Announcement

Details

Open Date
04/24/2026

Requisition Number
PRN44738B

Job Title
Research Associate

Working Title
Research and Evaluation Associate

Career Progression Track
A00

Track Level

FLSA Code
Professional

Patient Sensitive Job Code?
No

Standard Hours per Week
40

Full Time or Part Time?
Full Time

Shift
Day

Work Schedule Summary

VP Area
Academic Affairs

Department
01323 - Utah Education Policy Center

Location
Other

City
Salt Lake City, UT

Type of Recruitment
External Posting

Pay Rate Range
$70,000 - $110,000

Close Date
07/25/2026

Priority Review Date (Note - Posting may close at any time)

Job Summary

The Utah Education Policy Center seeks a full-time Research Associate to join our research and evaluation team. Specifically, the UEPC seeks an experienced researcher or evaluator who can serve on a team to conduct research and evaluation projects, including designing research and evaluation plans, developing and administering data collection tools, conducting quantitative and qualitative analyses, preparing reports and other deliverables (e.g., briefs, presentations), building relationships with clients, and facilitating client meetings.

As part of the University of Utah, we offer competitive benefits and access to resources. Learn more about the great benefits of working for University of Utah: benefits.utah.edu

Responsibilities

• Serve on a team to coordinate and carry out research or evaluation tasks for multiple, concurrent projects using appropriate approaches and frameworks.
• Assist in designing studies, including by conducting literature reviews and developing data collection, analysis, and reporting plans.
• Develop and pilot research and evaluation instruments (e.g., survey instruments, focus group protocols, interview protocols).
• Administer surveys and conduct focus groups and interviews.
• Manage project data, including both quantitative and qualitative data.
• Clean, manage, and analyze quantitative data using standard statistical approaches (e.g., means comparisons, regression, factor analysis) in R.
• Report research and evaluation results in user-friendly, accessible formats that meet clients' needs, including by creating presentations, written reports, peer-reviewed journal articles, briefs, white papers, and/or data visualizations of research and evaluation results.
• Assist with grant writing efforts and scopes of work for proposed projects.
• Work collaboratively with others to meet project deadlines and manage competing priorities.

Minimum Qualifications

• Earned master's degree in education, psychology, sociology, public policy, or an applied social science.
• Three years of full-time experience leading and/or conducting research or evaluation projects, with increasing independence and responsibility.
• Expertise in quantitative and qualitative methods.
• Expertise in using the R programming language.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills.
• Excellent critical thinking, analytic, and problem-solving skills.
• Excellent organizational skills, including the ability to complete tasks for multiple, concurrent projects on time and within budget.
• Experience developing research and evaluation reports and other deliverables (e.g., infographics), including translating reports for multiple audiences.
• Understanding of local, regional, and/or national issues and policies affecting PK-16+ education.

Preferences

• PhD/EdD in education, sociology, psychology, public policy, or an applied social science.
• Five or more years of experience in research and evaluation.
• Experience working in a K12, higher education, or an organization that works with K12 or higher education organizations.
• Experience administering and managing surveys, particularly in Qualtrics.
• Experience working with large datasets.
• Experience in project management.
• Experience applying for research and evaluation grants.

Type
Benefited Staff

Special Instructions Summary

Please include in application materials:

• A detailed cover letter that describes your interest and relevant experience and expertise for this position.
• A current curriculum vitae or resume.
• Two research or evaluation products that represent your individual contributions in a lead or primary role. At least one sample should demonstrate technical or methodological rigor (e.g., a psychometric report, validation study, evaluation with quantitative findings, or technical documentation). Suitable formats include reports, technical manuals, research briefs, peer-reviewed manuscripts, or presentation materials. For each sample, include a brief note (2-3 sentences) describing your specific role and contributions, particularly if the work was collaborative.
• Contact information for three professional references who can speak to your research skills, project leadership, and ability to work across institutional boundaries. References will not be contacted prior to final consideration for the position. At least one reference should be someone who has directly supervised you on a research or evaluation project. If possible, include at least one reference from outside your home institution or organization.

Additional Information

The University is a participating employer with Utah Retirement Systems ("URS"). Eligible new hires with prior URS service, may elect to enroll in URS if they make the election before they become eligible for retirement (usually the first day of work). Contact Human Resources at (801) 581-7447 for information. Individuals who previously retired and are receiving monthly retirement benefits from URS are subject to URS' post-retirement rules and restrictions. Please contact Utah Retirement Systems at (801) 366-7770 or (800) 695-4877 or University Human Resource Management at (801) 581-7447 if you have questions regarding the post-retirement rules.

This position may require the successful completion of a criminal background check and/or drug screen.

The University of Utah values candidates who have experience working in settings with students and possess a strong commitment to improving access to higher education.