Research Assistant II

  • 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 (HPPI) in the U.S. Division has an opening for a Research Assistant (II), reporting to the Project Director for Social and Emotional Learning (SEL) in Waltham, Massachusetts. The location of the position is flexible but residence in the Northeast region of the United States (including New York) is preferred.

The HPPI portfolio includes a range of projects that aim to promote social and emotional wellbeing, promote mental and behavioral health, and to prevent risky behaviors such as substance misuse, violence, and suicide. Our project beneficiaries range from state agencies (e.g., state departments of public health and education), community-based organizations, and school districts. Our funders include federal agencies, state agencies, foundations, community-based organizations, and school districts. Our work includes trainings and professional development opportunities, technical assistance and consultation, and research and evaluation. The Research Assistant (II) will work primarily on evaluation-related projects.

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 guidance, the Research Assistant (II) provides support to qualitative &/or quantitative investigation efforts, including:

  • Supporting the design and planning of research and evaluation projects along with colleagues and clients
  • Drafting and revising evaluation related documents such as logic models and evaluation reports
  • Developing data collection tools such as surveys, as well as using survey tools such as Qualtrics to collect data
  • Maintaining and managing data sets through SPSS and/or excel
  • Supporting the development of Institutional Review Board (IRB) protocols, as well as follow protocols to protect human subjects
  • Providing technical assistance to clients related to evaluation activities
  • Supporting portfolio’s business development efforts including identifying funding opportunities, drafting sections of proposals, and providing administrative support

The Research Assistant (II)

  • Coordinates data collection
  • Facilitates project teamwork; engages collaboratively in feedback
  • Leads specific administrative tasks
  • Assists with quality assurance
  • Provides logistical support
  • May coordinate sections of projects
  • May train junior staff; may provide direction to support staff
  • 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 or equivalent combination of education & experience
  • Master’s degree or equivalent combination of training & education in a related field such as, social science or public health, early childhood services, education, or organizational development, preferred
  • 3–5 years related research, education or administrative coordination, requiring experience with computer applications (including databases) and Internet research
  • Experience with Qualtrics or other online survey program preferred

Additional Information

Applications should be submitted directly via our website (www.edc.org/careers-edc). Applicants are required to submit both a cover letter and a resume. Applicants are advised to combine their cover letter and resume into a single file for submission. The cover letter should be a succinct statement of interest to include highlights of relevant qualifications and experience for the role desired, and should not exceed two pages. The resume should not exceed five pages. Applications without requested items will not be considered. Candidates selected for an interview may be asked to provide writing samples and/or participate in exercises to demonstrate skills and experience as part of the interview process. 

As an EOE/AA employer, EDC does not discriminate in its employment practices due to an applicant’s race, color, religion, sex, national origin, and veteran or disability status. EDC is a smoke-free workplace.