Research Associate, Department of Research & Analysis

 

Outside The Classroom is the pioneer and leading provider of substance use prevention programs and strategic services for institutions of higher education.  Founded in 2000 and based outside Boston, Outside The Classroom has developed a suite of evidence-based prevention programs, online education tools and support services to address pressing public health issues facing our nation’s youth.

As a member of the Research and Analysis team, the Research Associate will work closely with the Director of Research to launch new research projects by organizing and cleaning data, running exploratory data analysis, and performing literature review on a variety of topics.  This role provides the opportunity to be part of small team of behavioral researchers investigating the most pertinent topics relating to substance use and mental health. The current opening is structured as a full-time position for the first 3 months, moving to part-time for 6 additional months, with the potential for extension beyond that.

 

Responsibilities (include but are not limited to):

  • Assume ownership of a significant portion of the data set-up effort, by retrieving, merging, and cleaning large datasets.
  • Play a leading role in conducting exploratory data analysis.
  • Support executives and managers in a consultative way throughout ongoing investigations.
  • Perform detailed literature review and write up for current projects.
  • Communicate effectively with senior management regarding research methodology.
  • Help the team by providing unique insights on the data, and evaluate trends as well as emerging themes in data.

Technical Skills & Qualifications:

  • Undergraduate degree required; possessing or currently pursuing an advanced degree in psychology, public health, epidemiology, or behavioral statistics preferred.
  • Proficiency in using SPSS and SPSS Syntax, conducting data cleaning, and exploratory data analysis on large 100,000 + samples; capable of querying and analyzing complex quantitative and qualitative data sets.
  • Proficiency with introductory statistics, as well as some experience with multivariate, multi-level, and forecasting models (e.g. HLM, SEM, ARIMA).
  • Some working experience with HLM, AMOS, PASW Forecasting is desired.
  • Demonstrated skills using Microsoft Office Suite (Excel/ Word/ PowerPoint).
  • Outstanding literature review and writing skills; ability to clearly synthesize, discuss and write about complex concepts in the research literature.

Non-technical Skills & Qualifications:

  • Strong analytical thinker, capable of breaking down and working with broad research hypotheses.
  • Well-developed problem-solving ability and critical thinking skills.
  • Comfort engaging with senior-level administrators.
  • Strong interpersonal communication skills.
  • Ability to work independently, but also as a member of a team.
  • Desire to collaborate with other departments to gather and document requirements and to learn all aspects of program functionality.

 

If interested please send a cover letter and your CV clearly outlining how your skills and experience meet the requirements of this position to wyatt@outsidetheclassroom.com. You should also include a writing sample demonstrating literature review, writing and research abilities. Please no phone calls.