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Form of workThe Research Institute on Social Equity in the VCU L. Douglas Wilder School of Government and Public Affairs welcomes applications for a Research Assistant. The Research Institute for Social Equity in the L. Douglas Wilder School of Government and Public Affairs advances racial equity and social justice through multidisciplinary scholarship, research, training, and engagement. The goal of the Research Institute for Social Equity is to be the national leader in advancing social justice to inform public policy, governance, and practice to improve conditions for marginalized voices within our society, including communities of color, LGBTQIA individuals, people with disabilities, incarcerated populations, survivors of domestic violence, and women.
The Research Institute on Social Equity seeks an experienced and qualified Research Assistant to advance its research agenda and work closely with senior researchers, project managers, and other staff and students on equity-based research in the area of public policy, health, organizational, structural, and institutional issues adversely impacting marginalized communities.
This position assists with a variety of project functions and tasks to help deliver successful project outcomes. Responsibilities include: overseeing activities on policy and research reports, creation of research materials (i.e., survey measures, data dictionaries, study protocols), facilitating focus groups and in person interviews, analyzing qualitative and quantitative data, writing research reports from data, preparing and presenting findings, documenting project activities, performing quality control and project coordination functions to ensure successful project outcomes, and monitoring production to ensure deadlines are met. This work happens in coordination with overall goals and objectives of the Research Institute on Social Equity. This position may also perform functions on projects that include: Literature reviews on topical or methodological issues, cleaning and preparing data and documentation for transfer to clients, performing data analyses as assigned, preparing and participating in project briefings and training sessions, providing support when the Research Institute on Social Equity responds to requests for proposals, and other duties as assigned. This position may work on multiple, diverse, research projects.
This is arestricted position, with renewal beyond the first year reliant upon theavailability of funding.
For additional information about the Wilder School, please visit our website at https://wilder.vcu.edu/.
Minimum Hiring Standards:
- Bachelor's degree, or an equivalent combination or education, training, or experience.
- Experience with quantitative research processes, principles, and design.
- Experience with SPSS (i.e., data cleaning with syntax, running descriptive and inferential statistics and multiple regressions), data entry and management with Qualtrics and/or REDcap (or an equivalent), and Microsoft applications (i.e., ACCESS, Excel, Word).
- Experience with Dedoose and/or NVivo qualitative software as well as qualitative interview facilitation, coding, and transcribing is required.
- Experienced with creating and writing research proposals, brief reports, and executive summaries as well as conference and/or community presentations.
- Ability to demonstrate strong oral, written, and interpersonal communication skills.
- Demonstrated experience working in and fostering a diverse faculty, staff, and student environment or commitment to do so at VCU.
Preferred Hiring Standards:
- Master's degree in social science or related field.
- At least two years of full-time experience in a social research position, preferably at a college or university.
- Experience creating infographics, including charts and graphs.
- Experience with quantitative data analysis software such as MPlus, R studio, and qualitative data analysis software such as ArcGIS.
- Knowledge of psychological, equity research, theoretical frameworks, and social science research methods.
- Experience co-authoring manuscripts, brief reports, policy briefs and/or white papers, presenting and disseminating research findings, and intermediate proficiency in social science statistical approach.
Typical Physical and Cognitive Requirements:
Physical Demands and Activities (Essential):
- Light lifting (<20 lbs.)
- Pushing/pulling
- Standing
- Sitting
Emotional Demands (Essential):
- Fast pace/Average pace
- Multiple stimuli
- Frequent change
- Intense customer interaction
Mental/Sensory Demands (Essential):
- Memory
- Reading
- Reasoning
- Hearing
- Logic
- Analyzing
- Verbal communication
- Written Communication
Application Submission/Other Information:
All applications should include a cover letter and a detailed resume with the names and contact information of three professional references.
Review of applications will begin immediately and continue until the position is filled.
"Virginia Commonwealth University is an equal opportunity, affirmative action university providing access to education and employment without regard to race, color, religion, national origin, age, sex, political affiliation, veteran status, genetic information, sexual orientation, gender identity, gender expression, or disability".
Salary Range: $45,000 - $55,000
Position Details:
Department: L. Douglas Wilder School of Government and Public Affairs
Employment Type: UF - University Employee FT
Restricted Status: Yes
FTE: 100
Exemption Status: Non-Exempt
University Job Title: Research Coordinator 2 (34062)
Contact Information:
Contact Name: Jennifer Reid
Contact Email: jguyre@vcu.edu
Contact Phone: 804-827-0459
