Career Center

Job Summary/Basic Function:
The Community College Research Center (CCRC) at Teachers College, Columbia University, studies community colleges because they provide critical access to postsecondary education and are uniquely positioned to promote equity and social mobility in the United States. Our mission is to conduct research that helps these institutions strengthen opportunities and improve outcomes for their students, particularly those from underserved populations.

CCRC is seeking a full-time Senior Research Assistant to support research projects focused on studying whole-college reforms in community colleges. The position’s responsibilities include supporting senior staff, participating in the data collection, management, and analysis, and assisting in the preparation of project-related publications, and the development of workshops and other educational activities focused on whole-college reforms. Strong written and oral communication skills and the ability to work as part of a team and to balance multiple project tasks are essential.

This grant-funded position may begin immediately and is based in New York City. Please find the application link at ccrc.tc.columbia.edu/employment and include a cover letter and resume with your application.

CCRC is proud to be an equal opportunity employer. We believe that our diversity is essential to our success, and we aim to cultivate a respectful and inclusive environment where all employees are empowered to do their best work.
For information about CCRC’s current research activities, mission, and values, please visit ccrc.tc.columbia.edu.

Responsibilities:

Research planning and management

• Co-lead aspects of design of existing research projects
• Draft and revise research-related documents, including study prospectus and data collection materials
• Maintain records related to the progress of research and activities
• Assist with the organization and execution of research team meetings (e.g., draft agendas, organize formal note-taking and task-setting)
• Contribute to team meetings in substantive ways
• Independently respond to internal and external requests for information
• Participate in project updates for funders

Data management, collection, and analysis

• Lead or co-lead aspects of data collection activities
• Lead or co-lead data cleaning and coding
• Use data analysis software or data organizing techniques to manage and analyze data
• Lead or co-lead data analysis
• Extrapolate research findings from data analysis
• Ensure data documentation, organization, and security

Writing

• Draft and revise analytic memos and reports
• Contribute to the development of report storylines
• Co-author study reports and other written products
• Participate in the CCRC internal paper review process
• Contribute to proposal development, including literature reviews and editing supplemental materials
• Present research findings at meetings and conferences under the supervision of senior project staff
  
  

CCRC service

• Participate in Center events and professional development activities
• As requested, serve on working groups to support CCRC’s equity mission

Minimum Qualifications:

• Master’s degree or advanced graduate training in higher education, public policy, or equivalent social science degree, and/or two to three years of relevant experience
• Experience conducting interviews and focus groups
• Proficiency in Microsoft Word, PowerPoint, and Excel
• Experience drafting and revising research papers and articles, either independently or as part of a team
• Excellent organizational and analytical skills
• Outstanding oral and written communication skills
• Track record of delivering high-quality work product under deadline
• Good judgment, reliability, ability to work effectively independently and as part of a team

Preferred Qualifications:

• Knowledge of community colleges, higher education, and issues of access to and success in postsecondary education
• Experience coding qualitative data using Dedoose or equivalent qualitative data management platform

We encourage you to apply even if you meet some, but not all, of the requirements listed.

CCRC at Teachers College is an Equal Opportunity and Affirmative Action employer. CCRC does not discriminate, and all qualified applications will receive consideration without regard to race; color; national origin; religion; creed; sex or gender (including sex stereotyping and gender identity or expression); sexual orientation; citizenship status; pregnancy; disability; age; military or veteran status; marital or partnership status; genetic information, genetic predisposition, or carrier status; prior unemployment status; consumer credit history; status as a victim of domestic violence, sex offenses, or stalking; or any other category protected by applicable federal, state, or local laws. Legal work authorization is required.

About Teachers College, Columbia University

Teachers College, Columbia University, is the oldest and largest graduate school of education in the United States, and also perennially ranked among the nation's best. Its name notwithstanding, the College is committed to a vision of education writ large, encompassing our four core areas of expertise: health, education, leadership and psychology.

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