Research Associate Quantitative Analysis

WestEd is a community of over 1,400 researchers, practitioners, consultants, and administrative professionals dedicated to making a qualitative difference in the lives of youth, children, and adults. We conduct and apply research, develop evidence-based solutions, and provide consulting services across the U.S. in both rural and urban communities to improve equitable outcomes for individuals from infancy through adulthood. As trusted partners in education, health, and justice, our teams enhance capacity within communities and school districts by prioritizing impact through customized methodologies, relevant tools, and best practices tailored to diverse stakeholder needs.

About the role

The Research Associate – Quantitative Analysis contributes to research and evaluation projects with an emphasis on quantitative methods. Core activities include developing data collection instruments and research designs; cleaning, managing, and analyzing quantitative data using statistical techniques (e.g., regression-based methods, multilevel modeling, or quasi-experimental designs); writing and presenting sections of reports and research summaries; and presenting results directly to clients in partnership with project leads. This role requires moderate subject-matter expertise as a quantitative methodologist, with a preferred focus on ELA and math outcomes, academic transitions, and post-secondary outcomes (matriculation, retention, and graduation).

Many roles at WestEd allow employees to choose remote work for their own convenience, depending on the requirements of the position or project.

Responsibilities

• Design and administer surveys and other quantitative research instruments independently, with quality review from project leads.
• Apply quantitative research designs, including correlational and quasi-experimental approaches, in consultation with project leads.
• Conduct data cleaning, coding, and statistical analyses involving multiple variables using software such as Stata, SPSS, R, and/or NVivo.
• Build and administer surveys and data collection instruments using Qualtrics; develop data visualizations and dashboards using Tableau.
• Facilitate focus groups and other qualitative data collection activities as needed to support project deliverables.
• Write up and present sections of research reports, including presentation of statistical results.
• Organize and track research tasks, timelines, and supporting documentation.
• Support meeting, webinar, and workshop planning and facilitation for education partners.
• Navigate cross-functionally with internal teams (e.g., Finance, Communications, Instructional Design) to advance project deliverables.
• Provide documented feedback and informal mentoring to project team members on specific projects and tasks.
• Contribute to proposal development under supervision and support business development activities under close supervision.
• Contribute to writing articles and preparing presentations of research results for internal and external audiences.
• Support the development of thematic summaries and distilled insights from site visits and other data collection activities.
• Build relationships with practitioners at K-12 institutions, non-profit organizations, and other researchers.
• Contribute to building WestEd’s eminence and visibility in a subject-matter area (e.g., presenting at conferences, writing blogs).

Qualifications

• Master’s degree in education, economics, statistics, or a related quantitative social science field, and a minimum of 1–3 years of relevant research experience.
• Strong foundation in quantitative research design and statistical analysis, including experience with methods such as regression analysis, multilevel modeling, or quasi-experimental design.
• Working familiarity with statistical and analysis software such as Stata, SPSS, R, and/or NVivo, as well as Qualtrics for survey administration and Tableau for data visualization.
• Experience with survey design and data collection instrument development.
• Content-area focus in ELA and math outcomes, academic transitions, and/or postsecondary outcomes (matriculation, retention, and graduation) is strongly preferred.
• Ability to work under low supervision while independently defining methodology and managing day-to-day research and analysis tasks.
• Strong organizational skills, attention to detail, and time management.
• Excellent verbal and written communication skills, including the ability to draft sections of research reports and present statistical findings clearly.
• Demonstrated ability to work collaboratively in a team and to interact regularly with external clients and partners in partnership with the project lead.
• Ability to anticipate problems and generate solutions based on precedent.
• Commitment to educational equity for Black, Latinx, Indigenous, and other historically underserved communities.

Skills

• Mastery of WestEd’s technology, systems, and procedures.
• Established knowledge of one’s own team/division sufficient to help others access resources and support.
• Comfort with fast-paced, quick-turnaround projects and shifting timelines.
• Experience presenting research results to clients and stakeholders.

Visa sponsorship is not available for this position. Candidates must be authorized to work in the United States. WestEd conducts a criminal background check and education verification for all new hires; offers are contingent on a clear background check in accordance with applicable law.

Pay

The full salary range for this position is $92,000 to $143,000. The typical hiring range is $92,000 to $115,000, with actual offers considering factors such as education, experience, and internal equity.

Benefits

• 15% contribution toward retirement effective on day 1 of employment (immediately 100% vested).
• Pre-tax Flexible Spending Accounts and Health Savings Account option.
• All health/welfare benefits effective the first of the month following the hire date.
• 19 days of PTO (increases to 21 days beginning the third year of employment), plus 12 paid holidays.
• Life insurance valued at 3x gross salary (max of $500,000).
• Opportunities for annual merit-based performance increases and annual incentives.
• Professional development opportunities and mentorship program.