The Education Policy Innovation Collaborative (EPIC) at Michigan State University (MSU) is seeking a research specialist to join EPIC leadership to work on externally-funded multi-year projects. EPIC is a policy lab located within the College of Education. EPIC partners with state and school district leaders to produce rigorous and objective multi-method research with consequence that strengthens evidence-based decision-making for practice and policy in Michigan, with implications for historically and currently underserved students throughout the country.

The research specialist will join the EPIC team in a leadership role to work on one or more externally-funded EPIC research projects. Duties for the research specialist will include some or all of the following:

• Leading center-wide research projects focused on partner-driven research on the impact of policies and programs using large-scale longitudinal administrative data from the State of Michigan and data collected by EPIC in the form of surveys, interviews and focus groups;
• Acting as a representative of EPIC and MSU to research partners at agencies and local school districts;
• Providing expertise in quantitative and qualitative methodologies that includes substantial experience conducting statistical/econometric analysis and quasi-experimental design using panel data in STATA as well as coding and analyzing qualitative data in Dedoose;
• Traveling, occasionally overnight, to collect data, meet with research partners, and present research products to various audiences.
• Overseeing, writing and editing clear and concise reports, publications, manuscripts, policy briefs for both academic and general audiences;
• Providing mentoring, training, and professional development to other EPIC researchers;
• Responding to ad hoc data and analysis requests, both internal and external; and
• Producing data summaries, tables and visualizations.
• Other duties as appropriate based on the specific interests and expertise of the selected candidate.

The research specialist will oversee postdoctoral and staff researchers, as well as doctoral students and at EPIC to ensure all research products are timely. We are seeking a person who is excited to be a member of a dynamic and motivated group, and who is driven by a desire to produce both rigorous and policy-relevant research aimed at driving improvements for Michigan students.

The position, which includes benefits, is fixed-term, annual, 100% time beginning as soon as July 15, 2023 with the potential for renewals in the College of Education.

Michigan State University is an affirmative action, equal opportunity employer. Michigan State University is committed to achieving excellence through cultural diversity. The university actively encourages applications and/or nominations of women, persons of color, veterans and persons with disabilities.

Equal Employment Opportunity Statement

All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, citizenship, age, disability or protected veteran status.

Required Degree

Doctorate - education, public policy, economics

Minimum Requirements

• A Ph.D. in education, public policy, economics, statistics, social science or a similar field;
• Significant expertise with STATA statistical software;
• Expertise in standard econometric models and techniques;
• Experience with large-scale quantitative data management and analysis;
• Experience planning and executing quality assurance on complex analyses using large-scale data sets;
• Experience conducting qualitative data collection, coding, and analysis;
• Experience administering surveys and analyzing survey data;
• Demonstrated knowledge or interest in partner-orientated education research;
• Extreme attention to detail and strong organizational skills;
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office Suite products;
• Ability to manage multiple projects and competing priorities with little supervision, as well as maintain flexibility.

Desired Qualifications

• Research project management, including developing and maintaining project timelines with contingency plans, coordinating the work of others and ensuring project deliverables are met to a high standard for quality and accuracy;
• Experience with data collection and analysis activities across a large team;
• Experience presenting research products to a wide variety of audiences;
• Excellent interpersonal, verbal and written communication skills.

Required Application Materials

Interested candidates should send: 1) a letter of application stating qualifications for and reasons for interest in this position; 2) current resume or curriculum vitae; and 3) the names and contact information for three references. We will review applications on a rolling basis until the position is filled.

Special Instructions

Applicants must apply online at: http://jobs.msu.edu. Questions can be directed to Emily Mohr at emohr@msu.edu.

Review of Applications Begins On

06/01/2023

Remote Work Statement

MSU strives to provide a flexible work environment and this position has been designated as remote-friendly. Remote-friendly means some or all of the duties can be performed remotely as mutually agreed upon.

Website

https://www.educ.msu.edu/

MSU Statement

Michigan State University has been advancing the common good with uncommon will for more than 160 years. One of the top research universities in the world, MSU pushes the boundaries of discovery and forges enduring partnerships to solve the most pressing global challenges while providing life-changing opportunities to a diverse and inclusive academic community through more than 200 programs of study in 17 degree-granting colleges.