Research Assistant I

  • Full-time

Company Description

EDC is one of the world’s leading nonprofit research and development firms.  EDC designs, implements, and evaluates programs to improve education, health, and economic opportunity worldwide. Collaborating with both public and private partners, we strive for a world where all people are empowered to live healthy, productive lives.

EDC has a commitment to promoting equity and access to high quality education and health services that contribute to thriving communities where people from diverse backgrounds learn, live, and work together. EDC expresses its commitment to increasing equity through its strategies, services and products, which contribute to building capacity and transforming lives.

EDC is committed to diversity and inclusion in the workplace.

Job Description

The Health Promotion, Practice, and Innovation Portfolio in the U.S. Division has an opening for a Research Assistant (I), reporting to the Senior Project Director in Waltham, Massachusetts.

The Research Assistant (I) will be working primarily on two projects. The MetroWest Adolescent Health Survey (MWAHS) is a regional census survey of more than 40,000 youth which is administered biennially to monitor trends in adolescent health and risk behaviors and address emerging adolescent health issues in 25 communities west of Boston. The data is used by schools and communities to inform local policies, programs, and practices to improve adolescent health and wellness. The Research Assistant (I) will be coordinating the fall 2020 survey administration, analyzing data, and contributing to the production of school- and regional-level data reports. Additionally, the Research Assistant (I) will have the opportunity to contribute to conference presentations and manuscripts utilizing the data to inform the fields of adolescent and school health.

The Research Assistant (I) will also support a project to develop a series of online training products for health care practitioners serving populations disproportionately affected by HIV/AIDS. The Research Assistant (I) will conduct literature reviews and background research, coordinate course design needs, and assist in the development of various course elements.

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS

The person in this position is expected to communicate clearly and courteously; to develop and maintain positive relationships with clients, consultants, collaborators, co-workers, field sites, and funders; and to work respectfully with EDC colleagues. The job requires adherence to EDC policies & procedures.

Under management oversight, the Research Assistant (I) provides support to qualitative &/or quantitative investigation efforts, including:

  • Coordination of survey administration in more than 50 middle and high schools, including communicating with school personnel and arranging logistics
  • Developing and formatting student surveys
  • Analyzing quantitative data using SPSS
  • Drafting report templates and producing customized school and regional data reports
  • Providing technical assistance to school districts to maximize data utilization at the local level
  • Disseminating data through supplemental reports, infographics, and other types of communications
  • Conducting literature reviews
  • Supporting development and proposal work
  • Coordinate development of course elements, including graphic design, photos, and videos

The Research Assistant (I)

  • Coordinates data collection
  • Facilitates project teamwork; seeks and utilizes feedback
  • Assists with quality assurance
  • Leads assigned administrative tasks
  • Provides logistical support

Qualifications

This position requires educational achievement; excellent writing skills; strong quantitative analysis skills, demonstrable initiative, creativity, and flexibility; ability to work independently and effectively in groups; ability to multi-task and prioritize; and strong interpersonal and organizational skills. Specific requirements:

  • Bachelor’s degree or equivalent combination of education & experience
  • Master’s degree or equivalent combination of training & education in a related field preferred
  • 2–4 years related research, education or administrative coordination, requiring experience with Excel, SPSS (or comparable statistical package), and Internet research
  • Experience with Qualtrics or other online survey program preferred
  • Spanish and/or Portuguese language skills preferred

Additional Information

All your information will be kept confidential according to EEO guidelines.

Candidates are asked to submit a cover letter in addition to a resume, explaining why this position is a good fit for their skills and experience.