Research Associate

RTF00236PO25

Research Associate

Research Associate

Columbia

Richland

College of Education

CED Research, Evaluation and Measurement (REM) Center

Salary commensurate with qualifications.

Full Time

37.5

Staff Research Grant (SRGP)

12 months

Other

From the Upstate to the Lowcountry, the University of South Carolina system is transforming the lives of South Carolinians through the impact of our eight institutions and 20 locations throughout the state. More than 50,000 students are enrolled at one of eight institutions, including the research campus in Columbia and comprehensive four-year universities in Aiken, Upstate and Beaufort. In addition, our Palmetto College campuses in Salkehatchie, Union, Lancaster and Sumter enable students to earn associate or bachelor’s degrees through a combination of in-person, online or blended learning. All of our system institutions place strong emphasis on service — helping to build healthier, more educated communities in South Carolina and beyond.

Yes

Yes

Yes

Yes

The Research Staff position plays a key role in supporting the evaluation, research, and assessment efforts for education initiatives. This position will plan, coordinate, and conduct a variety of research activities, including data collection, analysis, and reporting. The role also involves preparing evaluation summaries and annual reports based on mixed-methods data and working collaboratively with faculty to organize, mentor, and guide graduate Research Assistants.

At the Research, Evaluation, and Measurement Center, inclusiveness and diversity are core to our commitment to excellence. We value diverse perspectives and encourage applications from individuals who share our dedication to creating an inclusive research environment.

This is a temporary, full-time position (37.5 hours per week) funded through a research grant, offering full benefits. The position may be extended beyond the grant period if additional funding becomes available.

Work is primarily conducted under normal office conditions, with occasional duties outside standard business hours. During peak periods, the successful candidate may be expected to work overtime and will be encouraged to manage time effectively to meet project goals and deadlines.

Requires a master’s degree in area of research specialty.

Study Design and Instrument Design
Contributes to project teams on the design and development of methods used to evaluate programs, conduct research studies, and/or support assessment projects. Provides leadership in the development and selection of instruments and tools for the analysis of educational data. This includes developing performance assessments, survey items, interview and focus group protocols, rubrics, and other measures of implementation and program quality. Participates in meetings of research teams and clients and consults with project faculty on study and instrument design.

Yes

20

Data Collection and Data Analysis
Collects data in a variety of formats, including surveys (both in-person and online), web-based document sharing, focus groups, interviews, and other applicable data collection methods. Responsible for data integrity and executing extensive quality assurance and confidentiality procedures. Performs and organizes data analyses, including data entry, data management, statistical analysis, and qualitative coding. Uses appropriate software such as SPSS, SAS, Excel, and qualitative analysis software for analyzing data. Maintains appropriate documentation of data files and analyses.

Yes

30

Client Communication and Coordination
Communicates with external clients regarding assessment development and data collection activities. This includes scheduling meetings and planning data collection events (e.g., interviews, focus groups, site visits); collecting feedback on data collection instruments in development (e.g., surveys, implementation rubrics); facilitating teacher assessment development groups; obtaining data needed from clients (e.g., student assessment data, other school data); disseminating and collecting data from online systems (e.g., surveys, rubrics); and other relevant data collection.

Yes

15

Report Writing and Dissemination
Writes evaluation and technical reports to summarize methods and results. Prepares research briefs accessible to a non-technical audience. Uses MS Word, MS Excel, and other software to prepare reports, including creating tables and graphs as well as formatting reports. Reviews narrative written by other team members and provides timely feedback. Schedules timelines for drafting a narrative that includes appropriate time for supervisors’ review. Presents reports to clients and key stakeholders as requested.

Yes

20

Managing Graduate Research Assistants
Assists one or more faculty members in organizing and managing the work of graduate students employed as Research Assistants. This includes project coordination and management, delegating tasks to Research Assistants, reviewing and providing feedback on their work, and offering professional support to develop students’ skills.

Yes

10

Other Duties
Other duties as assigned or required.

Yes

5

Non-Essential

No

1

10/24/2025

11/09/2025

No

The University of South Carolina does not discriminate in educational or employment opportunities or decisions for qualified persons on the basis of age, ancestry, citizenship status, color, disability, ethnicity, familial status, gender (including transgender), gender identity or expression, genetic information, HIV/AIDs status, military status, national origin, pregnancy (false pregnancy, termination of pregnancy, childbirth, recovery therefrom or related medical conditions, breastfeeding), race, religion (including religious dress and grooming practices), sex, sexual orientation, veteran status, or any other bases under federal, state, local law, or regulations.