Job Information
University of Utah Research Associate in Salt Lake City, Utah
Details
Open Date 08/23/2024
Requisition Number PRN39649B
Job Title Research Associate
Working Title Research Associate
Job Grade A00
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 U of U Health - Academics
Department 01527 - Genetic Science Learning CTR
Location Campus
City Salt Lake City, UT
Type of Recruitment External Posting
Pay Rate Range 60000 to 74000
Close Date
Open Until Filled Yes
Job Summary
The Genetic Science Learning Center ( GSLC ) at the University of Utah is a world-renowned team dedicated to making science and health accessible to everyone. Our Learn.Genetics and Teach.Genetics websites are accessed globally, accounting for one-third of utah.edu’s annual traffic.
We seek an energetic, collaborative, and experienced Research Associate who enjoys working on multiple, concurrent projects to join our Research and Evaluation team. Projects include evaluating the efficacy of science education materials for K-12 students, assessing public health communication strategies, investigating teachers’ responses to curricula and professional development courses, and evaluating the effectiveness of postsecondary education programs.
Our work primarily involves mixed methods approaches. The successful candidate will have skills in qualitative data analysis and common statistical techniques for quantitative data analysis; more advanced data analysis skills are welcomed. Strong English writing skills are needed, along with the ability to tailor one’s writing style to the audience who will read a document. Effective communication skills are essential since the person in this position interacts with a broad range of individuals on the GSLC team as well as multiple collaborating partners, including (but not limited to) students and trainees, educators, community members, healthcare personnel, science center and museum staff, library staff, and faculty.
About the Genetic Science Learning Center ( GSLC )
Our mission is “making science and health easy for everyone to understand.” The educational materials we develop and study aim to educate middle and high school students and teachers, patients, and community members. Through courses, workshops, and conferences we train others to use our materials as well as bring science educators together to share ideas and resources. In addition to our own projects, the GSLC collaborates with faculty across the University and at other institutions to develop and study educational materials and programs that address all areas of life science, health, and a broad range of other fields.
Our projects require a collaborative, team-based approach from planning through materials production and testing with end users. Our multi-talented team of 18 includes instructional designers, science and health writers, curriculum developers, professional developers, graphic designers, multimedia artists, videographer, music composer and sound designer, web and software developers, evaluators, and science education researchers, along with project management and administrative personnel.
Responsibilities
Collaborate effectively with diverse team members and external partners
Conduct literature reviews
Design and implement evaluation plans for concurrent educational and public health projects (e.g., knowledge assessments, surveys, observations, focus groups, interviews)
Conduct mixed-methods research and evaluation studies
Analyze qualitative data and perform statistical analyses on complex datasets
Produce clear, audience-tailored written reports and presentations
Contribute to manuscripts/papers
Present findings at professional conferences
Write IRB and school district research applications
Meet project deadlines and effectively manage multiple tasks in a fast-paced environment
Hybrid full-time schedule with at least 3 days/week in the office
Minimum Qualifications
Doctoral degree in education, public health, psychology, or a related field. Training in qualitative and quantitative research and/or evaluation methods
Applicants must demonstrate the potential ability to perform the essential functions of the job as outlined in the position description.
Preferences
At least two years of experience designing and conducting evaluation studies
Experience working with K-12 schools and/or with community members or patients
Expertise with common statistical approaches (e.g., descriptive statistics, t-tests, Chi-square tests, ANOVA , and regression analyses)
Expertise in qualitative data analysis
Expertise with survey (e.g., Qualtrics) and statistical (e.g., SPSS ) software
Excellent written and verbal communication skills
Excellent critical thinking, analytic, and problem-solving skills
Excellent organizational skills, including the ability to track and complete tasks for multiple, concurrent projects
Experience preparing IRB and/or school district research applications
Ability to meet project deadlines and manage competing priorities
Genuinely enjoys collaborative work, actively participates in team discussions, and values both giving and receiving constructive feedback
Type Benefited Staff
Special Instructions Summary
Please include with your application:
Cover letter – Describe your interest in and relevant experience and expertise related to this position
Curriculum Vitae or Resume
Two research or evaluation products (e.g., reports, papers, slide decks) that you have prepared (combine the 2 products into 1 PDF and upload in the Applicant documents titled Example of Evaluation)
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 patients from all backgrounds and possess a strong commitment to improving access to higher education and quality healthcare for historically underrepresented students and patients.
All qualified individuals are strongly encouraged to apply. Veterans’ preference is extended to qualified applicants, upon request and consistent with University policy and Utah state law. Upon request, reasonable accommodations in the application process will be provided to individuals with disabilities.
The University of Utah is an Affirmative Action/Equal Opportunity employer and does not discriminate based upon race, ethnicity, color, religion, national origin, age, disability, sex, sexual orientation, gender, gender identity, gender expression, pregnancy, pregnancy-related conditions, genetic information, or protected veteran’s status. The University does not discriminate on the basis of sex in the education program or activity that it operates, as required by Title IX and 34 CFR part 106. The requirement not to discriminate in education programs or activities extends to admission and employment. Inquiries about the application of Title IX and its regulations may be referred to the Title IX Coordinator, to the Department of Education, Office for Civil Rights, or both.
To request a reasonable accommodation for a disability or if you or someone you know has experienced discrimination or sexual misconduct including sexual harassment, you may contact the Director/Title IX Coordinator in the Office of Equal Opportunity and Affirmative Action ( OEO /AA). More information, including the Director/Title IX Coordinator’s office address, electronic mail address, and telephone number can be located at: https://www.utah.edu/nondiscrimination/
Online reports may be submitted at oeo.utah.edu
https://safety.utah.edu/safetyreport This report includes statistics about criminal offenses, hate crimes, arrests and referrals for disciplinary action, and Violence Against Women Act offenses. They also provide information about safety and security-related services offered by the University of Utah. A paper copy can be obtained by request at the Department of Public Safety located at 1658 East 500 South.