Job Abstract

The Center for the Transformation of Schools (CTS) at UCLA's School of Education and Information Studies (Ed&IS) is dedicated to partnering with the education ecosystem to bring about systems change through Humanizing Research, Validating Practices, and Transformative Policies with key stakeholders to support equitable educational outcomes for historically underserved students. Our vision is to be a catalyst for learning communities to boldly nurture and protect the dignity, wellbeing, and full potential of all students. The Senior Project Scientist will be supporting a research center that deeply values education justice and social justice as core to its work.

SUMMARY OF POSITION
Under the direction of the CTS Executive Director, the senior project scientist and research director is responsible for planning, coordinating, and executing many of the center’s critical research initiatives, as well as for seeking out and developing novel proposals for future research and funding opportunities. As an expert in the area of methodological design, the senior project scientist and research director will oversee the design and careful execution of CTS research projects related to educational equity and access. Specifically, the senior project scientist and research director will develop survey questions and protocols, create focus group and interview protocols, as well as develop and execute complex quantitative, qualitative, and mixed-methods analyses. Substantive areas of focus will include; computational thinking advancement and addressing STEM education inequities, educational strategies for prioritizing historically marginalized student groups, school and school system transformation, along with researching large scale efforts to implement educational efforts across systems, sectors and states. The senior project scientist and research director will communicate, oversee and support project staff, PIs, and other members of the ED&IS and UCLA community to ensure projects are moving forward and following University policies and procedures.

CORE RESPONSIBILITIES

• Assisting in developing and establishing the research agenda with the CTS faculty co-directors and CTS Executive Director.
• Under the supervision of the CTS Executive Director, assist in identifying future research projects and funding opportunities in securing extramural funding for center.
• Cultivate relationships with scholarly, practitioner, and/or policy experts in order to promote CTS’ work.
  
• Collaborate with CTS leadership to develop recommendations for the evaluation reports and case studies on all projects, which will be presented to the State Legislature, Governor, and State Board of Education, among others.
  
• Present data and findings to local and state representatives.
• Independently prioritizes and completes ongoing tasks following established departmental guidelines and University policies.
• Supervise and provide guidance to 2-4 graduate student researchers.
• Supervise and provide guidance to 1-2 research analysts.

REQUIRED QUALIFICATIONS

• The appointee should have the terminal or top degree in the appointee’s field, e.g., Ph.D., M.D., D.D.S., D.V.M., or the highest degree that is commonly expected in the fields of Education, Social Work, or related field.
• Knowledge of data collections processes and procedures.
• Working knowledge of advanced research design and analysis.

PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS

• Knowledge or experience in the preparation of grant applications and other development activities.
• Skill in working as part of a team; ability to collaborate with colleagues.

• The appointee should have the terminal or top degree in the appointee’s field, e.g., Ph.D., M.D., D.D.S., D.V.M., or the highest degree that is commonly expected in the fields of Education, Social Work, or related field.
• Knowledge of data collections processes and procedures.
• Working knowledge of advanced research design and analysis.

• 3 letters of reference required

As a University employee, you will be required to comply with all applicable University policies and/or collective bargaining agreements, as may be amended from time to time. Federal, state, or local government directives may impose additional requirements.

The University of California is an Equal Opportunity/Affirmative Action Employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, age or protected veteran status. For the complete University of California nondiscrimination and affirmative action policy, see: UC Nondiscrimination & Affirmative Action Policy.