Research Analyst - Research and Evaluation Specialist

at  Texas State University

REQUIRED QUALIFICATIONS: APPLICANTS MUST SPECIFICALLY ADDRESS HOW THEY MEET THESE REQUIRED QUALIFICATIONS TO MEET THE REQUIREMENTS OF THE POSITION.

• Master’s Degree.
• A minimum of three (3) years of professional experience with research or program evaluation related work.
• Demonstrate prior experience developing data collection instruments for social sciences.
• Demonstrate prior experience with quantitative analysis software including Microsoft Excel for data management and analysis.
• Demonstrate prior experience disseminating reports from data sets.
• Demonstrate prior experience designing and managing surveys with Qualtrics.
• Demonstrate prior experience in academic, technical, academic, public policy, and/or grant and legislative report writing.
• Demonstrate experience and knowledge of data analysis techniques and use of data analysis software.
• Demonstrate prior experience designing and applying social science research methodologies.

PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS

• Ph.D. Degree.
• Five (5) or more years of professional experience with research-related work.
• Demonstrate prior experience with advanced data analysis software (ex., R, SPSS, SAS, etc.).
• Demonstrate prior experience conducting social science research related to educational environments.
• Documented authorship in peer-reviewed journal(s).
• Documented experience directly contributing to grant proposals.
• Documented experience working on grant-related projects.
• Demonstrate experience and knowledge of advanced data analysis techniques such as regression, factor analysis, modeling, etc.
• Demonstrate knowledge of the Texas Education Code.
• Demonstrate prior experience with client relationship management.

JOB DESCRIPTION

The Texas School Safety Center (TxSSC) is an official university-level research center at Texas State University. The TxSSC is tasked in Chapter 37 of the Texas Education Code and the Governor’s Homeland Security Strategic Plan with key school safety initiatives and mandates. The TxSSC serves as the clearinghouse for the dissemination of safety and security information through research, training, and technical assistance for K-12 schools and junior colleges throughout the state of Texas. As a result, Texas has become a national leader in school safety practices and is relied upon for assistance and guidance from jurisdictions throughout the nation.
The TxSSC is seeking highly qualified candidates for a Research Analyst position to assist the Associate Director of Research and Evaluation in conducting research and program evaluation related to school safety, security, and health. This position will have the unique opportunity to be part of a collaborative working environment supporting data collection, analysis, and dissemination of research and evaluation findings to various stakeholder groups. All research and evaluation efforts aim to ensure that schools and communities across Texas are safe, secure, and healthy learning environments.

• Design appropriate methodologies to address topics related to school safety, security, and health.
• Conduct systematic literature reviews on topics related to school safety, security, and health.
• Analyze quantitative and qualitative research data.
• Design and administer data collection procedures including surveys, focus group and interview protocols, as well as other appropriate data collection procedures.
• Develop and contribute to written reports for internal and external stakeholders, scholarly articles for peer-reviewed journals, grant proposals for private and government entities, scholarly presentations for national and state conferences, and other research-related publications.
• Disseminate information clearly and concisely in verbal and written form.
• Present ideas to individuals or groups to ensure that they understand the information.
• Ensure high attention to detail and organization with projects.
• Keep detailed records to ensure research activities are organized and well-documented.
• Stay current on new quantitative tools and techniques and integrate when appropriate.
• Provide training and support for other team members on quantitative analysis approaches.
• Assist in managing data collected from statewide surveys and TxSSC training and events and help with yearly assessment of programs and activities.
• Provide technical support to school stakeholders and internal staff in a professional manner.
• Work collaboratively and professionally with all divisions of the TxSSC.
• Perform other duties as assigned.