"Research Associate, Student Success, Support, and Engagement"

Research Associate, Student Success, Support, and Engagement

Wayne State University is searching for an experienced Research Associate, Student Success, Support, and Engagement at its Detroit campus location.

Wayne State is a premier, public, urban research university located in the heart of Detroit, Michigan where students from all backgrounds are offered a rich, high-quality education. Our deep-rooted commitment to excellence, collaboration, integrity, diversity and inclusion creates exceptional educational opportunities which prepare students for success in a global society.

Essential functions (job duties):

Position Summary:

The research associate will play a critical role in student persistence and completion by conducting a comprehensive literature review of national best and promising practices aimed at narrowing disparities in achievement, retention, and graduation rates. The successful candidate will identify evidence-based strategies to reduce achievement gaps and collaborate with university stakeholders to deepen institutional analyses and inform the redesign of academic and student success initiatives. This is a full-time, two-year assignment.

Essential Functions:

• Conduct a systematic literature review of national and regional practices focused on narrowing disparities in achievement, retention, and graduation rates in higher education.
• Analyze and summarize findings from peer-reviewed journal articles, white papers, case studies, and institutional reports.
• Develop annotated bibliographies and detailed summaries of promising practices that can inform university-wide efforts to redesign academic support structures and course delivery.
• Collaborate with the Office for Institutional Research and Data Analytics to align literature findings with institutional data trends and needs.
• Assist in preparing reports, presentations, and recommendations for stakeholders, including faculty, staff, and administrators, to enhance retention and graduation efforts.
• Stay informed on emerging research and trends in evolving pedagogy, student retention strategies, and student success initiatives.
• Participate in project meetings to share research insights and provide updates on progress.

Qualifications:

• Ph.D. degree obtained no more than 4 years ago with a focus in education, sociology, public policy, or a related field preferred.
• Strong research skills, including experience conducting literature reviews and analyzing both qualitative and quantitative data.
• Knowledge of student success initiatives in higher education and strategies for narrowing disparities in achievement, retention, and graduation rates.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills, with the ability to present complex information clearly.
• Proficiency in research databases and tools (e.g., JSTOR, PubMed, Google Scholar).
• Ability to work independently, manage time effectively, and meet deadlines.

Preferred qualifications:

Experience with higher education quantitative data analysis and reporting. Previous experience supporting academic and/or student success initiatives.

School/College/Division: H92 - VP Student Affairs

Primary department: H9212 - Office of Academic Student Affairs (H9212)

Employment type: Regular Employee, Job type: Full Time, Job category: Research

Funding/salary information: Compensation type: Annual Salary

Working conditions: Office environment.

Job openings: Number of openings: 1

Background check requirements: University policy requires certain persons who are offered employment to undergo a background check, including a criminal history check, before starting work. If you are offered employment, the university will inform you if a background check is required.