Assistant Research Professor, Schaefer Center

Job Description:

The Schaefer Center is an applied research and consulting organization within the College of Public Affairs that conducts externally funded research and training for government and nonprofit clients located primarily in Maryland. This split staff/teaching position will be supervised in the Schaefer Center for Public Policy with a dual report to the Executive Director of the School of Public and International Affairs. The primary roles of this position are to conduct quantitative and qualitative data collection and analysis techniques to complete research projects on the behalf of the Center’s clients and to teach graduate/doctoral courses in applied research methods for our DPA, MPA, and PPIA programs.

The incumbent is responsible for using quantitative and qualitative data collection and analysis techniques to complete research projects on behalf of Center clients. In this role, the incumbent is responsible for implementing research designs, designing data collection instruments, collecting original data and secondary data, analyzing data, and report writing. For assigned projects, the incumbent coordinates the work of faculty researchers, other staff, and graduate assistants to execute research plans and complete projects on time. The incumbent is also responsible for leading the development of final reports and drafting progress reports and other deliverables for the director’s review. The incumbent plays a major role in maintaining client relations, serving as the primary point of contact for clients for assigned projects. The incumbent also assists in identifying new research opportunities, developing new client relationships, and grant proposals.

Primary responsibilities include:
- Serves as a primary or lead researcher on assigned, grant funded evaluation or policy research projects. Designs and executes data collection and analysis plans. Coordinates the work of research team members including faculty researchers, Schaefer Center staff, and graduate fellows.
- Determines sources of information, and their reliability, and the method of study. Edits raw data for accuracy, completeness and consistency, and detects and traces data discrepancies.
- Prepares Intuitional Review Board applications for UBalt IRB as well as external IRBs. Prepares responses to IRB questions and maintains and provides required documentation.
- Leads the collection of original data through surveys, focus groups, and in-person interviews. Coordinates with the Survey Research Manager.
- Designs and implements complex web-based surveys in support of research and training initiatives.
- Collects original qualitative data through the design, collection, and analysis of qualitative data collection methods including focus groups and in-person interviewing.
- Prepares both narrative and statistical reports of a complicated nature to inform the decision making of public sector executives and managers.
- For assigned projects, drafts progress reports, work plans, and final reports. Documents and resolves discrepancies in deliverables. Monitors timelines and status of deliverables; schedules project tasks and makes recommendations to the director about project priorities and the need for modifications to the scope of work or time for sponsored research projects.
- Teaches occasional training sessions on data-based decision making, program evaluation, performance measurement, and related topics for the Maryland Certified Public Manager® Program.
- Identifies potential research opportunities, participates in the development of proposed research designed, and assists in preparation of proposals. Participates in meetings with potential clients.
- Promotes the visibility of the Schaefer Center and UBalt through support of high visibility external events, maintains an active research agenda that includes presenting at academic conferences and publishing in academic journals.

Teaching Load:
- Load of 1 -1 in courses in applied research methods to Master’s and Doctoral level students in the School of Public and International Affairs

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS:
- Doctoral degree in public administration, public policy, social science, or related field.
- Three years of related experience.

We offer a competitive benefits package, including health, life, prescription, and dental plans, tuition remission benefits, paid leave (22 days of annual, 15 days of sick, 3 days of personal, and 14-15 holidays) and retirement plans with employer contributions. You can see more details on our benefits here.