Senior Research Associate - Qualitative

Responsibilities

• Provide intellectual and applied expertise across multi-PI research projects;
• Design and lead qualitative data collection, including interviews, case studies, site visits, and document analysis across multiple institutional sites;
• Develop and refine data collection instruments, protocols, and field guides appropriate to diverse institutional contexts;
• Maintain and manage qualitative data systems, including codebooks, analytical memos, and documentation of analytical decisions;
• Cook up secure data transfers and compliance across states and data providers;
• Serve as senior liaison with stakeholders, including colleges, universities, state agencies, and community partners;
• Lead regular cross-site meetings to align stakeholders;
• Oversee IRB protocols, data transfer agreements, and compliance monitoring across multiple institutions and jurisdictions;
• Develop and present research results in the form of peer-reviewed manuscripts, technical reports, briefs, and presentations for both academic and practitioner audiences;
• Mentor, train, and supervise research staff and graduate assistants in qualitative methods and writing;
• Other research-related activities as assigned by the Lab Director.

Requirements

• PhD in education or a related social science field, or comparable professional experience demonstrating equivalent expertise;
• 5+ years of post-graduate experience leading qualitative research, including research design, data collection, data analysis, and reporting;
• Advanced proficiency with qualitative data analysis software (e.g., NVivo, Dedoose, Atlas.ti, MAXQDA, or equivalent); and working knowledge of Excel;
• A strong collaborative publication record, including peer-reviewed first-author work;
• Demonstrated experience leading multi-site and multi-stakeholder research projects, including those with multiple types of data;
• Advanced experience with design and integration of qualitative and quantitative research;
• Commitment to educational equity and justice, particularly for communities impacted by the criminal legal system;
• Excellent project management skills, including coordinating logistics, maintaining timelines, and communicating across diverse teams;
• Proven ability to work collaboratively;
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills, including the ability to write for both academic and public audiences.

Qualifications

• Familiarity with institutional, state, and federal postsecondary education data systems;
• Ability to relocate to Salt Lake City, UT.