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Action Research Jobs (NOW HIRING)

University of Utah

Research Associate

Campus, IL · On-site +1

$90K - $120K/yr

... Action Research Lab (PEARL) at the University of Utah advances educational justice for people and communities impacted by incarceration. Funded by an award from Ascendium Education Group, PEARL ...

University of Utah

Research Associate

Salt Lake City, UT · On-site

$90K - $120K/yr

... Action Research Lab (PEARL) at the University of Utah advances educational justice for people and communities impacted by incarceration. Funded by an award from Ascendium Education Group, PEARL ...

University of Utah

Research Associate

Campus, IL · On-site +1

$90K - $120K/yr

... Action Research Lab (PEARL) at the University of Utah advances educational justice for people and communities impacted by incarceration. Funded by an award from Ascendium Education Group, PEARL ...

University of Utah

Research Data Analysts

Campus, IL · On-site +1

$80K - $90K/yr

... Action Research Lab (PEARL) at the College of Education at the University of Utah is the nation's first center dedicated to advancing research, data, and leadership in postsecondary education in ...

University of Utah

Research Data Analysts

Campus, IL · On-site +1

$80K - $90K/yr

... Action Research Lab (PEARL) at the College of Education at the University of Utah is the nation's first center dedicated to advancing research, data, and leadership in postsecondary education in ...

University of Utah

Research Data Analysts

Campus, IL · On-site +1

$80K - $90K/yr

... Action Research Lab (PEARL) at the College of Education at the University of Utah is the nation's first center dedicated to advancing research, data, and leadership in postsecondary education in ...

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Action Research information

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How much do action research jobs pay per hour?

As of Jun 9, 2026, the average hourly pay for action research in the United States is $35.61, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $21.63 and $45.43 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is action research?

Action research is a participatory and collaborative process where individuals or groups systematically investigate issues or challenges in their own work environment to improve practices, solve problems, and generate new knowledge. It is commonly used in education, healthcare, and organizational settings, involving cycles of planning, acting, observing, and reflecting. Action research empowers practitioners to become researchers in their own fields, allowing them to implement changes, assess outcomes, and make evidence-based decisions. This approach emphasizes continuous improvement and often involves stakeholders throughout the process.

What are some common challenges faced by professionals conducting action research, and how can they be addressed?

Professionals conducting action research often encounter challenges such as balancing research with daily responsibilities, ensuring genuine collaboration with stakeholders, and maintaining objectivity while being directly involved in the process. To address these issues, clear communication and setting realistic timelines are essential, as is fostering a culture of trust and openness among participants. Regular reflection and feedback sessions can also help researchers adapt their approach and ensure the project remains relevant to real-world needs.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as an Action Researcher, and why are they important?

To thrive as an Action Researcher, you need strong analytical abilities, research design expertise, and experience with data collection and analysis, usually backed by a degree in education, social sciences, or a related field. Familiarity with qualitative and quantitative research tools, statistical software (such as SPSS or NVivo), and ethical research protocols is essential. Collaboration, critical thinking, and effective communication are crucial soft skills for engaging stakeholders and facilitating change. These competencies enable Action Researchers to design impactful studies, drive evidence-based improvements, and foster sustainable development in organizational or educational settings.

What is the difference between Action Research vs Data Analyst?

AspectAction Research
CredentialsTypically requires a master's degree or higher in education, social sciences, or related fields
Work EnvironmentEducational institutions, community organizations, or research settings
Industry UsageUsed in education, social sciences, and community development projects
Primary FocusImplementing and evaluating change through iterative cycles of planning, action, and reflection

Data Analysts primarily focus on collecting, processing, and interpreting data to inform decision-making, often working with large datasets in corporate or tech environments. Action Researchers, on the other hand, engage in participatory research to solve practical problems within communities or organizations, emphasizing iterative cycles of action and reflection. While both roles involve analysis, their goals, environments, and methodologies differ significantly.

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Action Research jobs near you
Research Associate

Research Associate

University of Utah

Campus, IL • On-site, Remote

$90K - $120K/yr

Full-time

Retirement

Posted 8 days ago

University Of Utah rating

7.2

Company rating: 7.2 out of 10

Based on 157 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

334th of 535 rated colleges and universities

Job description

Details
Open Date 05/27/2026 Requisition Number PRN45110B Job Title Research Associate Working Title Senior Research Associate - Qualitative Career Progression Track A00 Track Level FLSA Code Professional Patient Sensitive Job Code? No Standard Hours per Week 40 Full Time or Part Time? Full Time Shift Day Work Schedule Summary
Work schedule: Monday-Friday, 8:00 AM-5:00 PM. Travel, evenings, and weekends may occasionally be required.
VP Area Academic Affairs Department 00162 - Educational Leadership&Policy Location Campus City Salt Lake City, UT Type of Recruitment External Posting Pay Rate Range $90,000-$120,000 Close Date 07/23/2026 Priority Review Date (Note - Posting may close at any time) 07/01/2026 Job Summary
Lab Overview
The Prison Education Action Research Lab (PEARL) at the University of Utah advances educational justice for people and communities impacted by incarceration. Funded by an award from Ascendium Education Group, PEARL leverages evidence-based research to change systems and reduce barriers to postsecondary education for people directly impacted by the criminal legal system. PEARL's anchor project, the Prison Education Research Initiative (PERI), is a first-of-its-kind multi-institutional longitudinal study spanning 21+ partner colleges and universities nationwide.
Position Summary
PEARL is seeking a Senior Research Associate (SRA) with deep expertise in and professional experience with multi-site, multi-methods qualitative research. The SRA will lead data integration, synthesizing qualitative findings with quantitative data in collaboration with the broader research team across PEARL's research portfolio. This position will work in close partnership with PEARL's Senior Quantitative Research Associate to design and produce research that is both interpretively rich and analytically robust. Alongside Center leadership, the SRA will mentor emerging researchers and help the Lab translate findings into scholarship, research briefs, technical reports, and presentations. The SRA will work under the supervision of the Lab Director.
We strongly encourage applications from individuals directly impacted by incarceration and punishment systems.
Compensation and Terms
This is a grant-funded position within PEARL. The position is full-time and benefitted. Work schedule: Monday-Friday, 8:00 AM-5:00 PM. Travel, evenings, and weekends may occasionally be required. The Senior Research Associate may work remotely or on-site at the University of Utah with some travel required.
Responsibilities
  • Provide intellectual and applied expertise across multi-PI research projects;
  • Design and lead qualitative data collection, including interviews, case studies, site visits, and document analysis across multiple institutional sites;
  • Develop and refine data collection instruments, protocols, and field guides appropriate to diverse institutional contexts;
  • Maintain and manage qualitative data systems, including codebooks, analytical memos, and documentation of analytical decisions;
  • Coordinate secure data transfers and compliance across states and data providers;
  • Serve as senior liaison with stakeholders, including colleges, universities, state agencies, and community partners;
  • Lead regular cross-site meetings to align stakeholders;
  • Oversee IRB protocols, data transfer agreements, and compliance monitoring across multiple institutions and jurisdictions;
  • Develop and present research results in the form of peer-reviewed manuscripts, technical reports, briefs, and presentations for both academic and practitioner audiences;
  • Mentor, train, and supervise research staff and graduate assistants in qualitative methods and writing;
  • Other research-related activities as assigned by the Lab Director.

Minimum Qualifications
  • PhD in education or a related social science field, or comparable professional experience demonstrating equivalent expertise;
  • 5+ years of post-graduate experience leading qualitative research, including research design, data collection, data analysis, and reporting;
  • Advanced proficiency with qualitative data analysis software (e.g., NVivo, Dedoose, Atlas.ti, MAXQDA, or equivalent); and working knowledge of Excel;
  • A strong collaborative publication record, including peer-reviewed first-author work;
  • Demonstrated experience leading multi-site and multi-stakeholder research projects, including those with multiple types of data;
  • Advanced experience with design and integration of qualitative and quantitative research;
  • Commitment to educational equity and justice, particularly for communities impacted by the criminal legal system;
  • Excellent project management skills, including coordinating logistics, maintaining timelines, and communicating across diverse teams;
  • Proven ability to work collaboratively;
  • Excellent written and verbal communication skills, including the ability to write for both academic and public audiences.

Preferences
  • Familiarity with institutional, state, and federal postsecondary education data systems;
  • Ability to relocate to Salt Lake City, UT.

Type Benefited Staff Special Instructions Summary
Required Application Materials
  • Cover letter (no more than two pages) that specifically addresses: interest in the position, disciplinary and methodological training, years of professional experience (post-terminal degree), at least one example of multi-site research leadership, at least one example of applied qualitative methods, and names of qualitative software with which you have proficiency;
  • Curriculum vitae;
  • Writing samples: One scholarly paper and one technical report (or equivalent) where you are the lead author or a major contributor;
  • Names and contact information for three professional references who can speak to your research leadership, qualitative expertise, and collaboration skills.
Additional Information
The University is a participating employer with Utah Retirement Systems ("URS"). Eligible new hires with prior URS service, may elect to enroll in URS if they make the election before they become eligible for retirement (usually the first day of work). Contact Human Resources at (801) 581-7447 for information. Individuals who previously retired and are receiving monthly retirement benefits from URS are subject to URS' post-retirement rules and restrictions. Please contact Utah Retirement Systems at (801) 366-7770 or (800) 695-4877 or University Human Resource Management at (801) 581-7447 if you have questions regarding the post-retirement rules.
This position may require the successful completion of a criminal background check and/or drug screen.
The University of Utah values candidates who have experience working in settings with students and possess a strong commitment to improving access to higher education.
Veterans' preference is extended to qualified applicants, upon request and consistent with University policy and Utah state law. Upon request, reasonable accommodations in the application process will be provided to individuals with disabilities.
Consistent with state and federal law, the University of Utah does not discriminate based upon race, ethnicity, color, religion, national origin, age, disability, sex, sexual orientation, gender, gender identity, gender expression, pregnancy, pregnancy-related conditions, genetic information, or protected veteran's status. The University does not discriminate on the basis of sex in the education program or activity that it operates, as required by Title IX and 34 CFR part 106. The requirement not to discriminate in education programs or activities extends to admission and employment. Inquiries about the application of Title IX and its regulations may be referred to the Title IX Coordinator, to the Department of Education, Office for Civil Rights, or both.
To request a reasonable accommodation for a disability or if you or someone you know has experienced discrimination or sexual misconduct including sexual harassment, you may contact the Director/Title IX Coordinator in the Office of Equal Opportunity and Title IX (OEO). More information, including the Director/Title IX Coordinator's office address, electronic mail address, and telephone number can be located at the: University of Utah NonDiscrimination page.
Online reports may be submitted at https://oeo.utah.edu

https://publicsafety.utah.edu/safetyreport/ This report includes statistics about criminal offenses, hate crimes, arrests and referrals for disciplinary action, and Violence Against Women Act offenses. They also provide information about safety and security-related services offered by the University of Utah. A paper copy can be obtained by request at the Department of Public Safety located at 1658 East 500 South.
As per University of Utah policy 5-108: Transfer of Benefits Eligible Staff Members, a new hire to the University of Utah who is still serving a 12 month probationary period will not be hired into another University of Utah job (a transfer) until the successful completion of the probationary period.

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About University of Utah

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The University of Utah is the state’s flagship institution of higher education, with 18 schools and colleges, more than 100 undergraduate majors and graduate programs, and an enrollment of more than 38,000 students. It is a member of the Association of American Universities—an invitation-only, prestigious group of 71 leading research institutions. The U is advancing a new national model for higher education that delivers societal impact through education, research, health care, and community service, while making social, economic, and cultural contributions that improve lives across Utah and around the world.

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Colleges, universities, and professional schools

Company size

10,000+ Employees

Headquarters location

Salt Lake City, UT, US

Year founded

1850

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