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.

Job Description

The School Improvement Portfolio has an opening for a full or part time Research Assistant in Waltham, Chicago, or as a telecommuter.  The Research Assistant will report to a Senior Research Associate.

EDC provides expertise in designing and conducting research and evaluation. We also provide technical support related to data and evidence use and apply evidence to inform policies on a wide range of issues including school-based, community-based, and out-of-school time educational programs. We are devoted to supporting people from communities and contexts with persistent, systemic opportunity gaps. We are looking for candidates who share EDC’s commitment to equity, diversity, and inclusion and who understand the importance of cultural responsiveness in today’s educational context. Candidates with lived experience of marginalized populations are encouraged to apply.

The Research Assistant will primarily provide primarily quantitative and some qualitative analytic, data management, and administrative support to health and informal and formal education projects.  The Research Assistant may provide support on a range of other research, evaluation, and technical support and training projects focused on the design and implementation of both school- and community-based educational and health initiatives.

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 primarily quantitative quantitative investigation efforts, and some qualitative, including:

  • preparing brief literature reviews for inclusion in proposals and reports
  • compiling reference lists and citations in proper citation and format styles
  • research & analysis, using independent judgment in consultation
  • conducting data collection and analysis, including interviews and observations
  • conducting simple quantitative analyses using statistical software
  • recruiting participants
  • collecting, entering, preparing, and cleaning data
  • conducting preliminary analyses
  • creating charts, tables, and figures based on results
  • drafting and revising documents
  • preparing preliminary recommendations based on research findings
  • supporting development and proposal work
  • assisting with Institutional Review Board applications
  • preparing data sharing agreements
  • assisting with writing, editing materials
  • assisting with developing presentations
  • assisting with fieldwork

The Research Assistant (I)

  • Leads assigned administrative tasks
  • Facilitates project teamwork; seeks and utilizes feedback
  • Assists with quality assurance
  • Provides logistical support
  • Communicates and coordinates with clients and external stakeholders
  • May be expected to travel

Qualifications

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

  • Bachelor’s degree
  • Up to 2+ years related research, education or administrative coordination, requiring experience with computer applications (including databases) and Internet research
  • Experience with quantitative and/or qualitative research and evaluation methods
  • Familiarity with statistical software, such as SPSS or STATA, preferred
  • Experience working with behavioral health service providers and agencies, preferred
  • Proficiency in MS Excel and other MS Office applications
  • Experience with online survey software, such as SurveyMonkey or Qualtrics
  • Full fluency in English, native or near native fluency in Spanish a benefit

Additional Information

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

EDC is an Affirmative Action/Equal Opportunity Employer committed to enhancing the diversity of its workforce and ensuring an equitable and highly inclusive work environment. EDC is a smoke-free workplace, and offers a supportive work environment, competitive salary, and excellent benefits. Women, minorities, individuals with disabilities and veterans are encouraged to apply.