The Research Institute on Social Equity (RISE) in the VCU L. Douglas Wilder School of Government and Public Affairs welcomes applications for a Research Assistant. RISE seeks an experienced and qualified Research Assistant to advance its research agenda and work closely with senior researchers, project managers, and other staff and students on equity-based research in the area of public policy, health, organizational, structural, and institutional issues adversely impacting marginalized communities. The Research Assistant will contribute to multiple aspects of the research process, including design and creation, recruiting, scheduling, data collection, coding, analysis, and training and supervising undergraduate researchers. Their primary responsibility is to support and co-lead various research projects that the Institute is working on. This position is for a 12-month period with the option to renew contingent upon performance and available funds.

The Research Assistant will also perform various research activities on short and long-term research projects that focus on a variety of educational, environmental, health, and social equity topics, including systematic literature reviews, research study design and setup (e.g., IRB preparation, theoretical framework), data management, qualitative and quantitative data collection and analyses, data cleaning, transcription, preparation, dissemination of finding, and co-authoring manuscripts, book chapters, and policy briefs. Additionally, the Research Assistant will co-manage multiple, diverse research projects, engage with co-collaborators, clients, and community members in conjunction with principal investigators; perform and/or supervise some data analysis activities for projects; mentor RISE graduate and undergraduate students; co-present at conference and community presentations; efficiently use project resources to meet project goals and objectives, and other duties as assigned.

The Wilder School's mission is to:

·Engage, teach and inspire students and leaders to understand and solve challenges in our world.

·Advance research that informs public policy and decision-making to improve our communities.

·Collaborate with communities through innovative partnerships to enhance the quality of life.

The Wilder School's vision is to be the premier resource for public policy expertise and social equity in public safety, governance, and economic and community development. The 2022 U.S. News and World Report rankings confirm the Wilder School among the top 15% of graduate schools of public affairs at No. 38 and tied for No.1 in Virginia. The School is also ranked No. 19 in Social Policy, No. 28 in Urban Policy, and No. 34 in Public Management and Leadership. The Wilder School has over 1,500 students and more than 11,000 alumni, with an established environment where diverse perspectives thrive and where a common interest in public service and the betterment of society unites these perspectives together. Our academic excellence attracts the highest quality faculty, staff, and students, and our graduates are leaders in their professions.

Our location in Richmond, the capital of the Commonwealth of Virginia, combined with our proximity to Washington, DC, provides numerous opportunities for engaged scholarship, teaching and community engagement activities. A creative, interdisciplinary School with both academic programs and training/research centers in the social sciences and professional arenas, we reflect the diversity of the communities we serve, providing students and faculty with the knowledge, skills, opportunities, and experience necessary for success.

For additional information about the Wilder School, please visit our website at https://wilder.vcu.edu/.

Minimum Hiring Standards:

- Bachelor’s degree, or an equivalent combination or education, training, or experience.

- Documented experience in equity-focused research and fluency in intersecting social identities and their interplay with public policy. 

- Experience with quantitative research processes, principles, and design.

- Experience with SPSS (i.e., data cleaning with syntax, running descriptive and inferential statistics and multiple regressions), data entry and management with Qualtrics and/or REDcap (or an equivalent), and Microsoft applications (i.e., ACCESS, Excel, Word).

- Experience with Dedoose and/or NVivo qualitative software as well as qualitative interview facilitation, coding, and transcribing is required.

- Knowledge and experience pulling data from national data sources (i.e., Census, ACS) and conducting systematic reviews.

- Experienced with creating and writing research proposals, brief reports, and executive summaries as well as conference and/or community presentations.

- Proven ability to be analytical, critical thinker, and detail oriented.

- Ability to demonstrate strong oral, written, and interpersonal communication skills.

- Ability to work in a fast-paced, non-hierarchical atmosphere, along with the flexibility of task changes, and adhere to direct time constraints.

- Demonstrated experience working in and fostering a diverse faculty, staff, and student environment or commitment to do so at VCU. 

- Must be able to work non-traditional hours.

Preferred Hiring Standards:

- Master’s degree in social science or related field.

- At least two years of full-time experience in a social research position at a college or university.

- Specialized knowledge of social equity concerns (e.g., education, environmental, environmental justice, mitigation, and adaptation, health, sexual health, maternal health, housing, emergency management, persons with disabilities, and education).

- Experience creating infographics, including charts and graphs.

- Experience with quantitative data analysis software such as MPlus, R studio, and qualitative data analysis software such as ArcGIS.

- Knowledge of psychological, equity research, theoretical frameworks, and social science research methods.

- Experience and knowledge and experience with the IRB process and procedures.

- Experience co-authoring manuscripts, brief reports, policy briefs and/or white papers, presenting and disseminating research findings, and intermediate proficiency in social science statistical approach.

Typical Physical and Cognitive Requirements:

Physical Demands and Activities (Essential):

- Light lifting (<20 lbs.)

- Pushing/pulling

- Standing

- Sitting

Emotional Demands (Essential):

- Fast pace/Average pace

- Multiple stimuli

- Frequent change

- Intense customer interaction

Mental/Sensory Demands (Essential):

- Memory

- Reading

- Reasoning

- Hearing

- Logic

- Analyzing

- Verbal communication

- Written Communication

Application Submission/Other Information:

All applications should include a cover letter and a detailed resume with the names and contact information of three professional references. 

Review of applications will begin immediately and continue until the position is filled.

“Virginia Commonwealth University is an equal opportunity, affirmative action university providing access to education and employment without regard to race, color, religion, national origin, age, sex, political affiliation, veteran status, genetic information, sexual orientation, gender identity, gender expression, or disability”.

Salary Range: $45,000 - $55,000

Position Details:

Department: L. Douglas Wilder School of Government and Public Affairs, RISE
Employment Type: UF - University Employee FT
Restricted Status: Yes
FTE: 100
Exemption Status: Non-Exempt

University Job Title: Research Coordinator 2 (34062)

Contact Information:

Contact Name: Jennifer Reid

Contact Email: jguyre@vcu.edu

Contact Phone: 804-827-0459