"Research Associate"

Department Summary

The UCLA Agile Visual Analytics Lab (AVAL) empowers national, state, and local stakeholders to use data to make more timely and sound decisions impacting children, families, communities, and the workforces that serve them. We do this through 1) putting vital information into the hands of stakeholders in the form of data visualizations that efficiently and effectively meet their diverse and dynamic information needs, 2) implementing utilization-focused and developmental evaluation of programs and policies of mission-driven organizations and systems, and 3) building the capacity of systems and organizations to grow, use, and sustain data ecosystems. In these ways we work with our partners in different capacities, depending on their specific needs, ranging from leading full-scale evaluations to data collection, data management and processing, and data visualization.

Position Summary

The Research Associate works with the Agile Visual Analytics Lab (AVAL) team to coordinate and implement complex, multifaceted program evaluation and research activities in a coherent and efficient fashion. Responsibilities and activities include: Coordinating research efforts and assisting with data collection (e.g., facilitating focus groups and interviews), management, preparation for analysis (experience with Alteryx preferred); Conducting basic data analysis; Supporting the development, preparation, and dissemination of various reporting products; Aiding with other general administration of evaluation and research activities. The Research Associate operates in a moderately complex technical environment using several software products (e.g., Tableau, Alteryx, R, Stata, Knime, Python, ATLAS.ti, Dedoose, Salesforce, Asana, Calendly). The Research Associate manages day-to-day evaluation and research activities, as needed, to ensure efficient and effective research operations. The Research Associate supports existing data security and confidentiality procedures. The Research Associate is also responsible for on and off-site evaluation and research support, including; organizing and attending meetings with research partners and stakeholders, collecting/managing data, and supporting the reporting of research and evaluation findings.

Salary & Compensation

*UCLA provides a full pay range. Actual salary offers consider factors, including budget, prior experience, skills, knowledge, abilities, education, licensure and certifications, and other business considerations. Salary offers at the top of the range are not common. Visit UC Benefit package to discover benefits that start on day one, and UC Total Compensation Estimator to calculate the total compensation value with benefits.

Qualifications

• Demonstrated ability to assess priorities and coordinate workflows across projects to complete tasks in a timely and accurate manner within a high-paced work environment including taking appropriate and immediate action as necessary. (Required)
• Ability to work both independently and collaboratively as member of a research team across cultures and internally within a diverse and dynamic institution. (Required)
• Demonstrated data collection experience and skills including survey design and programing, coordinating data collection plans, and facilitating focus groups and interviews with a wide-range of stakeholder groups. (Required)
• Demonstrated knowledge and skill in qualitative and quantitative research methodologies. (Required)
• Demonstrated written and verbal communication skills to effectively communicate with a wide-range of stakeholder groups in a concise, coherent, and engaging manner. (Required)
• Demonstrated strong interest and ability to learn new software and web-based apps as required with minimal hands-on training. (Required)
• Skill operating various software and web-based apps: Microsoft Office, project management (Asana, Calendly, Slack), ETL (Alteryx, Knime), data analysis (Stata, SPSS, R, ATLAS.ti, Deedose), and data visualization (Tableau, Power BI, Python, D3) and report designing (Visme, Canva, InDesign). (Required)
• Demonstrated knowledge of utilization-focused evaluation and participatory research, as well as current research in child welfare, criminal/juvenile justice, education, or related fields. (Required)
• Demonstrated skills and experience in data management and analysis (e.g., quantitative & qualitative analysis). (Required)
• Demonstrated knowledge of visual design and perception principles to present data in a clear, accurate, engaging, and equity-aware manner. (Required)
• Spanish-language fluency (reading, writing, and speaking) (Preferred)
• Lived experience and/or professional direct service experience in a human services system(s) (e.g., child welfare, criminal/juvenile justice, mental/behavioral health, housing, etc.). (Preferred)

Education, Licenses, Certifications & Personal Affiliations

Bachelor's Degree Equivalent combination of education (at least a Bachelor's degree) and substantial experience in an applied research setting. (Required) PhD Ph.D. in social work, education, public policy, public health, or related social science field. (Preferred)

Special Conditions for Employment

Age Requirement: Candidate(s) must be 18 years or older to be eligible to be hired. COVID and Flu Vaccinations: The position is subject to providing evidence of inoculation.

Schedule

8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.