Job Description

Job Profile:

Lab and Research Specialist 2

Job Family:

Lab and Research Support

Time Type:

Full time

Apply before 11:59 PM Arizona time the day before the posted End Date.

Minimum Qualifications:

Bachelor's degree and three (3) years of experience appropriate to the area of assignment/field; OR, Any equivalent combination of experience and/or training from which comparable knowledge, skills and abilities have been achieved.

Job Profile Summary:

Provides technical lab support by independently performing basic lab and research-related tasks to ensure accurate research results that can expand on the knowledge of the field of study. Responsible for following lab safety standards.

Job Description:

Under the supervision of the research director, the research analyst will conduct quantitative and qualitative social science research across a broad range of policy areas, including education, child and family well-being, housing, and workforce retention. This role demands strong written and oral communication skills, proficiency in conducting both primary and secondary research, and the ability to engage with clients, funders, policymakers, and other key stakeholders. The research analyst must have strong public speaking skills and the ability to present at public forums and respond to media inquiries. The desired candidate will possess strong interpersonal skills and be able to manage complex timelines, meet project deadlines, and ensure tasks remain within the project scope.

Staff positions cannot receive visa sponsorship.

Position Salary Range:

• $60,000-$68,000 annually; DOE

Essential Duties:

• Design, coordinate, and conduct applied social science research in one or more of Morrison Institute’s focal research areas, including but not limited to housing, education, governance, livability, and human services.
• Experience in compiling data from sources such as government agencies, libraries, the internet, non-profit research organizations, and others.
• Experience cleaning/managing large data sets, as well as conducting descriptive and inferential statistics (e.g., t-tests, ANOVA, Regression, Chi-Square).
• Experience with survey design and implementation (e.g., instrument design, sampling strategies, margin of error).
• Facilitate qualitative data collection, including key informant interviews and focus groups.
• Write research-based reports, data briefs, and project summaries that effectively communicate data and policy considerations to target audiences and the public.
• Provide editing assistance for research products in preparation for publication.
• Develop rapport and credibility with funders, academic and industry partners, and policymakers to best facilitate substantive partnerships.
• Prioritize tasks to manage and meet deadlines, including assisting with organizational, scheduling, and logistical needs for research activities.
• Provide input on the selection and hiring of interns.
• Potential supervision and mentorship of interns.

Desired Qualifications:

• Master’s degree in a related policy or social science field
• Knowledge of quantitative and qualitative research design and methodologies
• Experience conducting public policy or applied social science research
• Experience with designing and implementing program evaluations
• Fluency in Spanish (both oral and written)
• Thorough knowledge of library and online research resources
• Ability to review and synthesize current literature and best practices
• Experience writing and editing for a variety of audiences
• Experience translating complex concepts and data for a broad readership
• Strong public speaking skills
• Skill in planning and coordinating research activities and setting priorities to meet deadlines
• Experience with SPSS and/or similar statistical analysis software and documenting data processing through syntax
• Experience developing and analyzing surveys
• Experience conducting and analyzing interviews and/or focus groups
• Experience writing data-driven reports to funders

Working Environment:

• Use computer to research issues, complete data entry and documentation
• Frequent/constant sitting on chair at desk or work area

Department Statement:

Morrison Institute for Public Policy is a statewide leader in examining critical issues for Arizona and the region, and is a catalyst for public dialogue. An Arizona State University resource, Morrison Institute uses nonpartisan research, analysis and public outreach to help improve the state's quality of life.

Morrison Institute was established in 1982 through a grant from Marvin and June Morrison of Gilbert, Arizona, in response to the state’s growing need for objective research on public policy issues. Through its history, Morrison Institute has conducted important work on topics that span education reform, water resources, health care, human services, urban growth, government structure, arts and culture, technology, quality of life, public finance, environment, sustainability, and economic development.

The Institute's main mission is to encourage public discussion; using high-quality, current research and historical understanding to create an informed Arizona citizenry.

The Morrison Institute Advisory Board is a non-partisan group of leading Arizona business people, scholars, public officials, and public policy experts. Financial support for Morrison Institute is provided by private and public funds, contract research and donations.

Driving Requirement:

Driving is not required for this position.

Location:

Off-Campus: Phoenix

Funding:

No Federal Funding

Instructions to Apply:

Current employees, student workers seeking staff opportunities, and students applying for student worker positions must apply directly through the Workday Jobs Hub.

To be considered, your application must include all of the following attachments:

• Cover letter
• Resume or CV

Multiple documents may be uploaded in the attachments section. Alternatively, applicants may combine all required materials into a single PDF for submission. Please ensure uploaded documents are clearly labeled and include your name.

Please ensure your resume includes all employment information in month and year format, for example 6/04 to 8/14, along with job title, job duties, and employer name for each position. Your resume should clearly demonstrate how your experience and background meet the minimum and desired qualifications for this position. Incomplete applications or missing required materials may not be considered.

Important: Do not withdraw your application to make edits. Once an application is withdrawn, it cannot be edited, reactivated, or replaced with a new submission. If you have questions or need assistance, please contact The Office of Human Resources Talent Acquisition before the posting close date.

Graduate Assistant, Intern and part-time positions are counted as half time for experience equivalency, meaning one year equals six months of experience.

Only electronic applications will be accepted for this position. By submitting an application, you confirm that the information provided is accurate and complete.

ASU Statement:

Arizona State University is a new model for American higher education, an unprecedented combination of academic excellence, entrepreneurial energy and broad access. This New American University is a single, unified institution comprising four differentiated campuses positively impacting the economic, social, cultural and environmental health of the communities it serves. Its research is inspired by real world application blurring the boundaries that traditionally separate academic disciplines. ASU serves more than 100,000 students in metropolitan Phoenix, Arizona, the nation's fifth largest city. ASU champions inclusive excellence, and welcomes students from all fifty states and more than one hundred nations across the globe.

ASU is a tobacco-free university. For details visit https://wellness.asu.edu/explore-wellness/body/alcohol-and-drugs/tobacco

All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, disability, protected veteran status, or any other basis protected by law.

Notice of Availability of the ASU Annual Security and Fire Safety Report:

In compliance with federal law, ASU prepares an annual report on campus security and fire safety programs and resources. ASU’s Annual Security and Fire Safety Report is available online at https://www.asu.edu/police/PDFs/ASU-Clery-Report.pdf. You may request a hard copy of the report by contacting the ASU Police Department at 480-965-3456.

Relocation Assistance – For information about schools, housing child resources, neighborhoods, hospitals, community events, and taxes, visit https://cfo.asu.edu/az-resources.

ASU’s comprehensive benefits package is a key part of your total compensation. Visit the ASU Compensation Estimator

Employment Verification Statement:

ASU conducts pre-employment screening which may include verification of work history, academic credentials, licenses, and certifications.

Background Check Statement:

ASU conducts pre-employment screening for all positions which includes a criminal background check, verification of work history, academic credentials, licenses, and certifications. Employment is contingent upon successful passing of the background check.

Fingerprint Check Statement:

A fingerprint check is not required for this position.