Senior Research Analyst

UCLA Center for Labor Research and Education, Downtown Labor Center conducts research on labor and employment issues. The Labor Center’s initiatives serve workers, community organizers, policy makers, educators, labor leaders, students, and elected officials. Research topics include labor and workplace conditions, and the Center collaborates with community-based organizations, unions, government, policy institutes, and employers to develop innovative policy perspectives and programs. It also provides research and information on worker centers, unions, and the changing workforce for students, scholars, policymakers, and the public.

About the role

Working under the direction of the supervisor, the Project and Policy Analyst 2 will prioritize workflow and follow through on assignments with minimal direction. The Senior Research Analyst (SRA) will lead climate projects at the UCLA Labor Center, managing all aspects of the research process, including research design, workplan, methodology, instrument development, data collection, analysis, and reporting. The SRA will review professional literature, report on findings, collaborate with external partners, and expand the Labor Center’s research capacity through staff training. A strong commitment to research justice is essential.

Responsibilities

• Lead and manage climate projects at the UCLA Labor Center.
• Collaborate on all aspects of the research process, including research design, workplan, methodology, instrument development, data collection, analysis, and reporting.
• Review professional literature and report on findings related to topics of interest, including best practices.
• Collaborate with external partners to expand the Labor Center’s research capacity through staff training.
• Adhere to project timelines, liaise with partners, develop workplans, and manage fielding and data plans.
• Write and edit engaging, clear, and precise reports and articles for scholarly, policy, and popular audiences.
• Translate complex data and policy issues into easy-to-understand resources using "popular education" principles.
• Maintain privacy and confidentiality of participant information in accordance with University guidelines.

Requirements

• 5-7 years of related research experience participating in large research projects in a field relevant to labor and low-wage work. (Required)
• 5-7 years of experience in data analysis, economic development, public policy, urban planning, labor studies/labor relations, or law; or an equivalent combination of education and experience. (Required)
• Experience with multiple research and evaluation methods, including strong quantitative and qualitative research skills, cultural and racial equity program evaluation design, participatory data collection methods, and knowledge of Dedoose, SPSS, or other software programs. (Required)
• Organizational skills to work independently with minimal supervision, determine workload priorities, and resolve problems. (Required)
• Knowledge of California workforce development programs, labor movement, and social justice organizations. (Required)
• Project management and coordination experience. (Required)
• Interpersonal skills to interact sensitively and establish positive relationships with colleagues, students, community leaders, government officials, and workers from diverse backgrounds. (Required)
• Demonstrated ability to write and edit reports and articles for scholarly, policy, and popular audiences with strong attention to detail. (Required)
• Ability to work with a flexible schedule as dictated by operational needs. (Required)
• Must possess, upon hire, and maintain a valid CA noncommercial Class C driver’s license. (Required)
• Must live in Southern California, have reliable transportation, and be able to travel within California and the U.S. (20% travel required). (Required)
• Must be 18 years or older and pass a background check. (Required)

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in a related area and/or equivalent experience/training. (Required)
• Master’s degree in research management, designing and carrying out research and evaluation projects, and/or equivalent experience/training. (Preferred)
• Familiarity with Labor Center professional goals, objectives, programs, and constituency groups. (Preferred)

Pay

UCLA provides a full pay range. Actual salary offers consider factors including budget, prior experience, skills, knowledge, abilities, education, licensure, and certifications. Salary offers at the top of the range are not common.

Benefits

Benefits start on day one. Visit UC Benefit package and UC Total Compensation Estimator to explore total compensation value with benefits.

Schedule

8:00 AM – 5:00 PM. This is a union-covered position (RP-Research and Public Service).