Junior Research Associate

A Junior Research Associate in the Evaluation Services Center serves as a liaison with community-based partners to ensure that evaluation results are useful and represent the voices and perspectives of diverse stakeholders. Junior Research Associates support all phases of evaluation projects.

Jr Research Associate, UC Evaluation Services Center, CECH, Hybrid

Founded in 1819, the University of Cincinnati ranks among the nation's best urban public research universities. Home to more than 47,000 students, 10,500 faculty and staff and 330,000 alumni, UC combines a Top 35 research university with a physical setting The New York Times calls "the most ambitious campus design program in the country."

With the launch of Next Lives Here, the Cincinnati Innovation District, a $100 million JobsOhio investment, eight straight years of record enrollment, worldwide leadership in cooperative education, a dynamic academic health center and entry into the Big 12 athletic conference, UC's momentum has never been stronger. UC's annual budget tops $1.6 billion and its endowment totals $1.9 billion.

About the Department
UC Evaluation Services Center (UCESC) is seeking full-time Junior Research Associates to co-lead and/or assist with community-based evaluation projects that change lives and systems. UCESC's diverse team of specialists works collaboratively to meet the needs of local and national partners on 30+ projects annually. We value a supportive learning environment where each team member builds on their strengths and contributes to the overall success of the center. Team members apply equitable research methodologies for a wide variety of projects in the fields of education, human services, and public health, such as university STEM programs, afterschool programs, equity and inclusion, workforce training, and community-based mental health organizations.

UCESC has functioned as an independent service center within the College of Education, Criminal Justice, and Human Services (CECH) at the University of Cincinnati since 1996. CECH is committed to the pursuit of discovery and excellence in research, teaching, and service that addresses real-world challenges and opportunities to create positive social change. Our values include Innovation, Partnership, Diversity, Leadership and Support.

Job Overview
A Junior Research Associate in the Evaluation Services Center serves as a liaison with community-based partners to ensure that evaluation results are useful and represent the voices and perspectives of diverse stakeholders. Junior Research Associates support all phases of evaluation projects (e.g., project management, idea generation, instrument development, research design, data collection, data analysis, report and publication writing, and presentations).

Junior Research Associates participate as members of project teams and work collaboratively in a team environment to actively contribute to the Center's continuous improvement. Responsibilities also include working with graduate and undergraduate assistants as needed for project work.

Work Schedule:

• UCESC regular business hours are 8:30 a.m. - 5:30 p.m. Monday through Friday.
• The Junior Research Associate position has the potential for a hybrid telework schedule after the orientation period (minimum 60 days) is completed.
• The University of Cincinnati stipulates hybrid telework employees must be based in the tri-state region (Ohio, Indiana, or Kentucky).
• Our full-time staff with telework arrangements are required to report to the Victory Parkway Office at least two days per week, one day is designated to weekly in-person team meetings (currently Mondays).
• Additional in-person days may be required based on the needs of clients, required training, etc., even if scheduled during an employee's telecommuting day.

Based on the nature of this position and the available funding for this position, the university is unable to provide sponsorship for international work visas for this role.

Essential Functions

• Support center efforts to establish and grow community-based evaluation partnerships.
• Support team members in the design and application of participatory methods and equitable-evaluation practices that represent the voices and perspectives of diverse stakeholders.
• Co-lead and/or support multiple simultaneous evaluation projects, including project management, idea generation, literature reviews, project design, data collection, and data analysis.
• Contribute to the design of survey instruments, and interview and focus group protocols.
• Effectively communicate (written and verbally) complex processes, results, and/or project details especially for non-technical audiences and community members.
• Participate and/or lead meetings with clients and potential clients.
• Anticipate project challenges and actively participate in team problem solving.
• Work collaboratively within a team environment.
• Contribute to the team's continuous improvement and training efforts.
• Be accountable to project team lead for all tasks assigned and the timelines agreed upon by the team for the tasks.
• Perform related duties based on departmental need.
• Follow the American Evaluation Association's Guiding Principles for Evaluators (eval.org) as well as the Center's operational processes and procedures in carrying out tasks.
• Actively engage with students, including training and project guidance.
• This job description can be changed at any time.

Required Education
Bachelor's degree in an appropriate discipline (e.g., evaluation, education, statistics, data sciences, public health, psychology, or sociology).

Required Experience
Experience in related field, process or discipline.

Additional Qualifications Considered

• Demonstrated at least one year of experience working or volunteering with organizations (e.g., community groups, human services, or government programs) that focus on serving ethnically and culturally diverse populations.
• One (1) year of experience managing quantitative and/or qualitative data in either an academic or a community setting.
• Working knowledge of diversity, equity, inclusion, and/or social justice evaluation practices.
• Earned Master's degree by time of appointment in a related field (e.g., evaluation, education, statistics, data sciences, public health, psychology, or sociology).
• Applied program evaluation, measurement, and/or assessment experience.
• Experience with one or more analytical software platforms and packages such as SPSS, R, SAS, Qualtrics, Power BI, or MAXQDA.
• Knowledge of various quantitative, qualitative and/ or mixed methods, including evaluation and research designs.
• Ability to work independently and be flexible to changing priorities in a fast-paced environment.
• Excellent writing, editing, and proofreading skills.

Physical Requirements/Work Environment

• Sitting - Often

Application Process
Interested and qualified applicants must apply online at https://bit.ly/3n87UM5 and include the following:

• Cover letter.
• CV or resume.
• Professional references, minimum of three (3). Include contact information and title.

Compensation and Benefits
UC offers a wide array of complementary and affordable benefit options, to meet the financial, educational, health, and wellness needs of you and your family. Eligibility varies by position and FTE.

• Competitive salary range of $50,000 - $55,000 dependent on the candidate's education and experience.
• Comprehensive insurance plans including medical, dental, vision, and prescription coverage.
• Flexible spending accounts and an award-winning employee wellness program, plus an employee assistance program.
• Financial security via our life and long-term disability insurance, accident and illness insurance, and retirement savings plans.
• Generous paid time off work options including vacation, sick leave, annual holidays, and winter season days in addition to paid parental leave.
• Tuition remission is available for employees and their eligible dependents.
• Enjoy discounts for on and off-campus activities and services.

The University of Cincinnati, as a multi-national and culturally diverse university, is committed to providing an inclusive, equitable and diverse place of learning and employment. As part of a complete job application you will be asked to include a Contribution to Diversity and Inclusion statement.

As a UC employee, and an employee of an Ohio public institution, if hired you will not contribute to the federal Social Security system, other than contributions to Medicare. Instead, UC employees have the option to contribute to a state retirement plan (OPERS, STRS) or an alternative retirement plan (ARP).

The University of Cincinnati is an Affirmative Action / Equal Opportunity Employer / Minority / Female / Disability / Veteran.