Research Associate 1

Position Title: Research Associate 1

Department: 9261|Kathleen B Blanco Public Policy Ctr

Responsibilities:

The Kathleen Blanco Public Policy Center at the University of Louisiana at Lafayette is an independent, interdisciplinary research center and archive engaged in research across a broad range of topics in public policy. Our core policy areas of focus include education, poverty and economic opportunity, criminal justice reform, health and healthcare, the coast and environment, and governmental ethics. The Center is committed to producing high-quality, evidence-based research that informs public understanding and supports effective policy decision-making across Louisiana and beyond.

We are seeking a detail-oriented and motivated individual to serve as Research Associate 1. This position plays a critical role in supporting research activities at the Center and contributing to the development of impactful, data-driven policy insights. The ideal candidate will be highly organized, collaborative, and capable of managing multiple tasks across various projects simultaneously.

Key Responsibilities:

• Provide technical and administrative support for multiple ongoing public policy research projects.
• Manage project timelines and ensure timely completion of interim milestones and final deliverables.
• Collect, organize, and analyze relevant data sets using appropriate research methodologies.
• Draft narrative content for incorporation into reports, policy briefs, presentations, and publications.
• Collaborate with senior Center staff to interpret research findings and provide constructive input and recommendations.
• Assist in the preparation of grant proposals, research scopes, and supporting materials for new research initiatives.
• Attend and contribute to meetings with external stakeholders, research partners, and sponsors.
• Stay informed on developments in public policy areas relevant to the Center's mission and research priorities.
• Perform other duties as assigned to support the Center's strategic goals and research operations.

Qualifications:

Required Qualifications:

• Bachelor's degree in Economics, Political Science, Sociology, or related field

Preferred Qualifications:

• The candidate should have previous coursework or research experience in at least one Blanco Center priority policy area.
• Prior research experience and work with software packages such as STATA, R, SAS, SPSS, ATLAS.ti and/or ArcGIS are preferred.

Skills, Abilities, Etc.:

• Exceptional written and oral communication skills, analytical skills, and familiarity with a range of computer software (including by not limited to Microsoft Office).
• The candidate must demonstrate creativity in problem solving, must be self-motivated and able to work collaboratively in teams.
• In addition, candidates must demonstrate a high degree of competency and creativity in problem solving

All interested applicants should send a cover letter, resume, a writing sample, and three references.

Job Ad# (req4210)