, and academic publications.
- Demonstrated ability to work independently and collaboratively in a multidisciplinary research environment.
- Experience contributing to externally funded research projects.
Responsibilities
- Support multiple policy-relevant research projects, many in collaboration with the Arkansas Department of Education.
- Conduct empirical research using large-scale administrative datasets and data collected through surveys and interviews.
- Collect primary data and manage and analyze complex datasets.
- Write and edit academic journal articles, technical reports, policy briefs, presentations, and other research products.
- Develop data visualizations as needed.
- Support stakeholder outreach and coordinate with research partners.
- Assist with grant proposals and new research initiatives.
- Participate in in-person activities such as office hours, student advising, collaborative work, and departmental, college, and university committee meetings.
Benefits
- University contributions to health, dental, life, and disability insurance.
- Tuition waivers for employees and their families.
- 12 official holidays.
- Immediate leave accrual.
- Choice of retirement programs with university contributions ranging from 5% to 10% of employee salary.
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What This Job Offers
Job Type
Full-time
Career Level
Senior
Education Level
Ph.D. or professional degree
