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 part-time Senior Research Assistant to support quantitative research projects in the transitions program area. This area focuses on access, transition to and completion of degrees of high value particularly among underserved populations. Current work uses large administrative datasets to examine barriers and opportunities in community college to four-year institutions transfer, as well as college-level coursework taken while in high school, broadly known as dual enrollment. The position’s responsibilities include supporting senior staff, participating in data collection, management, and analysis, and assisting in the preparation of project-related reports, presentations, and publications. Candidates should have experience working with large datasets, have a strong background in quantitative methods, and have demonstrated skills using data analytic tools such as Excel and Stata. Prior experience in quantitative research is strongly desired.

The position may begin immediately and is based in New York City, though the position may be remote or hybrid as consistent with Teachers College policies (see below). Please include a cover letter, resume, and coding and/or data dashboard sample with your application. 

For information about CCRC’s current research activities, mission, and values, please visit ccrc.tc.columbia.edu.

Essential Responsibilities:
Data management, collection, and analysis

• Lead data cleaning and coding
• Use data analysis software or data organizing techniques to manage and analyze data
• Co-lead data analysis using data analytics and data visualization softwares
• Extrapolate research findings from data analysis
• Ensure data documentation, organization, and security

Research planning and management

• Co-lead aspects of the design of existing research projects
• 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

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

Dissemination and Public Relations

• 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 required, serve on working groups to support CCRC’s equity mission and other organizational priorities
  
  

Minimum Qualifications:

• Bachelor’s degree in economics, public policy, education policy, statistics or equivalent degrees. Graduate studies in any of these areas is strongly desired.
• Experience with managing data and quantitative/statistical software
• Advanced proficiency with Excel and Stata.
• Proficiency in Microsoft Word and PowerPoint
• 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
• Graduate-level coursework in economic policy or program evaluation

Salary Range:

$35.50-37.60/hour

Work Modality:

Hybrid

Competitive Compensation and Benefits 

The salary range reflects the College’s good faith and reasonable estimate of the compensation for the position at the time of the job posting.  Salary decisions are dependent on several factors including but not limited to market and organizational considerations, experience, and qualifications of a selected candidate as well as internal and external equity.

Our benefits contribute significantly to the total compensation package that includes medical, dental, vision, and supplemental insurance plans; flexible and hybrid work schedules; tuition remission; life insurance; short and long-term disability insurance; an exceptional employer retirement matching program; health savings accounts (HSA), flexible spending accounts (FSA), Public Service Loan Forgiveness eligibility, and a robust Employee Assistance Program (EAP).

Hybrid/Remote

Teachers College maintains a hybrid work environment, which provides employees with flexible work arrangements while ensuring we preserve the important aspects of our unique in-person college-campus culture. Depending on role and business needs, colleagues will either work onsite or in a hybrid model (a combination of in-office and virtual days). Employees are expected to live within a 150-mile radius of the College.