Research Associate

The Research Alliance for New York City Schools, an independent research center housed in the NYU Steinhardt School of Culture, Education, and Human Development, invites applications for a Research Associate. The Research Associate will play a key role in our evaluation of New York City’s Computer Science for All initiative (CS4All). CS4All is a ten-year, districtwide initiative designed to ensure all NYC public school students learn computer science. The initiative has an explicit focus on equity, including increasing the participation of students historically underrepresented in CS (Black, Latinx and female students in particular) and making CS education more culturally relevant. 

As a key member of the CS4All evaluation team, the Research Associate will lead the administration and analysis of student record data, surveys and computational thinking assessments, and work with other members of the team to link and conduct analyses across data sources (e.g., CS4All participation data, student CS course taking records, student demographic and achievement data, student and teacher surveys). They will also contribute to overall project management; database management, documentation, and quality control procedures; report writing; and presentation of findings to the NYCDOE and funders.

The person who fills this position will also contribute to other ongoing projects at the Research Alliance, such as our studies of career and technical education (CTE), Pre-K for All, college access and success initiatives,  afterschool STEM initiatives, and efforts to use data to improve school organization and climate. We also expect the Research Associate to develop new research projects that examine the causes, consequences, and potential solutions to educational inequalities in NYC. 

About the Research Alliance for New York City Schools 

The Research Alliance was formed in 2008 to conduct rigorous studies on topics that matter to NYC’s public schools. We strive to advance equity and excellence in education by providing evidence about policies and practices that promote students’ development and academic success. Our access to longitudinal data from both the NYC Department of Education (DOE) and the City University of New York, coupled with our strong relationships with educators and policymakers, allows Research Alliance staff to undertake work that makes a meaningful difference for NYC students and communities. We are seeking candidates from diverse backgrounds, particularly from groups that are underrepresented in applied research.

Job Description

  • Lead projects and/or major project tasks. Develop the research design, instrumentation, data collection and analysis plans; oversee data collection efforts; implement quality control procedures; and manage project timelines and staffing.
  • Develop and raise funding for new projects and studies through responding to calls for proposals, applying for grants, and networking with funders.
  • Oversee/supervise junior research staff who assist with data collection, data management, documentation, and analysis.
  • Create and manage large-scale, longitudinal data sets that include linked data from multiple sources, such as administrative record data from the NYC DOE, teacher survey data, and student assessment and survey data.
  • Conduct descriptive and inferential quantitative analyses of data collected by the Research Alliance (e.g., survey data, computer science student assessment data), as well as administrative record data obtained from the NYC DOE.
  • Author public- and practitioner-facing reports/briefs as well as other communication tools, including blog posts, infographics, and data visualizations.
  • Present work to the NYC DOE and other audiences of policymakers and educators.

Requirements and Skills

  • Ph.D. or Ed.D. in education, education policy, psychology, public policy, economics, sociology, or other relevant social science discipline.
  • At least three years of experience conducting research in educational settings, including managing large-scale and longitudinal data sets and survey design/analysis.
  • Experience writing successful grant proposals.
  • Strong programming and statistical analysis skills. Experience and skill in SAS is strongly preferred.  Successful candidates will be required to learn and become highly proficient in SAS.
  • Strong attention to detail. Meticulous documentation and quality control procedures.
  • Excellent written and oral communications skills. Must be able to communicate complex research findings in terms that are accessible to policymakers and practitioners.
  • Ability to take initiative, work independently, and work in a team environment.
  • Ability to manage competing demands and complete tasks within time constraints.
  • Familiarity with the K-12 computer science education landscape is preferred.
  • Knowledge of New York City DOE and its recent policy initiatives is preferred.
  • We seek applicants who carry diverse perspectives and who bring experience and understanding related to the challenges and opportunities of urban education. Strong candidates are able to recognize how positionality and social/cultural biases may impact research and policy. 
  • Must be eligible and authorized to work in the U.S  without employment sponsorship.

Compensation

  • Starting Salary : $80,000, commensurate with experience
  • Additional $1500 per year for professional development activities, including conferences, travel, books, and other related expenses.
  • Full package of NYU benefits, including tuition remission. (See more information here: http://www.nyu.edu/employees/benefit/full-time/Professional-Research-Staff-Code-103.html).
  • The position is located on NYU’s NYC campus and allows some flexibility for hybrid  remote work.

Application Process

To apply, please upload the following through NYU’s application portal :

  •  Curriculum vitae.
  • Cover letter that discusses your qualifications, interest in the position, and research goals. Your cover letter should also discuss what factors and approaches you see as essential for conducting research that advances equity and inclusion in education.
  • One or two written examples of original sole-authored scholarship (e.g., grant applications, publications, manuscripts, dissertation chapters).

After initial review, competitive candidates will be invited for interviews and a job talk (both conducted virtually).  Review of applications will begin immediately and continue until the position is filled.

Learn more and apply here