Research Associate Quantitative Analysis

WestEd Career • San Francisco, CA

9h • Remote

About The Position

The Research Associate Quantitative Analysis contributes to research and evaluation projects with an emphasis on quantitative methods. Core activities include: developing data collection instruments and research designs; cleaning, managing, and analyzing quantitative data using statistical techniques that account for multiple variables (for example, regression-based methods, multilevel modeling, or quasi-experimental designs); writing and presenting sections of reports and research summaries; and writing up and presenting results directly to clients in partnership with project leads. This role requires a moderate level subject-matter expertise as a quantitative methodologist. The ideal candidate brings subject-matter expertise in research design and quantitative data analysis, including experience with statistical software and applied statistical methods, along with a content-area focus in ELA and math outcomes, academic transitions, and post-secondary outcomes (matriculation, retention, and graduation). Candidates should be comfortable working under low supervision while independently defining methodology and managing day-to-day tasks such as instrument design, data analysis, and data summarization.

Requirements

• Master’s degree in education, economics, statistics, or a related quantitative social science field, and a minimum of 1-3 years of relevant research experience.
• Strong foundation in quantitative research design and statistical analysis, including experience with methods such as regression analysis, multilevel modeling, or quasi-experimental design.
• Working familiarity with statistical and analysis software such as Stata, SPSS, R, and/or NVivo, as well as Qualtrics for survey administration and Tableau for data visualization.
• Experience with survey design and data collection instrument development.
• Ability to work under low supervision while independently defining methodology and managing day-to-day research and analysis tasks.
• Strong organizational skills, attention to detail, and time management.
• Excellent verbal and written communication skills, including the ability to draft sections of research reports and present statistical findings clearly.
• Demonstrated ability to work collaboratively in a team and to have regular interactions with external clients and partners in partnership with the project lead.
• Ability to anticipate problems and generate options for solutions based on precedent.
• A commitment to educational equity for Black, Latinx, Indigenous, and other historically underserved communities.

Nice To Haves

• A content-area focus in ELA and math outcomes, academic transitions, and/or postsecondary outcomes (matriculation, retention, and graduation) is strongly preferred.
• Mastery of WestEd's technology, systems, and procedures.
• Established knowledge of one's own team/Division sufficient to help others access resources and support.
• Comfort with fast-paced, quick-turnaround projects and shifting timelines.
• Presentation of research results to clients and stakeholders.

Responsibilities

• Independently define and select methodology for assigned research tasks when given an objective and direction, with quality checks from project leads.
• Independently design surveys and other quantitative data collection instruments, with review and quality checks from project leads.
• Apply quantitative research designs, such as correlational and quasi-experimental designs, in consultation with project leads.
• Conduct statistical analyses involving multiple variables, using techniques such as regression, multilevel modeling, and other applied statistical methods.
• Collect, clean, organize, and analyze data using quantitative methods, with qualitative and mixed-method techniques as needed to support project deliverables.
• Write up and present research results, including presentation of statistical results, for internal and external audiences.
• Contribute to project deliverables and help track research tasks, timelines, and data management processes.
• Provide documented feedback and informal mentoring to project team members on specific projects and tasks.
• Have regular client interactions, in partnership with the project lead.
• Write up and present results directly to clients.
• Contribute to writing articles and preparing presentations of research results for internal and external audiences.
• Support the development of thematic summaries and distilled insights from site visits and other data collection activities.
• Build relationships with practitioners at K-12 institutions, non-profit organizations, and other researchers.
• Contribute to building WestEd's eminence and visibility in a subject-matter area, such as presenting at regional or national conferences, writing a blog, or identifying conference opportunities.
• Contribute to proposal development under supervision, such as writing parts of proposals leveraging prior project work and proposals, and sourcing leads at conferences.
• May work on strategic matters, such as business development, under close supervision.
• Design and administer surveys and other quantitative research instruments independently, with quality review from project leads.
• Apply quantitative research designs, including correlational and quasi-experimental approaches, in consultation with project leads.
• Conduct data cleaning, coding, and statistical analyses involving multiple variables using software such as Stata, SPSS, R, and/or NVivo.
• Build and administer surveys and data collection instruments using Qualtrics, and develop data visualizations and dashboards using Tableau.
• Facilitate focus groups and other qualitative data collection activities as needed to support project deliverables.
• Write up and present sections of research reports, including presentation of statistical results.
• Organize and track research tasks, timelines, and supporting documentation.
• Support meeting, webinar, and workshop planning and facilitation for education partners.
• Navigate cross-functionally with internal teams (e.g., Finance, Communications, Instructional Design) to advance project deliverables.
• Provide documented feedback and informal mentoring to project team members on specific projects and tasks.
• Contribute to proposal development under supervision, and support business development activities under close supervision.

Benefits

• 15% contribution toward retirement effective day 1 of employment and immediately 100% vested
• Pre-tax Flexible Spending Accounts and Health Savings Account option
• All health/welfare benefits are effective the first of the month following the hire date
• PTO: 19 days (increases to 21 days beginning the third year of employment)
• 12 paid holidays
• Life Insurance: value of 3x gross salary, max of 500k
• Opportunities for annual merit-based performance increases + annual incentives
• Professional development opportunities & mentorship program

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Mid Level