Join our team!

Are you passionate about evaluation as a tool for social change? Do you care about leading meaningful evaluations that give decision makers the information they need to learn and grow?

The Center for Research Evaluation (CERE) at the University of Mississippi is recruiting a full-time Research Associate to help us lead creative, meaningful evaluations across the state and the nation.

As a Research Associate you will design and manage evaluation projects under the direction of the center director. You will also manage day-to-day relationships with our clients, dedicating time to building the strong, trusting relationships that lay the groundwork for evaluation use.

Our Ideal Candidate

We are looking for a Research Associate who is comfortable with quantitative and qualitative research/evaluation methodologies and has experience with a wide range of evaluation approaches.  We’re also looking for a creative, analytical thinker who can critically analyze an evaluation context, match evaluation needs to evaluation methods, while also finding innovative ways to answer important questions in unique circumstances. Applicants who are highly skilled in a wide range of data analysis techniques are encouraged to apply.

As an organization we want to make evaluation as easy as possible for our clients. So, we’re looking for a Research Associate who has the people skills to build strong and trusting relationships; who can talk about evaluation findings to nontechnical audiences; and can also create simple reports that translate complex data into meaningful insights for busy readers.

Job responsibilities include:

• Provide consultation and support services to center faculty, staff, and clients on issues related to evaluation, including program development and outcomes.
• Build and maintain strong relationships with our clients so they are engaged throughout the evaluation process.
• Design data collection tools for evaluation purposes.
• Collect and analyze research data related to evaluation.
• Prepare a range of communication tools to assist in disseminating findings and maximize evaluation use.

If you’d like to join our team, please apply via the University of Mississippi jobs website. Please attach your resume along with a cover letter that describes how and why you think this role might be a good fit for you; what you would bring to this role; and what you would like to learn during your time in role.

Questions may be directed to Dr. Sarah Mason search committee chair, at masonsk@olemiss.edu. Review of applications will begin immediately and continue until the position is filled or until an adequate applicant pool has been established.

Candidates must have a Master’s degree or higher in education, psychology, social sciences, or a related field along with prior experience in program evaluation and a range of evaluation methods.

Candidates should also have proficiency in Microsoft Office (Word, Excel, Outlook); proficiency in quantitative and qualitative data analysis (including use of statistical packages such as SPSS and/or R). Our preference is that the candidate will also bring a specific content expertise (e.g. educational evaluation, health evaluation, positive youth development) and analysis skills (e.g. hierarchical linear modelling), although these are not required.

Commensurate with experience.

The University of Mississippi provides equal opportunity in any employment practice, education program, or education activity to all qualified persons. The University complies with all applicable laws regarding equal opportunity and affirmative action and does not unlawfully discriminate against any employee or applicant for employment based upon race, color, gender, sex, pregnancy, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, religion, citizenship, national origin, age, disability, veteran status, or genetic information.

The University of Mississippi is committed to providing a safe campus community. UM conducts background investigations for applicants being considered for employment. Background investigations include a criminal history record check, and when appropriate, a financial (credit) report or driving history check.