Urban Studies Researcher Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Research Assistant/Associate (Program Evaluation & Survey Research) job at Wayne State University. Detroit, MI. Wayne State University is searching for an experienced Research Assistant/Associate (Program Evaluation & Survey Research) at its Detroit campus location.

The Center for Urban Studies, a research center located within Wayne State University in Detroit, Michigan, seeks an experienced Program Evaluator to serve as a Research Assistant/Associate.

• Develop formative and summative evaluation plans and construct comprehensive logic models that capture program activities and outcomes.
• Design evaluation procedures/protocols and develop data collection/survey instruments and manage and supervise the construction and maintenance of databases and web-based data profiles.
• Collaborate with others regarding data management, and in the planning and implementation of data quality assurance plans.
• Perform day-to-day oversight in program evaluation and primary data collection activities, including large survey mailing, face-to-face and telephone interviews, focus groups, and so forth; monitor data collection progress; and seek innovative strategies to increase survey response rates.
• Conduct statistical analysis of evaluation data and assume a lead role in producing reports or other deliverable documents and prepare and deliver presentations to policy-making bodies and professional organizations.
• Initiate grant proposals in the area of program evaluation and survey research, including identifying funding sources and RFPs; conducting literature reviews; developing research question; designing research methods, data analysis plan, and data collection procedures.
• Assist in the preparation of articles for consideration in refereed journals on an ongoing basis.
• Prepare regular updates to Center Director and Managing Director.

• A degree in social science research (including political science, public administration, demography, education, geography, psychology, public health, social work, sociology, survey methodology, statistics, and urban studies), especially coursework in program evaluation and advanced statistical analyses, is required. Working toward a Ph.D. in progress is highly preferred.
• Experience in designing or leading Program Evaluation projects/studies, and managing primary data collection, especially in an academic setting.
• Experience in evaluating early childhood or special education statewide programs is a plus.

• Demonstrated experience in designing, implementing, and managing program evaluation projects, including both formative and summative dimensions. Experience with the development and use of logic models to describe complex programs.
• Skilled at designing and implementing data collection tools, including survey instruments to conduct primary data collection.
• Ability to develop action plans and systems to facilitate and track implementation of evaluation and survey findings and recommendations.
• A strong working knowledge of social science research methods and experience in managing primary data collection procedures (CATI lab, web-based surveys, mail surveys, in-person interviews, focus groups, etc.) and practicalities of implementation required.
• Effectively utilize software necessary to convert and process data (e.g. SAS, SPSS, Excel, Access, Dbase). Computer programming capability, including CATI programming software (especially for remote work), is an advantage.
• Experience in statistical analyses.
• Supervision skills and experience, including effective recruitment strategies and performance assessment, is a plus.
• Ability to manage several projects simultaneously, prioritize and plan work activities while meeting respective deadlines. Strong organizational and time-management skills.
• Flexible and adaptable style; a professional and resourceful style; the ability to work independently and as a team player, to take initiative, and to manage multiple tasks and projects at a time.
• Strong diplomatic skills to present, and answer questions and concerns effectively.
• Outstanding written and oral communication skills.

University policy requires certain persons who are offered employment to undergo a background check, including a criminal history check, before starting work. If you are offered employment, the university will inform you if a background check is required.

The university welcomes applications from persons with disabilities and veterans. Wayne State is an equal opportunity employer.