Applied Research Associate
Job Description
The Applied Research Associate-Richmond is a restricted, full-time, calendar-year research faculty position reporting to the Manager of Applied Research-Richmond in the School of Public and International Affairs (SPIA) at Virginia Tech (VT). This position conducts applied research for public sector programs in a fast-paced academic setting. The ideal candidate collaborates on research design, collects research data, analyzes data, writes reports, and works with a broad spectrum of colleagues.
SPIA in partnership with the Institute for Policy and Governance (IPG) at VT seek a colleague who shares our vision of a learning community that is both compassionate and dedicated. We seek a research faculty colleague who can be both operational and strategic: a collaborator who rolls up their sleeves and gets their hands dirty, but works toward a shared vision. We seek a colleague who goes the extra mile in their commitments to teaching, learning, and research in support of our students and program participants. If you are curious, innovative, and solutions-oriented, then this position is right for you.
SPIA, IPG and the College of Liberal Arts and Human Sciences (CLAHS) are committed to increasing the diversity of our campus. We embrace diversity in multiple forms, including identity, background, theoretical and methodological orientations, and opinions. Candidates who have experience working with a diverse range of faculty, staff, and students, and who can contribute to the climate of inclusivity are encouraged to identify their experiences in these areas.
The position is located at the SPIA Richmond Location in the greater Richmond, VA, area and works alongside faculty, staff, students, and state agency partners.
Key responsibilities include:
Research
- Provides input into project development, but generally shared responsibility for research conceptualization or resource acquisition.
- Provides input into budget preparation, hiring decisions, expenditures in collaboration with senior faculty personnel.
- Provides limited oversight and coordination of support personnel.
- Conducts research under supervision using qualitative, quantitative, and/or mixed methods research designs appropriate to the field.
- Evaluates data, proposes alternatives, makes interpretations and assists in preparing reports.
- Provides instruction and facilitation in non-credit curricular offerings.
- May be called upon to participate in the advising and mentoring of graduate students, including serving on Master's theses and Ph.D. dissertation committees.
This individual will support the goals of the organization in four primary roles.
- Supporting the planning, organizing, and management of sponsored programs and initiatives in collaboration with the SPIA Richmond team.
- Designing research protocols, employing qualitative, quantitative, and mixed methods research designs, data collection and analysis.
- Support the creation and development of educational content for a wide range of public sector and non-profit audiences.
- Support the development of proposals and programs that address the needs in the public and non-profit sector
Required Qualifications
- Master's Degree or higher in public administration or related field.
- Ability to multitask and manage competing priorities effectively.
- Strong communication skills and the ability to work well with a variety of stakeholders are also important for this role.
- Ability to provide guidance and training to a wide variety of audiences
- Knowledge of quantitative and qualitative methods, research design, and an interest in advancing research skills.
- Proficiency with research and evaluation methods and tools.
- Strong analytical ability: must be able to collect, analyze, manipulate, interpret, report, and utilize research data.
- Demonstrated ability to manage research and technical assistance research including preparation and provision of deliverables.
- Familiarity with data visualization and infographics for sponsor reporting.
- Ability to generate clear, concise information and to vary writing styles to meet the needs of a variety of audiences.
- Able to maintain high levels of confidentiality, credibility, and professionalism.
Preferred Qualifications
- A background in project management or program coordination.
- Ability to use Microsoft Office, MS Teams, REDCap, SPSS, SAS, R and other software, depending on research needs (e.g., Atlas.ti, Kumu, Canva, etc.)
- Knowledge of public sector workforce development programs, services, techniques, and performance.
- Knowledge of adult learning theory and instructional design.
- Experience collaborating and maintaining relationships with external partners.
Appointment Type
Restricted
Salary Information
$77,000-$81,000
Review Date
November 27, 2023
Additional Information
The successful candidate will be required to have a criminal conviction check.
About Virginia Tech
Dedicated to its motto, Ut Prosim (That I May Serve), Virginia Tech pushes the boundaries of knowledge by taking a hands-on, transdisciplinary approach to preparing scholars to be leaders and problem-solvers. A comprehensive land-grant institution that enhances the quality of life in Virginia and throughout the world, Virginia Tech is an inclusive community dedicated to knowledge, discovery, and creativity. The university offers more than 280 majors to a diverse enrollment of more than 36,000 undergraduate, graduate, and professional students in eight undergraduate colleges, a school of medicine, a veterinary medicine college, Graduate School, and Honors College. The university has a significant presence across Virginia, including the Innovation Campus in Northern Virginia; the Health Sciences and Technology Campus in Roanoke; sites in Newport News and Richmond; and numerous Extension offices and research centers. A leading global research institution, Virginia Tech conducts more than $500 million in research annually.
Virginia Tech does not discriminate against employees, students, or applicants on the basis of age, color, disability, sex (including pregnancy), gender, gender identity, gender expression, genetic information, national origin, political affiliation, race, religion, sexual orientation, or military status, or otherwise discriminate against employees or applicants who inquire about, discuss, or disclose their compensation or the compensation of other employees or applicants, or on any other basis protected by law.
If you are an individual with a disability and desire an accommodation, please contact Heather Nolen at hnolen@vt.edu during regular business hours at least 10 business days prior to the event.
