Senior Research Scientist, College of Education

Wayne State University•Detroit, MI

5d•Onsite

About The Position

Wayne State University is searching for an experienced Senior Research Scientist, College of Education at its Detroit campus location. Wayne State is a premier, public, urban research university located in the heart of Detroit, Michigan where students from all backgrounds are offered a rich, high-quality education. Our deep-rooted commitment to excellence, collaboration, integrity, diversity and inclusion creates exceptional educational opportunities which prepare students for success in a global society. The Detroit Partnership for Education Equity & Research (Detroit PEER) at Wayne State University is seeking a researcher to support mixed-methods research projects related to K-12 student attendance. We seek a candidate with a strong background in research methods. The candidates will work closely with Detroit PEER director Dr. Sarah Lenhoff (Wayne State University) and Detroit PEER affiliate researcher Dr. Jeremy Singer (University of Michigan – Flint) in part on a research study sponsored by the Skillman Foundation and the Joyce Foundation. The study explores the implementation and effectiveness of K-12 school practices related to student attendance in Michigan. The position will involve working on research studies related to attendance practice effectiveness, district and school implementation of initiatives designed to improve attendance, and efforts to remove attendance barriers related to health, transportation, and housing. Specifically, the researchers will assist with literature reviews, data collection, data analysis; and dissemination of findings (preparation of reports, presentations to stakeholders, academic publications). The researcher will mentor graduate students and will be encouraged to co-author publications and develop independent lines of inquiry and publications from the work. In addition to supporting funded research projects, the researcher will contribute to Detroit PEER’s mission by responding to occasional inquiries from partners, supporting the dissemination of policy-relevant research, and working with the center director on strategic operations. The researcher will also have time to develop and publish research from their existing research projects. In addition to leading research activities, the Senior Researcher will assist with project and personnel management, grant applications, and stakeholder relations.

Requirements

An earned doctoral degree in education policy, education leadership, sociology, or a related social science field is required, as is a developing record of relevant publications.
Excellent data analysis skills in qualitative, quantitative, or both methodologies, including experience working with data analysis software
Extensive experience and excellent knowledge of education policy
An interest in student attendance or related areas such as school culture/climate, policy implementation, or social policy.
Strong organizational skills, attention to detail, and excellent interpersonal, verbal, and written communication skills.

Nice To Haves

Experience working on mixed-methods research teams is especially desired.

Responsibilities

Assist with literature reviews
Assist with data collection
Assist with data analysis
Assist with dissemination of findings (preparation of reports, presentations to stakeholders, academic publications)
Mentor graduate students
Co-author publications
Develop independent lines of inquiry and publications from the work
Responding to occasional inquiries from partners
Supporting the dissemination of policy-relevant research
Working with the center director on strategic operations
Assist with project and personnel management
Assist with grant applications
Assist with stakeholder relations