Position OverviewThe Research Associate Quantitative Analysis contributes to research and evaluation projects with an emphasis on quantitative methods. Core activities include: developing data collection instruments and research designs; cleaning, managing, and analyzing quantitative data using statistical techniques that account for multiple variables (for example, regression-based methods, multilevel modeling, or quasi-experimental designs); writing and presenting sections of reports and research summaries; and writing up and presenting results directly to clients in partnership with project leads. This role requires a moderate level subject-matter expertise as a quantitative methodologist.
The ideal candidate brings subject-matter expertise in research design and quantitative data analysis, including experience with statistical software and applied statistical methods, along with a content-area focus in ELA and math outcomes, academic transitions, and post-secondary outcomes (matriculation, retention, and graduation). Candidates should be comfortable working under low supervision while independently defining methodology and managing day-to-day tasks such as instrument design, data analysis, and data summarization.
Core Focus AreasResearch Design & Quantitative Analysis (85%)- Independently define and select methodology for assigned research tasks when given an objective and direction, with quality checks from project leads.
- Independently design surveys and other quantitative data collection instruments, with review and quality checks from project leads.
- Apply quantitative research designs, such as correlational and quasi-experimental designs, in consultation with project leads.
- Conduct statistical analyses involving multiple variables, using techniques such as regression, multilevel modeling, and other applied statistical methods.
- Collect, clean, organize, and analyze data using quantitative methods, with qualitative and mixed-method techniques as needed to support project deliverables.
- Write up and present research results, including presentation of statistical results, for internal and external audiences.
- Contribute to project deliverables and help track research tasks, timelines, and data management processes.
- Provide documented feedback and informal mentoring to project team members on specific projects and tasks.
- Have regular client interactions, in partnership with the project lead. Write up and present results directly to clients.
Dissemination & Outreach (10%)- Contribute to writing articles and preparing presentations of research results for internal and external audiences.
- Support the development of thematic summaries and distilled insights from site visits and other data collection activities.
- Build relationships with practitioners at K-12 institutions, non-profit organizations, and other researchers.
- Contribute to building WestEd's eminence and visibility in a subject-matter area, such as presenting at regional or national conferences, writing a blog, or identifying conference opportunities.
Proposal & Resource Development (5%)- Contribute to proposal development under supervision, such as writing parts of proposals leveraging prior project work and proposals, and sourcing leads at conferences.
- May work on strategic matters, such as business development, under close supervision.
What We're Looking ForTo help us make a positive impact on learners from numerous racial, ethnic, and socioeconomic backgrounds, we're looking for someone with a strong foundation in quantitative research design and statistical analysis who is ready to lead components of research projects and build subject-matter expertise and internal recognition in a specific content area.
Responsibilities- Design and administer surveys and other quantitative research instruments independently, with quality review from project leads.
- Apply quantitative research designs, including correlational and quasi-experimental approaches, in consultation with project leads.
- Conduct data cleaning, coding, and statistical analyses involving multiple variables using software such as Stata, SPSS, R, and/or NVivo.
- Build and administer surveys and data collection instruments using Qualtrics, and develop data visualizations and dashboards using Tableau.
- Facilitate focus groups and other qualitative data collection activities as needed to support project deliverables.
- Write up and present sections of research reports, including presentation of statistical results.
- Organize and track research tasks, timelines, and supporting documentation.
- Support meeting, webinar, and workshop planning and facilitation for education partners.
- Navigate cross-functionally with internal teams (e.g., Finance, Communications, Instructional Design) to advance project deliverables.
- Provide documented feedback and informal mentoring to project team members on specific projects and tasks.
- Contribute to proposal development under supervision, and support business development activities under close supervision.
Qualifications- Master's degree in education, economics, statistics, or a related quantitative social science field, and a minimum of 1-3 years of relevant research experience.
- Strong foundation in quantitative research design and statistical analysis, including experience with methods such as regression analysis, multilevel modeling, or quasi-experimental design.
- Working familiarity with statistical and analysis software such as Stata, SPSS, R, and/or NVivo, as well as Qualtrics for survey administration and Tableau for data visualization.
- Experience with survey design and data collection instrument development.
- A content-area focus in ELA and math outcomes, academic transitions, and/or postsecondary outcomes (matriculation, retention, and graduation) is strongly preferred.
- Ability to work under low supervision while independently defining methodology and managing day-to-day research and analysis tasks.
- Strong organizational skills, attention to detail, and time management.
- Excellent verbal and written communication skills, including the ability to draft sections of research reports and present statistical findings clearly.
- Demonstrated ability to work collaboratively in a team and to have regular interactions with external clients and partners in partnership with the project lead.
- Ability to anticipate problems and generate options for solutions based on precedent.
- A commitment to educational equity for Black, Latinx, Indigenous, and other historically underserved communities.
Other Skills- Mastery of WestEd's technology, systems, and procedures.
- Established knowledge of one's own team/Division sufficient to help others access resources and support.
- Comfort with fast-paced, quick-turnaround projects and shifting timelines.
- Presentation of research results to clients and stakeholders.
*Note: Visa sponsorship is not available for this position. Successful candidates must be authorized to work in the United States.
SALARY AND BENEFITS:The full salary range for this position, WestEd level (10), is $92,000 to $143,000, but WestEd does not typically hire at or near the top of the salary range. The typical hiring range for this role is $92,000 to $115,000. The actual offer considers multiple factors, including but not limited to education, experience, internal equity, and other organizational needs.
In addition to the base salary, benefits include:
• 15% contribution toward retirement effective day 1 of employment and immediately 100% vested
• Pre-tax Flexible Spending Accounts and Health Savings Account option
• All health/welfare benefits are effective the first of the month following the hire date
• PTO: 19 days (increases to 21 days beginning the third year of employment), 12 paid holidays
• Life Insurance: value of 3x gross salary, max of 500k
• Opportunities for annual merit-based performance increases + annual incentives
• Professional development opportunities & mentorship program
For more details about our benefits, go to: https://www.wested.org/work-at-wested/#benefits WestEd is a Drug Free Employer and maintains a drug-free workplace. #LI-Remote #Circa-Remote
