Research Associate 3

The Research Associate 3 will provide several major functions. These activities include: 1) Program Evaluation 2); Grant Writing and Expansion of Evaluation Activities; and 3) Research and Dissemination. This position demands a person with highly developed analytic skills who has the ability to solve complex, real-world problems, collect data from a variety of sources, manage large datasets, analyze statistical data, supervise others, and prepare research reports and findings. The Research Associate 3 must have the ability to make research- and evaluation-related decisions and judgments on a daily basis. Strong writing skills and the ability to work effectively in a team is essential. This position also requires a person with strong organizational skills who can work both within groups and independently, manage multiple projects simultaneously, and prioritize tasks, often in a fast-paced environment. This RA3 must have statistical knowledge, problem-solving and critical thinking skills, and the ability to communicate clearly, both in writing and verbally, to non-technical expert partners.

65% Program Evaluation Oversees evaluations and research projects through project completion, as well as in accordance with the local, state, federal regulations • Develops evaluation protocols that align with the project designs • Develops research designs, quantitative and qualitative methodology and instrumentation • Oversees design and management of project databases • Manages data collection, including administration of surveys and conducting interviews, focus groups and site observations • Maintains effective/positive working relationships with clients and stakeholders. • Conducts quantitative and qualitative data analysis • Ensures evaluation and research reports are completed and submitted to funders and stakeholder in a timely manner

15% Grant Writing and Expansion of Evaluation Activities • Develops evaluation- and research-oriented content in response to government, nonprofit, and foundation requests for proposals, ensuring alignment with the mission of SREC, CHSE, and LSU • Provides consistent, concurrent communication with College of Human Sciences and Education Office of Sponsored Research (CHSE-OSR) in the development of grant proposal narratives to facilitate the accurate and timely preparation of proposal budget(s) by CHSE-OSR for submission to the LSU Office of Sponsored Program • Develop and sustain clients who may use evaluation-related services (including grant proposal work) • Develops a menu of evaluation-related products and services to be provided to existing organizations

10% Research and Dissemination • Prepares and presents research findings to multiple audiences and stakeholders • Contributes to the writing and dissemination of research studies, including publishing in scholarly journals • Remains current on relevant professional standards, trends, and innovations, including participating in local, state, and national research conferences, trainings, and other professional events

10% Other duties as assigned on SREC projects which might include, but not limited to, program design and implementation, survey design and data collection and analysis

Minimum Qualifications: Master's degree with 2 years experience in Social Sciences (e.g., Social Work, Education, Psychology) or another relevant discipline

Preferred Qualifications: PhD in Social Sciences (e.g., Social Work, Education, Psychology) or another relevant discipline; Master’s degree in Social Sciences (e.g., Social Work, Education, Psychology) or another relevant discipline PLUS four years of relevant experience in social services or related field; experience managing research or evaluation projects; experience in grant writing and working on government funded projects; proficiency in Microsoft Office (Word and Excel) and ability to conduct statistical analysis using computer software (e.g., SPSS, STATA, R, SAS)

Preferred Certifications/Licenses: SQL, Python, Tableau, R

Background Check - An offer of employment is contingent on a satisfactory pre-employment background check.

Benefits - LSU offers outstanding benefits to eligible employees and their dependents including health, life, dental, and vision insurance; flexible spending accounts; retirement options; various leave options; paid holidays; wellness benefits; tuition exemption for qualified positions; training and development opportunities; employee discounts; and more!

Positions approved to work outside the State of Louisiana shall be employed through Louisiana State University’s partner, nextSource Workforce Solutions, for Employer of Record Services including but not limited to employment, benefits, payroll, and tax compliance. Positions employed through Employer of Record Services will be offered benefits and retirement as applicable through their provider and will not be eligible for State of Louisiana benefits and retirement.

All candidates must have valid U.S. work authorization at the time of hire and maintain that valid work authorization throughout employment. Changes in laws, regulations, or government policies may impact the university’s ability to employ individuals in certain positions.