Research Scientist, Houston Education Research Consortium

Position Summary

The Houston Education Research Consortium (HERC), a program of the Kinder Institute for Urban Research (KIUR) at Rice University, is seeking a full-time Research Scientist with expertise in education research who can design, plan, and implement complex and specialized research projects. The Research Scientist researches projects in close collaboration with HERC’s associate directors and Houston-area partner school districts. They effectively communicate research findings through research briefs and papers, presentations, and conferences to various audiences, including partners and stakeholders. The Research Scientist supervises and trains small research teams. They work in cooperation with our staff grant writer to pursue external research grants.

The Kinder Institute for Urban Research aims to improve lives through data, research, engagement, and action. The institute's interdisciplinary team specializes in research that leads to action through partnerships with local agencies, intersecting areas such as economic mobility, education, health, housing, and transportation. KIUR uses a research-practice partnership (RPP) model – a jointly developed research agenda that involves both researchers and local partner agencies working together on critical issues.

Essential Functions

• Conducts independent and team-based research studies and specialized research projects
• Effectively communicates and translates research findings through research briefs and papers, presentations, and conferences to various audiences
• Communicates and builds relationships with our school district partners and stakeholders
• Mentors, supervises, and trains researchers by including them in ongoing research in a meaningful manner
• Leads and develops research studies from start to finish, including managing a research team
• Seeks new research grant opportunities
• Performs all other duties as assigned

Required Qualifications

• Ph.D. or other Doctoral Degree in sociology, education, other social science, or related field
• Minimum of 3 years of postdoctoral experience in an applied social science research center or organization
• Ability to work and solve problems independently
• Good interpersonal skills such as patience, determination, flexibility, and decisiveness
• Excellent listening, verbal and written communication, analytical, and research skills
• Ability to communicate research findings to multiple audiences, which may include practitioners, community members, students, families, other researchers or academics, and other relevant actors in the education space.
• Excellent scientific and methodological skills with meticulous attention to detail and accuracy
• Proficient in multiple regression (OLS, logistic); familiarity with multilevel models
• Advanced knowledge and skill in the use of Stata, SAS, or R

Preferred Qualifications

• Ph.D. in sociology, education, psychology, public policy, or a related field
• Experience developing and managing research projects, managing data and conducting quantitative and qualitative analyses, such as multilevel modeling, causal modeling, quasi-experimental methods, survey design, interviews
• Mission-driven with a passion for advancing educational equity
• Experience as a Research Analyst or Research Assistant
• Can conduct and lead quantitative, qualitative, or mixed methods research
• Able to oversee various research projects while managing and mentoring other research staff
• Able to interact effectively with internal and external stakeholders
• Able to work well with many people and many personalities
• Adaptable to change and able to think creatively to address issues

Working Conditions

• Occasional travel
• Evening and/or weekend work as needed
• Optional hybrid work schedule

Rice University is an Equal Opportunity Employer with commitment to diversity at all levels, and considers for employment qualified applicants without regard to race, color, religion, age, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national or ethnic origin, genetic information, disability or protected veteran status.

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