Resume and Cover Letter are required for the application to be considered.
Department Summary
The UCLA Agile Visual Analytics Lab (AVAL) empowers national, state, and local stakeholders to use data to make more timely and sound decisions impacting children, families, communities, and the workforces that serve them. We do this through 1) putting vital information into the hands of stakeholders in the form of data visualizations that efficiently and effectively meet their diverse and dynamic information needs, 2) implementing utilization-focused and developmental evaluation of programs and policies of mission-driven organizations and systems, and 3) building the capacity of systems and organizations to grow, use, and sustain data ecosystems. In these ways we work with our partners in different capacities, depending on their specific needs, ranging from leading full-scale evaluations to data collection, data management and processing, and data visualization. Position Summary
The Senior Research Associate works with the Agile Visual Analytics Lab (AVAL) team to plan, coordinate, and implement complex, multifaceted program evaluation and research activities in a coherent and efficient fashion. Responsibilities and activities include: • Supporting the development of research and evaluation grant/contract proposals • Assisting with the planning of evaluation and research designs and activities • Coordinating data collection, management, preparation for analysis, analysis, and reporting • Conducting basic and advanced data analyses • Developing and preparing various reporting products in support of dissemination efforts • Aiding with other general administration of evaluation and research activities The Senior Research Associate operates in a complex technical environment using several software products (e.g., Tableau, Alteryx, R, Stata, Knime, Python, ATLAS.ti, Dedoose, Salesforce, Asana, Calendly). The Senior Research Associate supports capacity building of AVAL partners, assesses information needs of project stakeholders, and manages day-to-day evaluation and research activities, as needed, to ensure efficient and effective research operations including that of Research Associates and other research team members to accomplish project goals. The Senior Research Associate supports existing data security and confidentiality procedures. The Senior Research Associate is also responsible for on and off-site evaluation and research support, including; organizing and attending meetings with research partners and stakeholders, collecting/managing data, and supporting the reporting of research and evaluation findings.
Salary & Compensation
*UCLA provides a full pay range. Actual salary offers consider factors, including budget, prior experience, skills, knowledge, abilities, education, licensure and certifications, and other business considerations. Salary offers at the top of the range are not common. Visit UC Benefit package to discover benefits that start on day one, and UC Total Compensation Estimator to calculate the total compensation value with benefits. Qualifications
Demonstrated ability to assess priorities and coordinate workflows across projects to complete tasks in a timely and accurate manner within a high-paced work environment including taking appropriate and immediate action as necessary. (Required)
Ability to work both independently and collaboratively as member of a research team across cultures and internally within a diverse and dynamic institution. (Required)
Demonstrated advanced data collection experience and skills including measurement development and validation, survey programming, designing and coordinating data collection plans in a multisite project setting, and facilitating focus groups and interviews with a wide-range of stakeholder groups. (Required)
Demonstrated advanced knowledge and skill in qualitative and quantitative research methodologies. (Required)
Demonstrated advanced written and verbal communication skills to effectively communicate with a wide-range of stakeholder groups in a concise, coherent, and engaging manner. (Required)
Demonstrated strong interest and ability to learn new software and web-based apps as required with minimal hands-on training. (Required)
Advanced skill operating various software and web-based apps: Microsoft Office, project management (Asana, Calendly, Slack), ETL (Alteryx, Knime), data analysis (Stata, SPSS, R, ATLAS.ti, Deedose), and data visualization (Tableau, Power BI, Python, D3) and report designing (Visme, Canva, InDesign). (Required)
Demonstrated knowledge of utilization-focused evaluation and participatory research, as well as current research in child welfare, criminal/juvenile justice, education, or related fields. (Required)
Demonstrated advanced skills and experience in data management and analysis (e.g., quantitative & qualitative analysis). (Required)
Demonstrated advanced knowledge of visual design and perception principles to present data in a clear, accurate, engaging, and equity-aware manner. (Required)
Spanish-language fluency (reading, writing, and speaking) (Preferred)
Lived experience and/or professional direct service experience in a human services system(s) (e.g., child welfare, criminal/juvenile justice, mental/behavioral health, housing, etc.) (Preferred)
Education, Licenses, Certifications & Personal Affiliations
PhD Ph.D. in social work, education, public policy, public health, or related social science field (Preferred) Or
Bachelor's Degree Equivalent combination of education (at least a Bachelor's degree) and substantial experience in an applied research setting. (Required)
Special Conditions for Employment
Age Requirement: Candidate(s) must be 18 years or older to be eligible to be hired.
COVID and Flu Vaccinations: The position is subject to providing evidence of inoculation.
Why work at UCLA? Benefits:UCLA offers a comprehensive benefits package, including an average of three weeks' vacation per year; an average of 12 days per year sick leave; 13 paid holidays per year; health, dental and optical benefits; life insurance; disability insurance; the University of California Retirement Plan with 5 year vesting and various voluntary UC Savings Plans. There are also special programs and privileges available, such as accessibility to cultural and recreational programs, athletic events, and the University Credit Union. The University of California is an Equal Opportunity/Affirmative Action Employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to age, race, color, religion, sex, national origin, disability, or protected veteran status.
