Researcher - CIRCLE
Tufts University
15001652
The Center for Information and Research on Civic Learning and Engagement (CIRCLE) is a leading research center that studies young Americans' civic development and participation. CIRCLE is the premier source of information-facts, trends, evaluations, and best practices-related to youth civic learning and engagement. CIRCLE shares the results of its research with policy makers, practitioners, journalists, and scholars in various disciplines.
CIRCLE is part of The Jonathan M. Tisch College of Citizenship and Public Service at Tufts University. Tisch College prepares students to become community leaders and positive change agents and is a national leader in civic education. Tisch College works to engage Tufts students in meaningful community building and public service experiences. As an innovator and incubator, the college collaborates across Tufts University to generate an enduring culture of active citizenship.
CIRCLE, is seeking a full-time Researcher to conduct research and to help manage some of CIRCLE's research and evaluation projects. Reporting to the Director of CIRCLE and based on the Medford/Somerville Tufts University Campus, the Researcher will work as part of the CIRCLE team on CIRCLE products and activities. The Researcher will also interact with a larger group of colleagues at Tisch College, and will be expected to participate in various college-wide initiatives such as college-wide events and assistance with student program evaluations. Specific responsibilities include:
- Serving as an Researcher on a range of research projects that may include secondary data-analysis, literature reviews, field experiments, program evaluations and other original data collection (via survey or other methods);
- Curating and preparing datasets of various sizes and formats for research use;
- Producing reports, fact sheets and press releases on timely and relevant topics, often in close collaboration with CIRCLE colleagues;
- Providing feedback, assistance, and support to colleagues at Tisch College and CIRCLE on research-related tasks, as needed;
- Representing CIRCLE at a wide range of events including research conferences;
- Answer queries from reporters about CIRCLE research;
- Performing administrative duties as needed, as they pertain to CIRCLE operations; and
- Participating in activities and meetings that involve Tisch College staff.
Basic Requirements:
- Bachelor's degree.
- Five (5) years of relevant experience in a team-oriented, deadline driven, dynamic, client responsive work environment.
- At least two years of significant work experience in an applied research environment (i.e. research as a tool rather than an end). Research assistantships can count but we would prioritize individuals who have worked as full-time staff, rather than student interns on a short-term basis.
- Strong proficiency in data management, such as cleaning, merging, coding and checking datasets for error and producing codebook.
- Basic research skills, including ability to execute a research plan using basic descriptive inferential statistical techniques, such as frequencies, crosstabs, t-test, ANOVA, and linear regression.
- Proficiency with statistical packages (e.g. SPSS, STATA, SAS, R). A willingness to learn SPSS is a plus. Ability and experience with use of syntax/commands to document and execute analysis is strongly preferred.
- Ability to communicate effectively with practitioners, reporters, scholars, and young people through writing, speech, and visuals.
- Ability to pay close attention to detail while staying within tight timelines for multiple projects.
- Strong written communication skills, demonstrated as an ability to produce an accurate, and readable research products on short deadlines.
- Proficiency with Microsoft Office suite and a survey platform such as Qualtrics.
- Demonstrable experience working with culturally and ethnically diverse populations of students, faculty, partners, and staff.
- Evidence of strong commitments to community engagement, sustainable collaborations, diversity, and inclusion.
Preferred Qualifications:
- Experience with multivariate statistical analysis and knowledge of or willingness to learn other statistical analysis approaches (e.g. multi-level modelling, cluster analysis, structural equation modelling, etc).
- Enthusiasm for youth civic engagement desired; however, prior research in this specific area is not required.
- Experience with large public datasets.
- Experience with data visualization (such as data mapping and infographics) preferred.
- A flexible and curious mindset and a proclivity toward learning and problem-solving.
- An understanding of the importance of equity in civic learning and engagement opportunities, and can integrate equity into his or her formation of research questions and writing.
CIRCLE encourages and is committed to training Researchers with diverse backgrounds.
Tufts University is an AA/EO employer and actively seeks candidates from diverse backgrounds. Please see the Tufts University non-discrimination statement.
Full Time