Job Description

Special Instructions to Applicants: All interested applicants should attach a cover letter and a resume in the Supporting Documents section of the application. We suggest the documents be in a PDF format to avoid formatting issues. To be considered for this position, all supplemental questions must be answered.

Position Summary

The Kinder Institute for Urban Research (KIUR) at Rice University is seeking a full-time Researcher with expertise in quantitative and qualitative research who can design, plan, implement, and conduct complex and specialized research projects. The Researcher is involved in multiple research projects at a time and employs a research-practice partnership framework to work closely with community organizations in the areas of economic mobility, education, community health, housing, and transportation. In addition to conducting rigorous and sophisticated research, they also effectively translate research findings for broad and varied audiences utilizing a portfolio of research products to communicate findings, including (but not limited to) research briefs and papers, presentations, webinars, video recordings, data dashboards, and professional conferences. Researchers supervise and train small research teams and work in cooperation with our staff grant writers to pursue external research grants.

The Kinder Institute for Urban Research is an interdisciplinary research organization that works in direct partnership with community agencies and organizations that use its research, data, and policy analysis to implement solutions to critical challenges facing the Houston region. The institute aims to improve lives through data, research, engagement, and action. It consists of (and is developing) five centers that conduct research on housing , education , public health , economic mobility , and population dynamics . Centers conduct research that focuses on their particular topics, as well as research that intersects across centers, through interdisciplinary teams that specialize in solutions-oriented, community-engaged research called research-practice partnerships ( RPPs ).

Ideal candidates thrive in a team environment, actively collaborate, and inspire those around them. They possess strong scientific and numerical skills, with a keen eye for detail and a commitment to precision.

Workplace Requirements

This position is offered as a hybrid role, combining both in-office and remote work to provide flexibility and support collaboration. The work schedule (3/2) within Harris County and surrounding counties. Occasional travel and Evening and/or weekend work as needed. Per Rice policy 440 , work arrangements may be subject to change.

This is a full-time, benefits-eligible position, and the proposed salary range is $82,000 to $85,000 annually , depending on qualifications and experience. *Exempt (salaried) positions under FLSA are not eligible for overtime.

Minimum Requirements

• Bachelor's degree (or foreign equivalent) in sociology, economics, other social science, public health, or related field and completion of a University-level course, thesis, dissertation
• Four years of experience in the following:
  • Data maintenance and analysis;
  • Maintaining quality control standards;
  • Quantitative methodology; and
  • Stata, SAS, or R.
  • In lieu of the education/experience requirement, additional related education and/or experience, above and beyond what is required, may be substituted on an equivalent year-for-year basis.
• Skills
  • Knowledge of software statistical packages such as Stata, SAS, R, or HLM
  • Proficiency in statistical analysis, data interpretation, and critical thinking to extract meaningful insights from complex datasets.
  • Strong understanding of research methodologies, including qualitative and quantitative approaches, survey design, and experimental techniques.
  • Ability to collect, organize, and manage large datasets efficiently while maintaining data integrity and confidentiality.
  • Excellent written and verbal communication skills to articulate research findings effectively through comprehensive reports, presentations, and other mediums
  • Capability to manage multiple research projects simultaneously, including planning, coordination, and timely execution while ensuring adherence to deadlines and budget constraints.
  • Ability to work collaboratively with interdisciplinary teams, stakeholders, and external partners to achieve research objectives and foster a collaborative work environment

Preferences

• PhD with a minimum of 2 years of relevant experience in partnership research
• Experience developing and managing research projects, managing data and conducting quantitative and qualitative analyses, such as multilevel modeling, causal modeling, quasi-experimental methods, survey design, and interviews
• Mission-driven with a passion for social justice and advancing equity
• Experience as a Research Assistant as part of the Ph.D. training
• Able to conduct and lead quantitative, qualitative, or mixed methods research
• Able to oversee various research projects while managing and mentoring other research staff
• Able to interact effectively with internal and external stakeholders
• Adaptable to change and able to think creatively to address issues
• Able to work well with many people and many personalities

Essential Functions

• Designs, plans, implements, and conducts independent and team-based research studies and specialized research projects
• Effectively communicates and translates research findings for a variety of audiences utilizing a portfolio of research products, such as research briefs and papers, presentations, and data dashboards
• Communicates and builds relationships with community organizations and stakeholders, providing unparalleled expertise in research methodologies and data analysis.
• Provides strategic insights and recommendations based on research findings to support our community partners' decision-making processes
• Mentors, supervises, and trains researchers by including them in ongoing research in a meaningful manner
• Leads and develops research studies from start to finish, including managing a research team
• Seeks new research grant opportunities
• Stays updated on emerging trends, methodologies, and best practices in research and data analysis to enhance skills, improve processes, and contribute to organizational growth and innovation.
• Innovate methodologies and frameworks to optimize data acquisition and analysis processes.
• Conducts comprehensive gathering, interpretation, and analysis of intricate datasets sourced from diverse channels.
• Crafts detailed and comprehensive reports summarizing research findings, methodologies, and implications in a clear and concise manner suitable for various audiences, including stakeholders, executives, and decision-makers.
• Utilizes advanced statistical and analytical tools to extract actionable insights and forecast trends.
• Develops sophisticated predictive models based on rigorous data analysis.
• Produces detailed reports, succinct summaries, and impactful presentations elucidating research discoveries.
• Performs all other duties as assigned

Rice University HR | Benefits:

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Rice University is an Equal Opportunity Employer committed to diversity at all levels and considers for employment qualified applicants without regard to race, color, religion, age, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national or ethnic origin, genetic information, disability, or protected veteran status.

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