Senior Research Associate

Syracuse University • Syracuse, NY

40d • Onsite

About The Position

The Senior Research Associate will work closely with the Director of Research at the Burton Blatt Institute (BBI). In this role, they will independently design, conduct, and execute advanced quantitative studies on disability policy, produce manuscripts for top academic journals, and develop high-quality reports and briefs for granting agencies. This role required expertise in causal inference methods (e.g., randomized controlled trials (RCTs), quasi-experimental designs, advanced econometrics), strong applied data skills, and familiarity with contemporary disability policies. The Senior Research Associate is expected to function as an independent investigator by leading projects, shaping research questions, designing study protocols, preparing IRB documentation, and writing manuscripts. The successful candidate will bring a proven quantitative skill set and track record of delivering empirical research from design to completion. This position is part of a bargaining unit and is represented by the union SEIU, Local 200United.

Requirements

• Ph.D. in Economics, Public Administration, Public Policy, Public Health, or related fields
• 7+ years of relevant experience in academic, government, non-profit, research institute, or similar settings.
• 3+ years of post-degree, full-time quantitative research experience (government, academic, policy lab, evaluation contractor, consulting, or similar).
• Experience in designing, supervising, and completing complex research projects using rigorous quantitative methods.
• Expertise with causal inference and evaluation designs (e.g., RCTs, quasi-experimental methods, difference-in-differences, regression discontinuity, others).
• Experience analyzing large datasets, including representative surveys and Census data.
• Understanding of contemporary disability policies and issues.
• Excellent written and oral communication skills, including translating complex research findings for diverse audiences.
• Track record of first-author or lead-author publications and experience contributing to successful funded research proposals.
• Residence in Central New York and ability to work from Burton Blatt Institute's office at Syracuse University Campus. Position may be eligible for SU's flexible work arrangement policy after a three-month period (minimum 3 days per week on campus).
• Expertise designing and implementing quantitative research and evaluation.
• Experience managing complex research projects and producing high quality reports and manuscripts.
• Demonstrated history of research excellence and/or a strong publication record.
• Proficiency in inferential statistics and experience using at least one statistical software package or programming language (e.g., SAS, SPSS, Stata, R, Python, SQL, others).
• Demonstrated ability to work independently, manage multiple priorities simultaneously, and deliver high-quality work on schedule.
• Demonstrated ability to work independently and with minimal supervision to complete assigned tasks.
• Strong interpersonal skills to collaborate effectively with individuals across diverse backgrounds and organizational levels, including virtual work environments.
• Strong organizational skills and high level of attention to detail.

Responsibilities

• Design and implement research projects, including developing research questions, analytic approaches, and study protocols.
• Develop detailed project timelines and make methodological decisions independently.
• Collect, clean, and analyze data.
• Write reports, manuscripts, briefs, and presentations for academic, policy, and community audiences.
• Interpret and communicate analytic results to stakeholders in accessible and actionable ways.
• Support administrative tasks related to funded projects.
• Mentor students and junior staff working on sponsored projects.

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Mid Level
• Industry: Educational Services
• Education Level: Ph.D. or professional degree