Research Specialist

The School of Education and Human Development at the University of Virginia seeks applicants for a Research Specialist to support research projects led by faculty members affiliated with the EdPolicyWorks Center. EdPolicyWorks faculty conduct rigorous research on educational policy topics with the goal of supporting real world policy maker decision making. This role will assist with organizing data collection efforts, setting up and testing survey tools (i.e. Qualtrics), and project management. The Research Specialist would gain valuable insights into data collection and preparation for analyses. The preference is that the selected candidate will have an in-person or hybrid work schedule, but there is also an option for remote work.

Responsibilities

The Research Specialist will support data collection, analysis, and dissemination efforts in EdPolicyWorks . The ideal candidate will have exceptional attention to detail, a strong interest in education and/or social science research, familiarity with survey or data management in Stata or Excel, and the ability to work both independently and collaboratively with other team members. Strong communication and organizational skills are critical.

Responsibilities include:

• Assist with data collection efforts by locating and organizing publicly available data or policy information from various online sources.
  
• Support the development of project plans and timelines for data collection and resulting analyses.
  
• Assist faculty and senior project staff with the development of surveys by drafting items and conducting reviews of relevant instruments.
  
• Program and test electronic surveys using Qualtrics.
  
• Track and report survey response rates throughout data collection window using Stata and/or Excel.
  
• Communicate with survey respondents, including sending regular reminders, fielding questions via email/phone, and troubleshooting technical issues.
  
• Have the opportunity to contribute to other research efforts including drafting memos or policy briefs.
  

In addition to the above job responsibilities, other duties may be assigned.

Minimum Requirements
Education: Bachelor's degree in education, public policy, economics, sociology, psychology, political science, or a related field.

Preferred Qualifications

• Exceptional attention to detail and conscientiousness for accuracy in record-keeping
  
• Some social science research experience (coursework will be considered)
  
• Flexibility to work both independently with minimal supervision and cooperatively within an interdisciplinary team
  
• Demonstrated ability to interact in an effective, positive, and appropriate manner with diverse populations
  
• Experience with spreadsheets in Excel
  
• Excellent organizational skills and the ability to work across multiple projects at the same time while meeting regular deadlines
  
• Strong written, verbal, and interpersonal communication skills
  
• Experience supporting social science research and data collection
  
• Experience managing data and/or large-scale contact lists/participant information
  
• Demonstrated interest in education policy
  
• Experience programming online surveys using Qualtrics
  
• Experience with Stata
  

Physical Demands
This is primarily a sedentary job involving extensive use of desktop computers. The job does occasionally require traveling some distance to attend meetings, and programs. The preference is that the selected candidate will have an in-person or hybrid work schedule, but there is also an option for remote work.

Anticipated Hiring Range: $16.97-$25.46/hour with UVA benefits.

Application Instructions: Apply Now. Internal applicants must apply through their UVA Workday profile, search Find Jobs and then R0059484. Complete an application online and include the following documents:

• A CV/resume
  
• A cover letter is optional but strongly encouraged
  

All documents can be loaded into the resume submission field, multiple documents can be submitted into this one field. Incomplete applications will not be considered.

This is a restricted position. Continuation beyond a year is dependent upon the availability of funding and satisfactory performance. This position cannot offer sponsorship to applicants needing a visa.

For questions about the application process, please contact Margaret Weeks , Academic Recruiter. Before a formal offer of employment is extended, the selected candidate will undergo a background check per university policy.

The University of Virginia, i ncluding the UVA Health System which represents the UVA Medical Center, Schools of Medicine and Nursing, UVA Physician’s Group and the Claude Moore Health Sciences Library, are fundamentally committed to the diversity of our faculty and staff. We believe diversity is excellence expressing itself through every person's perspectives and lived experiences. We are equal opportunity and affirmative action employers. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to age, color, disability, gender identity or expression, marital status, national or ethnic origin, political affiliation, race, religion, sex (including pregnancy), sexual orientation, veteran status, and family medical or genetic information.