Menu Close

Research Associate

Position Summary

The Denver office of RMC Research is seeking a full-time Research Associate to join our team. The position requires engaging in all aspects of research and evaluation, providing oversight to various projects, working with clients, and collaborating with other staff. Activities include supporting project development; conducting data collection; data management and analysis; writing and presenting project materials and reports for various audiences; and managing project tasks

Responsibilities

Research and Evaluation Project Development

  • Collaborates with education stakeholders and colleagues to conceptualize and implement projects that promote the use of evidence and data to guide policy and practice
  • Supports development and implementation of studies using experimental, quasi-experimental, and other approaches aligned with high standards for rigor, including those promoted by the Institute of Education Sciences (IES)

Data Collection

  • Identifies or designs data collection tools (e.g., surveys, interview protocols, observation protocols, knowledge assessments) and tools for study recruitment and management
  • Organizes and conducts site visits involving multiple data collection methods
  • Collects quantitative and qualitative data, ensuring reliability and validity
  • Assists project managers in preparing project submissions and materials for Institutional Review Board (IRB) review, and follows IRB protocols
  • Develops and monitors data requests and data sharing agreements with stakeholders

Data Management and Analysis

  • Cleans, tracks, and manages datasets, including large administrative databases
  • Identifies appropriate quantitative analyses and conducts them using descriptive and inferential analysis to examine educational practices, programs, and policies
  • Creates coding schemes and analyzes qualitative data

Writing and Presentation

  • Assists with writing proposals, research and evaluation plans and reports, literature reviews, and articles for various audiences; develops and delivers presentations

Project Management and Supervision

  • Implements project plans and maintains timelines for multiple projects
  • Collaborates with clients and colleagues to ensure efficient completion of tasks

Professional Development

  • Participates in self-directed professional development opportunities that increase awareness, knowledge, and skills relevant to the job and shares knowledge with colleagues

Your Skills, Education, and Previous Experience

  • Advanced degree preferred in education, social sciences, public policy and/or related area, including formal course work in research methodology and statistics
  • Knowledge of research and/or evaluation design considerations
  • Experience conducting literature reviews, including keyword searches of research databases, screening study abstracts against project criteria, and synthesizing findings
  • Demonstrated data collection skills (e.g., interviewing, classroom observation, focus group moderation, assessment administration, and survey administration)
  • Qualitative data analysis skills
  • Expertise using statistical software to manipulate, prepare, and analyze quantitative data (experience with SPSS preferred)
  • Experience conducting descriptive analyses and basic inferential statistics (e.g., t-tests, linear regression, ANOVA)
  • Experience with or knowledge of advanced inferential techniques such as factor analysis, MANOVA, Multiple Linear Regression, Hierarchical Linear Modeling, logistic regression, and Structural Equation Modeling (preferred)
  • Ability to write up findings from quantitative and qualitative data analyses and develop comprehensive research and evaluation reports
  • Familiarity with and interest in developing knowledge on education topics related to educator effectiveness, teacher preparation and professional development, school and district improvement, literacy, mathematics and science education, digital curricula, and others
  • Sensitivity to and awareness of the broad range of individuals involved in public education, including marginalized communities and children with disabilities
  • Excellent written, oral, interpersonal, and client communication skills
  • Demonstrated ability to work independently and with colleagues to complete challenging tasks
  • Previous work or familiarity with the Regional Educational Laboratory program, the What Works Clearinghouse, and Evidence for ESSA (preferred)
  • Ability to manage projects (preferred)
  • Experience partnering with education stakeholders to develop and implement projects (preferred)
  • Note: federal security clearance is required for work on some projects

Compensation/Benefits

Starting annual salary range is $55,000 to $90,000 commensurate with experience and qualifications. RMC’s comprehensive benefits package includes: medical, dental, vision and prescription coverage; Flexible Spending Account; life and long-term disability insurance; long-term care insurance; additional voluntary critical illness and accident coverages; 9 paid holidays and 2-week vacation leave (progressive accruals); sick leave accrual; extended sick leave account; maternity/short-term disability leave; bereavement and family leave; 401K retirement plan; pretax commuter benefit program; and honoraria for publication.

About Us

RMC is a privately owned, for-profit corporation that helps local, state, and federal agencies; philanthropic foundations; nonprofit organizations; and others use evidence and applied research to improve the lives of their constituents. The company has operated for over five decades and has staff throughout the United States. Though part of a national organization, the Denver office offers a small company feel where colleagues collaborate on projects and leverage each other’s strengths to provide high-quality services. We provide a full range of research and evaluation, professional development, consulting, technical assistance, and product development services addressing all levels of education from early childhood through higher education, in schools, districts, universities, and communities. We employ dedicated staff who strive to provide high-quality services that are responsive to our clients’ needs. More information about RMC is available here: https://rmcresearchcorporation.com/.

Drug Free Workplace/Equal Opportunity Employer

RMC is a drug-free workplace and an equal opportunity employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability status, protected veteran status, or any other characteristic protected by law. RMC recognizes the important contribution that a diverse staff offers to all aspects of our work, including office culture, and strongly encourages applications from people of color.

Physical Location

Proximity to the Denver, Colorado office is preferred. A remote work arrangement will also be considered.

Start Date

As soon after hire as possible.

Application Procedure

Applications will be accepted until the position is filled. Please submit the following:

  1. Cover letter (1-2 pages, highlighting your skills and describing your fit for this position)
  2. Resume
  3. Writing sample

Submit materials to RMC’s website using this link: https://rmcresearchcorporation.com/apply-online/.

Applicants will receive an email indicating receipt of application. The search committee will contact those they wish to interview for this position.

Apply