Research and Evaluation Associate

Job Summary

The Utah Education Policy Center seeks a full-time Research Associate to join our research and evaluation team. Specifically, the UEPC seeks an experienced researcher or evaluator who can serve on a team to conduct research and evaluation projects, including designing research and evaluation plans, developing and administering data collection tools, conducting quantitative and qualitative analyses, preparing reports and other deliverables (e.g., briefs, presentations), building relationships with clients, and facilitating client meetings.

The mission of the Utah Education Policy Center (UEPC) is to bridge research, policy, and practice by conducting rigorous research, performing comprehensive program evaluations, and providing expert and research-informed technical assistance and professional learning. The UEPC has a deep portfolio of research and evaluation projects in K-12 and higher education that range from small short-term projects with community-based organizations to multi-year projects with local, state, and federal grant programs. We empower educators, policymakers, and leaders to make research actionable and impactful to transform education across early childhood education, K-12 schools, and higher education settings.

As part of the University of Utah, we offer competitive benefits and access to resources. Learn more about the great benefits of working for University of Utah: benefits.utah.edu

The University does not provide visa sponsorship for this position.

Responsibilities

• Serve on a team to coordinate and carry out research or evaluation tasks for multiple, concurrent projects using appropriate approaches and frameworks.
• Assist in designing studies, including by conducting literature reviews and developing data collection, analysis, and reporting plans.
• Develop and pilot research and evaluation instruments (e.g., survey instruments, focus group protocols, interview protocols).
• Administer surveys and conduct focus groups and interviews.
• Manage project data, including both quantitative and qualitative data.
• Clean, manage, and analyze quantitative data using standard statistical approaches (e.g., means comparisons, regression, factor analysis) in R.
• Report research and evaluation results in user-friendly, accessible formats that meet clients' needs, including by creating presentations, written reports, peer-reviewed journal articles, briefs, white papers, and/or data visualizations of research and evaluation results.
• Assist with grant writing efforts and scopes of work for proposed projects.
• Work collaboratively with others to meet project deadlines and manage competing priorities.

Minimum Qualifications

• Earned master's degree in education, psychology, sociology, public policy, or an applied social science.
• Three years of full-time experience leading and/or conducting research or evaluation projects, with increasing independence and responsibility.
• Expertise in quantitative and qualitative methods.
• Expertise in using the R programming language.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills.
• Excellent critical thinking, analytic, and problem-solving skills.
• Excellent organizational skills, including the ability to complete tasks for multiple, concurrent projects on time and within budget.
• Experience developing research and evaluation reports and other deliverables (e.g., infographics), including translating reports for multiple audiences.
• Understanding of local, regional, and/or national issues and policies affecting PK-16+ education.

Preferences

• PhD/EdD in education, sociology, psychology, public policy, or an applied social science.
• Five or more years of experience in research and evaluation.
• Experience working in a K12, higher education, or an organization that works with K12 or higher education organizations.
• Experience administering and managing surveys, particularly in Qualtrics.
• Experience working with large datasets.
• Experience in project management.
• Experience applying for research and evaluation grants.

Special Instructions

Please include in application materials:

• A detailed cover letter that describes your interest and relevant experience and expertise for this position.
• A current curriculum vitae or resume.
• Two research or evaluation products that represent your individual contributions in a lead or primary role. At least one sample should demonstrate technical or methodological rigor (e.g., a psychometric report, validation study, evaluation with quantitative findings, or technical documentation). Suitable formats include reports, technical manuals, research briefs, peer-reviewed manuscripts, or presentation materials. For each sample, include a brief note (2-3 sentences) describing your specific role and contributions, particularly if the work was collaborative.
• Contact information for three professional references who can speak to your research skills, project leadership, and ability to work across institutional boundaries. References will not be contacted prior to final consideration for the position. At least one reference should be someone who has directly supervised you on a research or evaluation project. If possible, include at least one reference from outside your home institution or organization.

Requisition Number: PRN44738B
Full Time or Part Time? Full Time
Department: 01323 - Utah Education Policy Center
Location: Other
Pay Rate Range: $70,000 - $110,000
Close Date: 7/25/2026