Research Associate/Scientist

Okemos, Michigan

Purpose

Under the direction of the Program Director, the Research Associate/Scientist position provides scientific oversight for research and evaluation projects. This involves (1) managing and conducting research and evaluation projects, (2) coordinating the planning, development, and implementation of new and existing research and evaluation projects; (3) providing technical assistance, expertise, and leadership for research activities; (4) data management, statistical analysis, interpretation, and reporting, and (5) assisting in a variety of project management and development activities.

Duties and Responsibilities

• Project Development: Participates in project development activities, including the identification,
conceptualization, writing and production of proposals, preparation of budgets and work plans, negotiation with partners and funding sources, reading and reviewing literature and materials, assembling plans and models for new technical assistance and evaluation activities, and seeking opportunities for project development and additional project funding. Remains current on literature in key areas.
• Administrative Responsibilities: Assists the Director in the administrative duties of the unit such as financial oversight of research projects and documentation and reporting of project activities. Coordinates, develops and monitors project work plans, timelines, budgets, contracts and reports. Participates in ongoing strategic planning.
• Project Coordination and Management: Develops, plans, and manages research activities and logistics for research projects to insure that timelines and objectives are met. Assesses project needs and provides leadership for project planning and implementation. Identifies and prioritizes project tasks. Coordinates and assigns project tasks among project team members. Monitors task status and participates in proactive planning to maintain project schedules and budgets. Coordinates and participates in the development of all project reporting requirements, such as project quarterly reports, annual reports, final reports and special reports. Provides the Director with project updates on the completion status of tasks, ongoing activities, and project issues. Regularly corresponds with clients and subcontractors, funding agencies and project partners.
• Research Project Activities: Designs and conducts scientific research and studies addressing specific public health issues. Participates in data gathering and management, including the design and conduct of data collection and management procedures, instrument development, and monitoring of the data collection process. Conducts qualitative, descriptive, inferential and multivariate statistical analyses, as well as the programming of syntax for the accomplishment of all analyses. Interprets results of analyses and develops materials for data reporting. Prepares project-related reports, literature reviews, articles, graphical presentations, data tables, internal tracking reports, and other written materials. Provides technical assistance on research methodology, data management, and statistical analysis to MPHI staff and directly to MPHI clients when necessary.
• Information Dissemination: Disseminates the findings and implications of research projects through peer-reviewed publication, professional conferences and seminars, teaching and public policy forums.
• Survey Research Unit Activities: Oversees survey research projects when assigned, including completion of project coordination, management, research, and reporting tasks described above. In addition, coordinates lab oversight with the Program Coordinator of the Survey Research Unit. Participates in recruitment and training of data collection personnel. Conducts sample management and develops administrative systems to facilitate the efficiency of operations and ensure quality of data-related services. Supervises the implementation of data collection and data management systems.
• Quality Improvement: Contributes to quality improvement for assigned projects, and to improved processes within the program.
• Travel: Tasks include local travel (in the Lansing area) to meet with clients, occasional in state travel resulting in overnight stays, and occasional out-of-state travel to conferences and other professional meetings.
• Maintains a positive, strong, credible, professional, and interpersonal relationship with all parties relevant to projects, and represent the best interests of MPHI at all times.

Qualifications/Requirements

Education: Possession of a Masters degree in a relevant field or in research methodology and
statistics with coursework in public health or social sciences required. Doctorate degree preferred.

Experience: A minimum of three to five years of progressively more responsible experience in related research and project management.

Important Skills and Characteristics: Ability to analyze project needs and to monitor progress and completion of tasks. Experience in various research methodologies and in the statistical analysis of data. Strong organizational and problem solving skills, including the ability to manage multiple tasks and respond to multiple demands simultaneously. Excellent interpersonal skills and written and oral communications skills; a positive attitude and professional demeanor; interest in learning and mastering new information and skills; ability to work independently; ability to function as a productive member of a team; and flexibility and adaptability to a fast-paced work environment. Proficiency with statistical programs (SPSS) and standard computer software programs (Word, WordPerfect, Excel, PowerPoint, Access).

Work Environment and Physical Requirements

The position may require moderate physical effort including working with PC’s 25% to 75% of the time. Standard office environment. May require valid vehicle operator’s license and/or travel. Travel within Michigan for work associated with assigned projects is possible. Occasional overnight, multiple day travel within or out of Michigan is also possible.

Responsibility for the Work of Others

The Research Scientist monitors the work of project team staff and assists the Director in the development of employee reviews when appropriate. The Research Scientist coordinates project activity through direct day to day oversight of project staff, including delegating responsibilities to project staff for completion of specific tasks, reviewing and editing work completed by project staff and providing feedback, monitoring individual as well as overall progress, and ensuring that timelines are followed and deadlines are met.

Impact on Projects, Services and Operations

By providing rigorous scientific oversight, proficient administrative oversight, and effective supervision of staff, this position contributes to the timely and satisfactory completion of projects, ensures the integrity and quality of products and activities, enhances the development of projects, the success of the Survey Research Unit, and the reputation of MPHI overall.

MPHI is an Affirmative Action/Equal Opportunity Employer

Deadline: