Research Associate (Center for Social Policy)

UMass Boston•Boston, MA

About The Position

The Center for Social Policy (CSP) is a research and evaluation think tank housed in the McCormack Graduate School in the College of Liberal Arts at the University of Massachusetts Boston. It is dedicated to investigating the root causes of poverty and social inequities, aiming to generate impactful policy solutions that promote economic security and mobility. Working with the Director, the part-time (.50 FTE) Research Associate will help develop and conduct research and related projects for CSP. Will also help pursue funding opportunities working with on-campus partners and external collaborators as appropriate, and interface with the grants administration and financial team as required. Will develop work plans, including budgets, for projects which may include original data gathering, and submit applications to the Institutional Review Board (IRB) as needed. The Research Associate will manage applied research projects, ensuring compliance with university and IRB requirements, and oversee cleaning and analysis of data as well as the writing and preparing reports for publication. Responsibilities include supervising students. The Research Associate will present findings to multiple constituencies including academics, government agencies, media outlets, non-profit organizations, and community members depending on the project. Developing strong relationships with faculty, other researchers, and on- and off-campus partners including government agencies and community-based organizations is essential as CSP collaborates with a variety of partners on its research projects and programs.

Requirements

A master’s degree in the social or behavioral sciences, public policy, public health, education, or law is required
At least three years of relevant experience leading social policy research projects is required
Command of a range of research methodologies, including quantitative and qualitative approaches
Excellent analysis, organizational, problem-solving, writing, and oral communication skills
A record of published work, such as journal articles, books chapters, and research reports on topics related to housing instability, public benefits, and workforce development
Ability to engage external collaborators including government agencies, non-profit organizations, and individuals
Ability to present information and findings in a cogent fashion, both written and oral, to a wide variety of audiences

Nice To Haves

A PhD degree in a related field of study is preferred
Advanced knowledge of a statistical software package used to analyze data such as SPSS or STATA preferred
Experience pursuing external funding preferred

Responsibilities

Assist in the development of research projects with the Director
Identify and help pursue external funding opportunities in collaboration with both on- and off-campus partners as appropriate
Write grant proposals and apply for grants as part of a team of collaborators
Work with the grants administration office and other UMB partners as needed to manage grants
Work with a team of students to carry out research projects
Collect original data (surveys, interviews and focus groups)
Clean and analyze data
Perform and monitor personnel functions for designated students, subject to established university personnel policies in consultation with Director
Produce written products such as research papers, reports, and briefs for multiple audiences including academia, policymakers, practitioners, and laypeople
Deliver presentations to multiple audiences including academia, policymakers, practitioners, and laypeople
Network and develop partnerships with community organizations and collaborative partnerships
Perform other duties as assigned