Research Associate - Berkeley, United States - University of California

Description

At the University of California, Berkeley, we are committed to creating a community that fosters equity of experience and opportunity, and ensures that students, faculty, and staff of all backgrounds feel safe, welcome and included. Our culture of openness, freedom and belonging make it a special place for students, faculty and staff.

The University of California, Berkeley, is one of the world's leading institutions of higher education, distinguished by its combination of internationally recognized academic and research excellence; the transformative opportunity it provides to a large and diverse student body; its public mission and commitment to equity and social justice; and its roots in the California experience, animated by such values as innovation, questioning the status quo, and respect for the environment and nature. Since its founding in 1868, Berkeley has fueled a perpetual renaissance, generating unparalleled intellectual, economic and social value in California, the United States and the world.

We are looking for equity-minded applicants who represent the full diversity of California and who demonstrate a sensitivity to and understanding of the diverse academic, socioeconomic, cultural, disability, gender identity, sexual orientation, and ethnic backgrounds present in our community. When you join the team at Berkeley, you can expect to be part of an inclusive, innovative and equity-focused community that approaches higher education as a matter of social justice that requires broad collaboration among faculty, staff, students and community partners. In deciding whether to apply for a position at Berkeley, you are strongly encouraged to consider whether your values align with our Guiding Values and Principles, our Principles of Community, and our Strategic Plan.

At UC Berkeley, we believe that learning is a fundamental part of working, and our goal is for everyone on the Berkeley campus to feel supported and equipped to realize their full potential. We actively support this by providing all of our staff employees with at least 80 hours (10 days) of paid time per year to engage in professional development activities. To find out more about how you can grow your career at UC Berkeley, visit

With a full-time faculty of about 130, the Division of Mathematical & Physical Sciences seeks to expand our physical and mathematical understanding of the universe, from its microscopic substructure to its largest structures, from our own Earth to the edge of the universe and the beginning of time. The language used is mathematical. Discovery and understanding advance by the interplay between theory and experiment or observation. The Mathematical & Physical Sciences Division is a national leader in addressing the persistent problem of underrepresentation in the sciences in the U.S. Berkeley enrolls and graduates more underrepresented minorities with Ph.D.'s in the sciences, mathematics, and engineering than any other university. Our staff is available to assist undergraduates and graduate students, as well as prospective students.

The Research Associate will collect, analyze, and interpret a variety of research data in order to evaluate and inform the development of a number of research and evaluation initiatives within the office focused on increasing diversity, inclusion, belonging in the scientific community, and/or addressing the broader impacts of science on society, in higher education, or at the university. The Research Associate will design and conduct research on the student, postdoc, staff, and faculty experience in the mathematical & physical sciences, including topics such as identity, structure, and belonging. This work will involve utilizing mixed research methods, for example, conducting interviews and developing surveys, utilizing statistical methods, using observational techniques, and synthesizing, interpreting, and presenting the data gathered so the PI and research team can communicate and publish results (including in scholarly outlets,) provide recommendations for action, and implement and improve programs, policies, and practices based on rigorous research findings.

This is a fulltime (100% FTE), 2-year contract position with the possibility of extension and/or conversion to career.

The First Review Date for this job is: March 28, Open Until Filled

• Collects research data through interviews, surveys, institutional records, and other methods as needed and appropriate; synthesizes, analyzes, and interprets research data in order to evaluate and inform the development of a number of research and evaluation initiatives within the office focused on increasing diversity, inclusion, belonging in the scientific community, and/or addressing the broader impacts of science on society, in higher education, or at the university; prepares research reports or presentations for internal department constituents, advisory boards, and annual reports. Translates complex qualitative data and quantitative concepts into easy-to-read charts, tables and written descriptions.
• Collaborates on the design, documentation, and implementation of mixed-method research studies in support of research proposals and protocols including the design and conducting research on the student, postdoc, staff, and faculty experience in the mathematical & physical sciences, including topics such as identity, structure, and belonging. Applies various research methods, for example, conducting interviews and developing surveys, utilizing statistical methods, using observational techniques, and synthesizing, interpreting, and presenting the data gathered so the PI and research team can communicate and publish results (including in scholarly outlets,) provide recommendations for action, and implement and improve programs, policies, and practices based on rigorous research findings.
• Consults with Institutional Review Board (IRB). Designs, writes, updates, references, and ensures adherence to research protocols. Makes necessary revisions; gathers, organizes, and stores documentation of consent for participation of human subjects in compliance with the research protocols; organizes and manages the storage of sensitive data in compliance with the research protocol.
• Conducts studies, develops and implements strategies for recruitment of research subjects and/or respondents; coordinates and facilitates the scheduling of research interviews and other data collection through correspondence with research applicants, data stewards, and other researchers.
• Identifies survey instruments and determines sampling and reporting procedures; may be involved in researching, evaluating and selecting new data reporting products.
• Maintains detailed records of research subjects and respondents; processing compensation for research subjects.

• Exceptional organizational, communication, interpersonal and writing skills, including the ability to effectively communicate quantitative and qualitative findings to experts and non-experts alike.
• Strong research skills with demonstrated experience in quantitative and/or qualitative methods, including data collection and analysis.
• Ability to work collaboratively and communicate effectively on a small team.
• Ability to work independently to deadlines and undertake multiple research assignments simultaneously.
• Ability to exercise discretion while working with human subjects and sensitive data.

• Experience with Qualtrics or other survey design and collection instruments.
• Experience with MaxQDA or other qualitative or mixed method data analysis software.
• Experience developing research proposals and protocols.
• Master's degree in related area and / or equivalent experience / training.

For information on the comprehensive benefits package offered by the University, please visit the University of California's Compensation & Benefits website.

Under California law, the University of California, Berkeley is required to provide a reasonable estimate of the compensation range for this role and should not offer a salary outside of the range posted in this job announcement. This range takes into account the wide range of factors that are considered in making compensation decisions including but not limited to experience, skills, knowledge, abilities, education, licensure and certifications, analysis of internal equity, and other business and organizational needs. It is not typical for an individual to be offered a salary at or near the top of the range for a position. Salary offers are determined based on final candidate qualifications and experience.

The budgeted salary or hourly range that the University reasonably expects to pay for this position is $33.57 to $59.72 hourly. This is a 2-year, 100% FTE contract position eligible for benefits.

This is a fulltime (100% FTE), 2-year contract position with the possibility of extension and/or conversion to career.

This position is eligible for a hybrid work schedule.

This is a designated position requiring fingerprinting and a background check due to the nature of the job responsibilities. Berkeley does hire people with conviction histories and reviews information received in the context of the job responsibilities. The University reserves the right to make employment contingent upon successful completion of the background check.

This position has been identified as a Mandated Reporter required to report the observed or suspected abuse or neglect of children, dependent adults, or elders to designated law enforcement or social service agencies. We reserve the right to make employment contingent upon completion of signed statements acknowledging the responsibilities of a Mandated Reporter.

The University of California is an Equal Opportunity/Affirmative Action Employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, or protected veteran status. For more information about your rights as an applicant, please see the U.S. Equal Employment Opportunity Commission poster.

For the complete University of California nondiscrimination and affirmative action policy, please see the University of California Discrimination, Harassment, and Affirmative Action in the Workplace policy.