Research Associate, Full-Time, Term - Prenatal-to-3 Policy Impact Center

  • Vanderbilt University
  • Nashville, Tennessee
  • Full Time
Research Associate, Full-Time, Term - Prenatal-to-3 Policy Impact Center

Nashville, TN, United States

JOB DESCRIPTION

The Prenatal-to-3 Policy Impact Center aims to be the go-to resource for actionable evidence for state policy leaders as they develop and implement the most effective policies that ensure children get off to a strong start and thrive. Through original and rigorous research and analysis, the Research and Evaluation team at the Prenatal-to-3 Policy Impact Center builds the evidence base of the most effective policies and strategies for young children and their families, with a focus on implementation factors and equity. We seek an energetic and experienced person to provide support for multiple policy-focused research studies and evaluations to build the evidence base for effective prenatal-to-3 policies.

General Notes:

This position reports functionally and administratively to the Research Manager. Applicants from underrepresented groups are encouraged to apply. We are committed to building an inclusive and diverse environment to continue to build a strong and equitable prenatal-to-3 system of care. Candidates must be local to the Nashville area. Visa sponsorship is unavailable for this position. This position is eligible for a hybrid work schedule that includes both remote and in-office work.

This position is a term appointment beginning May 1, 2025 and ending September 30, 2026.

Writing Exercise Requirement:

As part of the selection process, competitive candidates will be asked to complete a 2-hour writing exercise. This test will assess your ability to think critically and write clearly and concisely about statistics and policy issues relevant to our work. To complete the exercise, candidates will need access to a computer with word processing software and the Internet.

Duties and Responsibilities

The primary responsibilities of the position include:

Project management and leadership:

Support the development of project plans and timelines for successfully completing research projects

Routinely document project goals, deliverables, and timelines

Ensure project deliverables are completed on time, through an equity lens, and to the highest quality possible

Demonstrate ownership of project timelines, analysis, and all work products

Communicate and work collaboratively with other staff to ensure organizational goals are met

Research, analysis, writing, and client/stakeholder engagement:

Contribute to study design and development of evaluation plans

Synthesize and communicate relevant background research for a research area

Develop survey and focus group instruments with substantial input and feedback from supervisor

Represent the Center and engage with study participants on the phone and in person for recruitment, information sharing, and data collection.

Observe focus groups, take notes, and synthesize findings

Execute survey data collection processes and testing, contribute to the development of the analytic plan and timeline for project analysis(es)

Demonstrate an understanding of the shape of data and how datasets can be used to answer research questions

Demonstrate the ability to conduct simple analyses (e.g. cross tabs, counts, means, tests, etc.) in Stata to support the research projects

Demonstrate excellence and clarity in writing project reports, policy briefs, and memos

Prepare presentations for clients that you or supervisor will deliver

Supervisory Relationships:

This position does not have supervisory responsibility.

Qualifications

Master's degree with major coursework in the field of assignment, plus two years of related experience or Bachelor's degree with four years of experience in the field of assignment is required; Additional related experience may substitute for required education

Experience in program evaluation, policy research, research management, analytic methods used for evaluation, and/or writing products for diverse policy audiences

Excellent project management skills, strong critical thinking skills and problem-solving abilities, tenacity about details and organization

Excellent communication skills, including the ability to synthesize complex concepts clearly and concisely;

Able to come up to speed on new topics quickly, multi-task effectively, and produce high-quality work under time constraints; flexible and able to adapt to changing timelines and circumstances when needed

Exceptional interpersonal skills and an ability to work collaboratively and effectively with others in a team environment

Demonstrated understanding and support for key concepts in diversity, equity, and inclusion

Demonstrated commitment to valuing diversity and contributing to an inclusive working and learning environment

Candidate must be local to Nashville, TN, or willing to relocate to the Nashville area.

Candidate must have a car and a driver's license and/or be comfortable using ride share services to travel around the Nashville area for in-person data collection and study recruitment

ABOUT US

At Vanderbilt University , our work - regardless of title or role - is in service to an important and noble mission in which every member of our community serves in advancing knowledge and transforming lives on a daily basis. Located in Nashville, Tennessee, on a 330+ acre campus and arboretum dating back to 1873, Vanderbilt is proud to have been named as one of America's Best Large Employers as well as a top employer in Tennessee and the Nashville metropolitan area by Forbes for several years running. We welcome those who are interested in learning and growing professionally with an employer that strives to create, foster and sustain opportunities as an employer of choice.

We understand you have a choice when choosing where to work and pursue a career. We understand you are unique and have a story. We want to hear it. We encourage you to apply today so that you might become a part of our story.

Vanderbilt University is 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, or status as a protected veteran, or any other characteristic protected by law.

JOB INFO

Job Identification

10006808

Job Category

Research

Posting Date

05/01/2025, 09:55 AM

Locations

Nashville, TN, United States

Apply Before

05/06/2025, 09:55 AM

Job Schedule

Full time
Job ID: 475789021
Originally Posted on: 5/4/2025

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