Research Associate, Student Success, Support, and Engagement

Wayne State University is searching for an experienced Research Associate, Student Success, Support, and Engagement at its Detroit campus location.

Wayne State is a premier, public, urban research university located in the heart of Detroit, Michigan where students from all backgrounds are offered a rich, high-quality education. Our deep-rooted commitment to excellence, collaboration, integrity, diversity and inclusion creates exceptional educational opportunities which prepare students for success in a global society.

Essential functions (job duties):

Position Summary:

The research associate will play a critical role in student persistence and completion by conducting a comprehensive literature review of national best and promising practices aimed at narrowing disparities in achievement, retention, and graduation rates. The successful candidate will identify evidence-based strategies to reduce achievement gaps and collaborate with university stakeholders to deepen institutional analyses and inform the redesign of academic and student success initiatives. This is a full-time, two-year assignment.

Essential Functions:

• Conduct a systematic literature review of national and regional practices focused on narrowing disparities in achievement, retention, and graduation rates in higher education.
• Analyze and summarize findings from peer-reviewed journal articles, white papers, case studies, and institutional reports.
• Develop annotated bibliographies and detailed summaries of promising practices that can inform university-wide efforts to redesign academic support structures and course delivery.
• Collaborate with the Office for Institutional Research and Data Analytics to align literature findings with institutional data trends and needs.
• Assist in preparing reports, presentations, and recommendations for stakeholders, including faculty, staff, and administrators, to enhance retention and graduation efforts.
• Stay informed on emerging research and trends in evolving pedagogy, student retention strategies, and student success initiatives.
• Participate in project meetings to share research insights and provide updates on progress.

Qualifications:

• Ph.D. degree obtained no more than 4 years ago with a focus in education, sociology, public policy, or a related field preferred.
• Strong research skills, including experience conducting literature reviews and analyzing both qualitative and quantitative data.
• Knowledge of student success initiatives in higher education and strategies for narrowing disparities in achievement, retention, and graduation rates.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills, with the ability to present complex information clearly.
• Proficiency in research databases and tools (e.g., JSTOR, PubMed, Google Scholar).
• Ability to work independently, manage time effectively, and meet deadlines.

Preferred qualifications:

Experience with higher education quantitative data analysis and reporting. Previous experience supporting academic and/or student success initiatives.

School/College/Division:

H92 - VP Student Affairs

Primary department:

H9212 - Office of Academic Student Affairs (H9212)

Employment type:

• Regular Employee
• Job type: Full Time
• Job category: Research

Funding/salary information:

• Compensation type: Annual Salary
• Hourly rate:
• Salary minimum: TBD
• Salary hire maximum: TBD

Working conditions:

Office environment.

Job openings:

• Number of openings: 1
• Reposted position: No
• Reposted reason: None (New Requisition)
• Prior posting/requisition number:

Background check requirements:

University policy requires certain persons who are offered employment to undergo a background check, including a criminal history check, before starting work. If you are offered employment, the university will inform you if a background check is required.