Research Associate - RISE

Virginia Commonwealth University•Richmond, VA

3d•Hybrid

About The Position

The Research Institute on Social Equity (RISE), in the L. Douglas Wilder School of Government and Public Affairs, is seeking a Research Associate with a strong background and interest in public policy and equity. This role involves close collaboration with the Director, Senior Research Associates, the research team, and clients. The Research Associate will focus on equity-based research in public policy, addressing organizational, structural, and institutional issues that adversely impact marginalized communities. Key responsibilities include providing leadership and support for multiple studies aimed at increasing public service and policy equity. The role requires monitoring legislation, public policy decisions, trends, and other issues relevant to the institute’s mission at local, state, and federal levels. These issues span policy fields such as housing, emergency management, health, public administration, and urban planning. The Research Associate is expected to stay current on equity trends, theories of change, methods for engaging marginalized communities, publications, and initiatives.

Requirements

Master’s Degree and three years of applied research work experience in public policy or social sciences, or an equivalent combination of professional skills and/or experience.
Two to four years of experience in community or policy research, analysis, and writing.
Demonstrated fluency in intersecting social identifies and their interplay with public policy.
Documented working on equity-based research projects.
Knowledge of analytical, theoretical, or equity frameworks.
Knowledge of a variety of social science research methods and analytics.
Data collection and data analysis skills.
Experience in research study design, data management, and mixed-method data collection.
Experience conducting systematic reviews.
Excellent oral and written communication (e.g., manuscripts, conference and community presentations).
Experience creating policy briefs, white papers, and policy ops.
Ability to embrace change and to organize and effectively manage multiple priorities and projects.
Intermediate proficiency in social science statistical approach.
Documented experience and knowledge of the IRB process.
Data collection skills such as focus groups, interviews, surveys.
Strong qualitative data analysis skills using software such as Dedoose or NVivo.
Experience with quantitative data analysis software such as SPSS, STATA.
Availability to work non-traditional hours during the weekend and some weeknights.
Ability to travel 5% of the year.
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 staff member at VCU.

Nice To Haves

Doctoral Degree and one year of applied research experience.
Mentor undergraduate and graduate students.
Document equity-based research experience.
Experience in social science research methods and analytics.
Track record of research publications and presentations.
Ability to implement theory into study design, analysis, and implementation.
Experience with managing funded projects, budgets, and grant writing.
Awareness of best practice trends in equity research, public policy, and working with underserved communities.
Experience conducting equity-based research projects.
Experience in social equity (e.g., emergency management, housing), health equity, or digital equity.
Ability to analyze, interpret, and summarize complex information—including data findings and provisions in federal and state legislation—into a coherent and accurate written product.
Strong skills in data management, digital content curation, and familiarity with developing and maintaining digital libraries and databases.
Proficiency in social science statistical approach.
Proficiency in R Studio and/or Python is a plus.
Proficiency in creating and managing virtual dashboards.
Proficiency in creating and managing multimedia content, such as podcasts and webinars.
Experience with data visualization is highly desirable.

Responsibilities

Conduct literature reviews and prepare appropriate analysis.
Conduct equity-based data analysis.
Write monthly equity reports.
Collect, analyze, interpret, and disseminate research findings.
Engage with marginalized communities to conduct observations and community events.
Conduct secondary data collection using national databases (e.g., census data).
Develop research instruments, including surveys.
Conduct quantitative data collection and management as well as qualitative data collection and management (e.g., focus groups, interviews).
Develop codebooks, protocols, and supervision of data management, collection, and analysis.
Co-write research grants to obtain internal/external funding.
Gather, analyze, interpret, and disseminate public policy content to the Institute’s internal and external stakeholders.
Manage and develop IRB applications and ensure that research is conducted to the highest ethical standards.
Attend Institute related meetings with the Client.
Provide updates to clients and draft proposals for new contracts with clients.
Compose reports, publish findings, and present recommendations to various stakeholders.
Prepare research manuscripts for publication.
Present project findings and critical issues at national, state, and local conferences and meetings.
Represent the Institute at local, state, and national public policy meetings.
Translate research into external briefs and reports.
Oversee study timelines and budgets, ensuring timely completion of research deliverables.
Support hiring and recruitment for research, analysts, assistants, and/or interns as needed.
Partner with leadership to ensure the team maintains an accurate working knowledge of the literature.
Work collaboratively with RISE and the Wilder School Office of Research and Outreach staff to advance the mission of RISE.
May serve as a seasoned level researcher and act as a mentor to junior-level research student staff.
May provide direct and/or indirect oversight of student staff.
Perform related duties.
Other Duties as assigned.