Research Associate II

  • Full-time

Company Description

ABOUT EDUCATION DEVELOPMENT CENTER (EDC)

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’s approach to equity, diversity, and inclusion is grounded in EDC’s commitment to respect the dignity of each individual. EDC promotes 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, building capacity and transforming lives.

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, flexible working arrangements, and excellent benefits.

ABOUT CCT

Based in New York City, the Center for Children and Technology (CCT) is one of EDC’s research and development centers. Founded in 1980 at Bank Street School of Education, CCT investigates how technology can enhance equitable access to teaching and learning across a wide range of educational settings. CCT conducts basic, applied, causal, and formative research, working in collaboration with educational, corporate, government, and research institutions, as well as communities. CCT also designs and develops prototype software and instructional resources that support engaged, active learning for underserved communities. CCT offers a dynamic and highly collaborative work environment that seeks to answer challenging practical as well as theoretical questions about teaching and learning, and is centered on teachers, students, families, and communities, and the tools that can help create successful learning environments.

EDC is committed to diversity and inclusion in the workplace. All whose education or experience qualifies them for this position are encouraged to apply. CCT strives to listen to, include, honor, and respect new and diverse approaches to our work.

Job Description

We are seeking a full-time researcher to work on one or more projects. The primary project evaluates the efficacy of a digital game and curriculum, Mission US, in improving middle school students’ history knowledge, skills, and motivation. The position is ideal for an individual with research expertise, a knowledge of history, social studies, or civics instruction, and sensitivity to issues of race in teaching US history. A second project investigates how embedding educational content in a television series (telenovelas) influences Spanish-speaking caregivers’ informal science attitudes and practices. For both projects, interest in the roles of technology and media in supporting learning is also valuable. Experience working with educators and school administrators, and with quantitative or mixed methods and analyses is also preferred.

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, research participants, and funders; and to work respectfully with EDC colleagues. The job requires adherence to EDC policies and procedures.

 

The Research Associate (II) independently provides support to multiple complex quantitative, qualitative, and mixed methods investigation efforts. Tasks include:

  • Contributing to multiple aspects of research study design through:
  • Contributing and facilitating new and/or innovative perspectives
  • Reviewing current literature on study design, assessment approaches, and instrument development
  • Research & analysis, including methodological experience, statistical analysis, and independent judgment
  • Drafting and revising research plans
  • Writing and editing, including recruitment materials, reports, and articles
  • Developing presentations and disseminating study results
  • Independently drafting proposals or sections of proposals and coordinating proposal development
  • Assisting Principal Investigator with tracking and completing key deliverables
  • Performing, coordinating, and supervising fieldwork and data collection activities
  • Documenting and cataloguing research activities
  • Maintaining records

 

The Research Associate (II) also:

  • Coordinates administrative and logistical tasks, including quality assurance
  • Engages collaboratively with multiple partners and stakeholders
  • Facilitates project teamwork and feedback exchanges
  • Troubleshoots complex problems, proposing initiatives and recommending or negotiating solutions
  • Trains, supervises, and provides guidance or administrative direction to less experienced staff
  • May be responsible for leading components of diverse, small to mid-size projects, or coordinating sections of larger projects
  • May be required to travel

Qualifications

This position requires sensitivity to working with marginalized populations and providing thoughtful support to educators on how to teach difficult subjects, as well as excellent writing skills; demonstrable initiative, creativity, and flexibility; ability to work independently and effectively in groups; and strong interpersonal and organizational skills. A candidate with strong critical examination skills or experience using strengths-based frameworks is preferred.

Specific requirements:

  • Bachelor’s degree required
  • Master’s degree, PhD, or equivalent experience in a related field preferred
  • With Bachelor’s degree, 5-7 years related research, education, or public health expertise, requiring solid experience with conducting applied research and quantitative methods, such as psychometric measurement techniques or design and analytic methods for causal inference
  • With Master’s degree, 3–5 years related experience (as above)
  • With PhD, 0–3 years related experience (as above)
  • 1–3 years prior project leadership or supervisory experience preferred
  • Fluent written and verbal Spanish is also preferred

 

 

Additional Information

To be considered, applications must include a cover letter detailing why you're well-suited to the position.