Research Analyst, The Kinder Institute for Urban Research

Position Summary

The Kinder Institute for Urban Research is a “think and do tank” that aims to improve lives through data, research, engagement, and action. The institute is currently expanding to build out five research centers focused on key aspects shaping the social and cultural landscape of the Houston area. The five research centers will conduct research on housing , education , public health , economic mobility and inequality , and population dynamics . Each of these centers will conduct research focused on its particular topic, as well as do groundbreaking and necessary work across centers. To achieve this, each center is building interdisciplinary teams that specialize in solutions-oriented research, and will use a research-practice partnership (RPP) model to jointly design, develop, and do research that values diversity in expertise and centers the community in identifying the most pressing questions and challenges facing Houston.

As part of this build out, the Kinder Institute for Urban Research is seeking multiple full-time research analysts to join its team and further its vision of improving lives in Houston by bringing data and research to decision makers. Individuals with experience and expertise conducting research in one or more of Kinder’s focal areas are encouraged to apply. Focal areas include: economic mobility and inequality, education, housing, population dynamics, and public health. The research analyst will assist with developing research questions, doing data collection (as needed), data analysis, and writing and presenting research findings. Research analysts may supervise and guide student research assistants as well. The research analyst is expected to attend weekly staff and research team meetings.

Ideal candidates work well in a team environment, actively collaborate and are able to motivate others. S/he has superior scientific and numerical skills with meticulous attention to details and accuracy.

Salary

Starting salary $65,000 and up, depending on experience and qualifications

Essential Functions

• Assists with research projects, including in the design and planning of research questions, and participates in data collections and analysis, as well in the dissemintation and communication of findings
• Identifies, locates, and obtains data and information necessary for conducting research projects
• Uses quantitative and/or qualititative methodologies from the social sciences
• Maintains and implements quality control standards for varying research projects
• Facilitates planning, scheduling, execution, and completion of research projects
• Runs statistical analyses using standard statistical methods and techniques
• Codes and analyzes qualitative data to derive meaning from in-depth interviews or focus groups
• Utilizes appropriate software programs to conduct research
• Verifies the accuracy of data analysis using scientific and numerical skills
• Interprets and communicates research findings for various audiences and publications including research briefs, journals, and manuscripts, and data visualization graphics

Required Qualifications

• Master’s degree (or foreign equivalent) in sociology, economics, other social science, public health or related field and completion of a University-level course, thesis, dissertation, graduate-level research project

OR

• Master’s degree (or foreign equivalent) in sociology, economics, other social science, public health or related field and one year of experience in the following:
  • Data maintenance and analysis;
  • Maintaining quality control standards;
  • Quantitative methodology; and
  • Stata, SAS, or R.

Working Conditions

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

Rice University HR | Benefits

https://knowledgecafe.rice.edu/benefits

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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Boasting a 300-acre tree-lined campus in Houston, Rice University is ranked among the nation’s top 20 universities by U.S. News & World Report. Rice has a 6-to-1 undergraduate student-to-faculty ratio, and a residential college system, which supports students intellectually, emotionally and culturally through social events, intramural sports, student plays, lectures series, courses and student government. Developing close-knit, diverse college communities is a strong campus tradition, which is why Rice is highly ranked for best quality of life and best value among private universities.