Teachers College - Jobs - Job Details - Senior Research Assistant (Quantitative)

Posting Summary:
The Community College Research Center (CCRC) at Teachers College, Columbia University, studies community colleges because they provide critical access to postsecondary education and are uniquely positioned to promote equity and social mobility in the United States. Our mission is to conduct research that helps these institutions strengthen opportunities and improve outcomes for their students, particularly those from underserved populations.

CCRC is seeking a full-time Senior Research Assistant to support quantitative research on a range of projects related to access, success, and funding of postsecondary education, including projects related to socioeconomic mobility at the college-to-work transition. The position’s responsibilities include supporting senior staff, participating in data collection, management, and analysis, and assisting in the preparation of project-related reports, presentations, and publications. Candidates should have at least 1-2 years of experience working with large datasets, have a strong background in quantitative methods, and have demonstrated skills using data analytic tools such as Stata, Python, and R. Prior experience in project management is strongly desired.

The hybrid position may begin immediately and is based in New York City. Please find the application link at ccrc.tc.columbia.edu/employment and include a cover letter, resume, and coding and/or data dashboard sample with your application.
CCRC is proud to be an equal opportunity employer. We believe that our diversity is essential to our success, and we aim to cultivate a respectful and inclusive environment where all employees are empowered to do their best work.
For information about CCRC’s current research activities, mission, and values, please visit ccrc.tc.columbia.edu.

Job Summary/Basic Function:

Data management, collection, and analysis 

• Assist the research team in data collection activities
• Lead data cleaning and coding
• Write code in Stata, R, or Python to extract, transform, and clean data and construct variables for analysis
• Co-lead data analyses and diagnostics and communicate findings and recommendations to the research team
• Perform descriptive and causal inference analysis to extrapolate research finding
• Participate in developing project protocols/structures for data documentation, organization, and security

Research planning and management 

• Co-lead aspects of the design of existing research projects
• Maintain records related to the progress of research and activities
• Assist with the organization and execution of research team meetings (e.g., draft agendas, organize formal note-taking and task-setting)
• Contribute to team meetings in substantive ways
• Independently respond to internal and external requests for information
• Participate in project updates for funders

Writing 

• Draft and revise analytic memos and reports
• Contribute to the development of report storylines
• Co-author study reports and other written products
• Participate in the CCRC internal paper review process
• As requested, assist senior staff in proposal preparation

Dissemination and Public Relations 

• Contribute to conference presentations, and present research findings at meetings and conferences under the supervision of senior project staff

CCRC service 

• Participate in Center events and professional development activities
• As required, serve on working groups to support CCRC’s equity mission and other organizational priorities
  
  

Minimum Qualifications:

• Master’s degree in economics, public policy, education policy, statistics or equivalent degrees; or a bachelor’s degree in any of these areas and several years of relevant experience.
• Experience with working with large data sets and quantitative/statistical software
• Advanced proficiency with Stata, R, and Python, with a preference for Stata
• Proficiency in Microsoft Word and PowerPoint
• Experience drafting and revising research papers and articles, either independently or as part of a team
• Outstanding oral and written communication skills
• Track record of delivering high-quality work product under deadline
• Strong organizational and analytical skills and high level of attention to detail; flexibility to lead and manage multiple priorities, sometimes simultaneously, under deadlines
• Ability to be responsive to project demands and adapt quickly to changing priorities
• Good judgment, reliability, ability to work effectively independently and as part of a team

Preferred Qualifications:

• Graduate-level coursework in economic policy or program evaluation
• Knowledge of community colleges, higher education, and issues of access to and success in postsecondary education
• Demonstrated experience creating data analytics and data visualization tools

We encourage you to apply even if you meet some, but not all, of the qualifications listed.

CCRC at Teachers College is an Equal Opportunity and Affirmative Action employer. CCRC does not discriminate, and all qualified applications will receive consideration without regard to race; color; national origin; religion; creed; sex or gender (including sex stereotyping and gender identity or expression); sexual orientation; citizenship status; pregnancy; disability; age; military or veteran status; marital or partnership status; genetic information, genetic predisposition, or carrier status; prior unemployment status; consumer credit history; status as a victim of domestic violence, sex offenses, or stalking; or any other category protected by applicable federal, state, or local laws. Legal work authorization is required.

Salary Range:

$68,000-$80,000

Work Modality:

Hybrid