Research Associate - RISE

About the role

The Research Institute on Social Equity (RISE), in the L. Douglas Wilder School of Government and Public Affairs, seeks a Research Associate with a strong background and interest in public policy and equity to work on equity-based research in public policy, addressing organizational, structural, and institutional issues adversely impacting marginalized communities.

Responsibilities

• Work with the project team to support research needs and development.
• Conduct literature reviews and prepare appropriate analysis.
• Conduct equity-based data analysis.
• Write monthly equity reports.
• Engage with marginalized communities to conduct observations and community events.
• Collect, analyze, interpret, and disseminate research findings.
• Manage and develop IRB applications and ensure that research is conducted to the highest ethical standards.
• Attend Institute related meetings with the Client.
• Provide updates to clients and draft proposals for new contracts with clients.
• Compose reports, publish findings, and present recommendations to various stakeholders.
• Present project findings and critical issues at national, state, and local conferences and meetings.
• Represent the Institute at local, state, and national public policy meetings.
• Translate research into external briefs and reports.
• Oversee study timelines and budgets, ensuring timely completion of research deliverables.
• Support hiring and recruitment for research, analysts, assistants, and/or interns as needed.
• Partner with leadership to ensure the team maintains an accurate working knowledge of the literature.
• May serve as a seasoned level researcher and act as a mentor to junior-level research student staff.
• May provide direct and/or indirect oversight of student staff.
• Perform related duties.

Qualifications

• Master’s Degree and three years of applied research work experience in public policy or social sciences, or an equivalent combination of professional skills and/or experience.
• Two to four years of experience in community or policy research, analysis, and writing.
• Demonstrated fluency in intersecting social identities and their interplay with public policy.
• Knowledge of analytical, theoretical, or equity frameworks.
• Knowledge of a variety of social science research methods and analytics.
• Data collection and data analysis skills.
• Experience in research study design, data management, and mixed-method data collection.
• Experience conducting systematic reviews.
• Excellent oral and written communication (e.g., manuscripts, conference and community presentations).
• Experience creating policy briefs, white papers, and policy ops.
• Ability to embrace change and organize and effectively manage multiple priorities and projects.
• Intermediate proficiency in social science statistical approach.
• Strong qualitative data analysis skills using software such as Dedoose or NVivo.
• Experience with quantitative data analysis software such as SPSS, STATA.
• Availability to work non-traditional hours during the weekend and some weeknights.
• Demonstrated ability to work in and foster an environment of respect, professionalism, and civility with a population of faculty, staff, and students from all backgrounds and experiences, or a commitment to do so as a staff member at VCU.

Benefits

All full-time university staff are eligible for VCU’s robust benefits package that includes comprehensive health benefits, paid annual and holiday leave, generous tuition benefits, retirement planning and savings options, tax-deferred annuity and cash match programs, employee discounts, well-being resources, abundant opportunities for career development and advancement, and more.