Job Abstract

The University Center for Social & Urban Research (UCSUR; https://ucsur.pitt.edu) at the University of Pittsburgh seeks applicants for a Research Associate with expertise/experience in the social/behavioral sciences. UCSUR works collaboratively to conduct interdisciplinary research that improves communities and addresses social, economic, health, and policy issues most relevant to society. UCSUR carries out this mission by (1) providing research support infrastructure and training in the social and behavioral sciences to faculty throughout the University, (2) collecting and disseminating regional and national policy-relevant data to support faculty research and community development, and (3) conducting original research in a few focused areas, including urban impact analysis, survey methodology, and psychosocial aspects of aging.

Duties and Responsibilities

The Research Associate will have two primary responsibilities:

(1) Conduct independent scientific research on social/behavioral science topics relevant to the UCSUR mission as described above. The specific area(s) of focus will be driven by the interest and expertise of the candidate, and we are particularly interested in expanding UCSUR’s research portfolio to new areas. This will involve all aspects of research projects from inception to dissemination of results, including developing research proposals, budgets, and grant applications; preparation of IRB applications; oversight of project implementation and data collection; and preparation of manuscripts, research reports, and results presentations at national conferences. The candidate will have access to all UCSUR resources to conduct independent research, including the Survey Research and Qualitative Data Analysis Programs, Geographic Information System (GIS) expertise, the Urban and Regional Analysis Program, and the Western Pennsylvania Regional Data Center (WPRDC). Collaboration with both University of Pittsburgh and external academic and industry partners is highly encouraged.

(2) Co-Direct the UCSUR Survey Research Program (SRP). SRP services are available to faculty, staff, and students throughout the University, local, state, and federal agencies, and others working in the public interest. Faculty and researchers at external universities also frequently utilize SRP services. SRP carries out any or all phases of a survey research project, including sample design, questionnaire design, data collection, data processing, statistical analysis, and reporting. SRP typically conducts ~20 surveys per year using web-based, telephone, in-person, and other technologies, and we feature a 45-station Computer-Assisted Telephone Interviewing (CATI) facility. It also carries out participant recruitment activities for external researchers, often using the SRP-developed UCSUR research registry, which contains more than 9,000 local residents who have agreed to be contacted for research. SRP currently has 17 staff, including the director, a senior research specialist, five fieldwork supervisors, eight staff interviewers, and two database administrators / programmers. The candidate will be responsible for oversight and management of multiple survey projects, including responding to initial inquiries from Pitt and external clients interested in SRP collaboration; preparation of SRP budget estimates with assistance from UCSUR financial administrators; establishing appropriate data collection protocols in collaboration with the current SRP director and staff; monitoring ongoing project progress and budgets; and statistical analysis and reporting as requested by clients.

Qualifications

• Applicants are invited from any relevant discipline, including social and behavioral sciences (e.g., sociology, psychology, public health, political science)

• Doctoral degree from an accredited educational institution

• Minimum five years of research experience (either in an educational or professional setting)

• Strong quantitative skills, including an ability to use SPSS, Stata, R, or other statistical programs to organize and analyze large amounts of data

• Familiarity and experience with a range of statistical techniques, including multiple regression analysis

• Interest and experience with survey research methodology

• Interest and experience with qualitative methodology, including conducting interviews and analyzing interview data, is a plus.

• The applicant must have excellent oral and written communication skills as well as interpersonal and organizational skills

• Meticulous, attentive to detail, and able to collaborate and work well in teams or independently

• Demonstrated successful dissemination of scholarship would be an advantage.

• Willing and able to work across projects and learn new skills quickly in a collaborative and fast-paced environment

Two letters of recommendation are required.

The University of Pittsburgh is committed to championing all aspects of diversity, equity, inclusion, and accessibility within our community. This commitment is a fundamental value of the University and is crucial in helping us advance our mission, which includes attracting and retaining diverse workforces. We will continue to create and maintain an environment that allows individuals to discover, belong, contribute, and grow, while honoring the experiences, perspectives, and unique identities of all.

The University of Pittsburgh is an Affirmative Action/Equal Opportunity Employer and values equality of opportunity, human dignity and diversity. EOE, including disability/vets.