Research and Development Associate jobs in Salem, MA

Company Description

EDC is one of the world’s leading nonprofit research and development firms.  EDC designs, implements, and evaluates programs to improve education, health, and economic opportunity worldwide. Collaborating with both public and private partners, we strive for a world where all people are empowered to live healthy, productive lives.

EDC has a commitment to promoting equity and access to high quality education and health services that contribute to thriving communities where people from diverse backgrounds learn, live, and work together. EDC expresses its commitment to increasing equity through its strategies, services and products, which contribute to building capacity and transforming lives.

Job Description

The School Improvement Portfolio in the US Division has an opening for a Senior Research Associate, reporting to a Senior Research Scientist. This position can be based out of one of our offices located in Washington, D.C., Waltham, MA, New York City, NY, or Chicago, IL and is open to US-based telecommuter candidates.

The School Improvement portfolio is one of six portfolios of work in the US division, and is focused on understanding, improving and transforming education systems and educational practice through the use of evidence and continuous learning. We do so by conducting research and evaluation and providing technical assistance in K-12 education, higher education, and adult education in both formal and informal settings in partnership with federal and state agencies, schools and school districts, community-based organizations, foundations and other research and non-profit organizations.

The primary project for this Senior Research Associate is the Regional Educational Laboratory Northeast & Islands. The Regional Educational Laboratory (REL) Northeast and Islands translates research to practice in partnership with policymakers and practitioners in Connecticut, Maine, Massachusetts, New Hampshire, New York, Puerto Rico, Rhode Island, the U.S. Virgin Islands, and Vermont.  The ten Regional Educational Laboratories (RELs) around the United States work in partnership to conduct applied research and trainings with a mission of supporting a more evidence-based education system.         

The person in this position is expected to communicate clearly and courteously; to develop and maintain positive relationships with clients, consultants, collaborators, co-workers, field sites, and funders; and to work respectfully with EDC colleagues. The job requires adherence to EDC policies & procedures.

The Senior Research Associate independently provides support to complex or multiple quantitative and/or qualitative investigation efforts, including:

• Oversees or carries out advanced statistical analyses of educational data from both administrative and primary sources
• Oversees or carries out data collection & validation processes, ensuring quality and reliability
• Writes/edits/reviews research proposals & study reports; develops high-visibility presentations; and contributes to a variety of publications to promote and disseminate research and evaluation findings
• Participates in business development efforts, including reviewing and following documentation from funding agencies to guide the development of research proposals, writing major sections of proposals in collaboration with colleagues
• Expands contacts and strengthens client relations; develops business and professional relationships by communicating technical information to professional or civic communities, government agencies, partners, or institutions.
• Advises, consults and collaborates with senior management and project staff on new concepts associated with expanding existing products &/or programs
• May advise on complex training or design projects; may design or conduct conferences or workshops
• Trains, supervises, and provides guidance or administrative direction to junior staff; often coordinates work of less experienced staff

Qualifications

Education:  

• PhD or equivalent (highly preferred) with 2 – 4 years related experience, including 1- 3 years prior project management or program development experience, plus solid experience with computer applications (including one or more of the following: Mplus, R, SPSS, Stata), psychometric or statistical measurement techniques, and internet research
• Master’s degree or equivalent combination of education and experience, including, 7–10 years related experience as above

Other skills/experience: 

• Certification as a reviewer under the What Works Clearinghouse Group Design Standards, or completion of certification within one year of hire
• Demonstrable leadership skills
• Occasional domestic travel

Security Clearance Requirement: The funder of this project, US Department of Education, requires that any staff who may work with Student level data or have an in-school presence pass a security clearance from the US government. Due to this requirement, US citizens only are eligible for consideration for this position.

Additional Information

EDC is an Affirmative Action/Equal Opportunity Employer and is committed to enhancing the diversity of its workforce and ensuring an equitable and highly inclusive work environment. EDC is a smoke-free workplace, and offers a supportive work environment, competitive salary, and excellent benefits. Women, minorities, veterans, and individuals with disabilities are encouraged to apply.

Research shows that individuals from historically marginalized groups find themselves meeting many of the criteria of a job posting, yet doubting if they should apply. At EDC, we value and strive for a diverse, equitable, and inclusive workplace.  Equity and excellence are inseparable.  If you meet some of the preferred requirements but not all of them, and feel aligned with our vision and mission, we encourage you to apply.

This position offers an anticipated annual base salary range of approximately $72,000 to $102,000. Salary offers are made based on market analysis and internal equity.

If you are a qualified individual with a disability or a disabled veteran, you have the right to request accommodation if you are unable or limited in your ability to use or access the EDC job opportunities website as a result of your disability. You can request reasonable accommodations by e-mailing Liz Christensen or by calling her at 800-225-4276 or 617-618-2329.