Research Analyst - Survey Research, The Kinder Institute For Urban Research

Special Instructions to Applicants: All interested applicants should attach a cover letter and a resume in the Supporting Documents section of the application. We suggest the documents be in a PDF format to avoid formatting issues. To be considered for this position, all supplemental questions must be answered.

Position Summary:

The Kinder Institute for Urban Research is currently hiring for a Research Analyst - Survey Research, to join its Houston Population Research Center (HPRC). The HPRC houses the Kinder Institute's survey work, which includes the Greater Houston Community Panel, and the Kinder Houston Area Survey - the longest-running survey of any major metropolitan area in the nation. Individuals with experience and expertise in conducting survey research are encouraged to apply. The research analyst will work with a team of other researchers to develop and administer quarterly surveys, analyze results, produce research briefs, reports, and presentations for local leaders, community organizations, and members of the community, as well as help elevate work into academic peer-review publications and professional conferences. A research analyst may supervise and guide student research assistants as well.

The Kinder Institute for Urban Research aims to improve lives through data, research, engagement, and action. The institute is currently working to build out five research centers focused on critical aspects shaping the social and cultural landscape of the Houston area. The five centers will research housing, education, public health, economic mobility and inequality, and population dynamics. Each center will investigate its particular topic area and will work across centers. To achieve this, each center is building interdisciplinary teams specializing in solutions-oriented research while using a research-practice partnership (RPP) model to jointly design, develop, and conduct research that values diversity in expertise and prioritizes the community in identifying and addressing some of the most pressing questions and challenges facing Houston to inform decision-making and bring about change in the region.

Ideal candidates work well in a team environment, actively collaborate, and can motivate others. They have superior scientific and numerical skills, meticulous attention to detail and accuracy.

This position is offered as a hybrid role, combining both in-office and remote work within Harris County and surrounding counties to provide flexibility and support collaboration. Per Rice policy 440, work arrangements may be subject to change.

This is a full-time, benefits-eligible position, and depending on experience the salary is $65,000 - $68,000. *Exempt (salaried) positions under FLSA are not eligible for overtime.

Minimum Requirements:

• Bachelor'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

• 2+ years of experience in each of the following:

• Data maintenance and analysis

• Maintaining quality control standards

• Quantitative methodology

• Stata, SAS, or R

• In lieu of the experience requirement, additional related education above and beyond what is required may be substituted on an equivalent year-for-year basis.

• Skills

• Knowledge of software statistical packages such as Stata, SAS, R, or HLM

• Excellent analytical and research skills

• Ability to build reports

• Excellent verbal and written communication skills including proofreading

• Excellent presentation skills

Preferences:

• Master's degree (or foreign equivalent) in sociology, economics, other social science, public health or related field AND

• 1 year of experience in each of the following:

• Data maintenance and analysis

• Maintaining quality control standards

• Quantitative methodology

• Stata, SAS, or R

Essential Functions:

• Works collaboratively with the research team on designing, testing, programming, reviewing, translating, administering, and analyzing survey research results

• Leads the programming of online surveys using Qualtrics, including the handling of a longitudinal panel design

• Sends surveys via email and text messages

• Works with others to implement the translation of surveys into multiple languages, including English, Spanish, and Vietnamese

• Supports the distribution of incentives to survey respondents

• Develops, edits, and expands communication materials for survey respondents and recruitment

• Contributes to the development of research questions and the study design to answer them

• Works with a survey research team to hear from community organizations and leaders on topics to include in survey collection

• Conducts research using sampling and complex survey weights

• Participates in the dissemination and communication of research findings

• Identifies, locates, and obtains extant data and information necessary for conducting research projects

• Uses quantitative and/or qualitative methodologies from the social sciences

• Maintains and implements quality control standards for survey research projects

• Facilitates planning, scheduling, execution, and completion of survey 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 statistical software programs to conduct research

• Verifies the accuracy and replicability of data analysis using scientific and numerical skills

• Interprets and communicates research findings for various audiences and publications including research briefs, journals, and manuscripts, professional conferences, and data visualization graphics

• Performs all other duties as assigned

Workplace Requirements

• Occasional travel

• Evening and/or weekend work as needed

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Rice University is an Equal Opportunity Employer committed to diversity at all levels. It 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.