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Position Summary

The Kinder Institute for Urban Research aims to improve lives through data, research, engagement, and action. The institute is currently expanding to build out five research centers focused on key aspects shaping the social and cultural landscape of the Houston area. The five research centers will conduct research on housing , education , public health , economic mobility and inequality , and population dynamics . Each of these centers will conduct research focused on its particular topic, as well as do groundbreaking and necessary work across centers. To achieve this, each center is building interdisciplinary teams that specialize in solutions-oriented research, and will use a research-practice partnership (RPP) model to jointly design, develop, and do research that values diversity in expertise and centers the community in identifying the most pressing questions and challenges facing Houston.

The Kinder Institute for Urban Research (KIUR) at Rice University, is seeking multiple full-time Research Scientists with expertise in quantitative and/or qualitative research, who can design, plan, implement, and conduct complex and specialized research projects utilizing a research-practice partnership model. Research Scientists are involved in multiple research projects at a time, and work closely with community organizations throughout the entire lifespan of a project from idea generation to sharing out results and utilizing what is learned.

Research Scientists are needed for each of the following research centers and topic areas at the Kinder Institute for Urban Research:

• Houston Education Research Consortium (HERC)
• Houston Population Research Center (HPRC)
• Housing & Neighborhoods
• Community and Public Health
• Economic Mobility and Inequality

In addition to conducting rigorous and sophisticated research, the Research Scientist will also be responsible for effectively translating research findings for broad and varied audiences utilizing a portfolio of research products to communicate findings, including (but not limited to) research briefs and papers, presentations, webinars, video recordings, and data dashboards. They will also supervise and train small research teams. Optional hybrid work schedule within Harris County and surrounding counties.

Salary starts at $85,000, depending on experience and qualifications.

• Ph.D. or other Doctoral Degree in sociology, economics, other social science, public health, or related field
• 3 years of postdoctoral experience in an applied social science research center or organization
• Skills required
  • Ability to work and solve problems independently
  • Good interpersonal skills such as patience, determination, flexibility, and decisiveness
  • Excellent listening, verbal and written communication, analytical, and research skills
  • Ability to communicate research findings to multiple audiences, which may include practitioners, community members, youth, families, policymakers, other researchers or academics, and other relevant actors in research
  • Excellent scientific and methodological skills with meticulous attention to detail and accuracy
  • Proficient in multiple regression (OLS, logistic); familiarity with multilevel models
  • Advanced knowledge and skill in the use of Stata, SAS, or R

Essential Functions

• Designs, plans, implements, and conducts independent and team-based research studies and specialized research projects
• Effectively communicates and translates research findings for a variety of audiences utilizing a portfolio of research products, such as research briefs and papers, presentations, and data dashboards
• Communicates and builds relationships with community organizations and stakeholders
• Mentors, supervises, and trains researchers by including them in ongoing research in a meaningful manner
• Leads and develops research studies from start to finish, including managing a research team
• Seeks new research grant opportunities
• Performs all other duties as assigned

Preferences

• Experience developing and managing research projects, managing data and conducting quantitative and qualitative analyses, such as multilevel modeling, causal modeling, quasi-experimental methods, survey design, and interviews
• Mission-driven with a passion for social justice and advancing equity
• Experience as a Research Analyst or Research Assistant
• Able to conduct and lead quantitative, qualitative, or mixed methods research
• Able to oversee various research projects while managing and mentoring other research staff
• Able to interact effectively with internal and external stakeholders
• Adaptable to change and able to think creatively to address issues

Workplace Requirements

• Occasional travel
• Evening and/or weekend work as needed

Kinder Institute for Urban Research
https://kinder.rice.edu/

Rice University HR / Benefits website
https://knowledgecafe.rice.edu/benefits

Rice Mission and Values
https://www.rice.edu/mission-values

Faculty and staff are expected (but not required) to have completed a full vaccination series for COVID-19 (currently defined as full course COVID-19 Vaccine (typically two shots of a WHO-approved COVID-19 Vaccine or one J&J) and a COVID-19 booster. Rice does not require documentation for COVID 19 vaccination at this time for faculty and staff. More information can be found here: https://coronavirus.rice.edu/policies

Rice University is an Equal Opportunity Employer with commitment to diversity at all levels, and considers for employment qualified applicants without regard to race, color, religion, age, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national or ethnic origin, genetic information, disability or protected veteran status.