Job Description

Working/Functional Title

Social Science Research Assistant

Position Summary

Join our interdisciplinary research team at Michigan State University’s IMPART ALLIANCE Research and Development Division where we focus on research that helps with direct care worker recruitment, retention, and advancement. Our mission is to use this work to inform policy, programming and to improve the social welfare of DCWs and the individuals they support. We are seeking an experienced social science research assistant to contribute to quantitative research including the design, implementation and dissemination of research findings. Applicants should have experience with creating and facilitating larger-scale surveys using programs such as Qualtrics or Survey Monkey and analyzing data using SPSS, STATA or a similar software program. 

We are seeking a highly skilled and experienced Social Science Research Assistant III to contribute to a range of quantitative research projects. This position will involve the design, implementation, and dissemination of research findings, particularly focused on direct care workers and the clients they serve. Key responsibilities include:

• Designing and conducting quantitative research in the social and behavioral sciences, focusing on direct care workers and the clients they serve.
• Developing and facilitating larger-scale surveys using programs such as Qualtrics or Survey Monkey to gather meaningful data.
• Performing advanced statistical data analysis using SPSS, STATA, or similar software programs to analyze and interpret research findings.
• Writing comprehensive research reports, presenting findings to research teams, and communicating results to various stakeholders, including academic, policy, and community audiences.
• Designing and conducting comparative analyses across diverse social contexts to evaluate the effectiveness of different interventions.
• Assisting in the development of long-term research goals and planning the logistics for short-term research activities.
• Gathering and analyzing statistical data to support reports, publications, and ongoing research projects.
• Developing and implementing techniques for data collection and analysis to ensure the integrity and accuracy of research findings.
• Overseeing and participating in field research activities to ensure high standards of quality and efficiency.

This role requires a high level of attention to detail and the ability to work independently and collaboratively. Errors in data analysis or research execution may lead to inaccurate conclusions and recommendations, potentially damaging the credibility of the Department, University, and associated research funding.

Minimum Requirements

Knowledge equivalent to that which normally would be acquired by completing a four-year college degree program such as Social Work, Sociology, Geography or related science field ; three to five years of related and progressively more responsible or expansive work experience in overseeing research projects and laboratory operations, operating and maintaining a variety of laboratory equipment, performing specialized and difficult analytical and research techniques, and designing research experiments in an area related to research being performed; or an equivalent combination of education and experience.

Desired Qualifications

Proven experience in designing and executing quantitative research projects. Proficiency in quantitative data analysis techniques and software (e.g., SPSS, Stata). Strong report-writing skills with an ability to communicate complex findings clearly. Experience in comparative analysis and an understanding of diverse social and cultural contexts. Ability to work collaboratively in a multidisciplinary team environment. Excellent organizational and project management skills. Some experience with grant writing in preferred. An interest in aging/older adults considered a bonus

Equal Employment Opportunity Statement

All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, citizenship, age, disability or protected veteran status.

Required Application Materials

Cover letter, resume and three professional references. 

Work Hours

STANDARD 8-5

Description of End Date

This is an off-dated position funded for 9 months from date of hire with possible extension contingent upon funding renewal.

Website

Remote Work Statement

MSU strives to provide a flexible work environment and this position has been designated as remote-friendly. Remote-friendly means some or all of the duties can be performed remotely as mutually agreed upon.

The Bidding Eligibility ends on 04/01/2025 at 11:55 PM

About Michigan State University

Spartans work every day to advance the common good in uncommon ways.Together, we tackle some of the world?s toughest problems to find solutions that make life better?from alternative energy to better food safety to breakthrough medical and environmental applications achieved through rare isotope research.We teach. We explore and we discover. We collaborate and lead. We innovate, inspire, and empower. We achieve our potential and create circumstances that help our students and others achieve theirs.We're good at it, and we've been at it for more than 150 years.The nation?s pioneer land-grant university, MSU began as a bold experiment that democratized higher education and helped bring science and innovation into everyday life. The revolutionary concept became a model for the nation.Today, MSU is one of the top research universities in the world?on one of the biggest, greenest campuses in the nation. Home to nationally ranked and recognized academic, residential college, and service-learning programs, we?re a diverse community of dedicated students and scholars, athletes and artists, scientists and leaders.In ways both practical and profound, we work to create a stronger, more sustainable, and more hopeful future for all.

Connections working at Michigan State University

Job Tags

Temporary work, Work experience placement, Flexible hours,

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