College of Human Sciences & Education
Healthy Aging Research Center
Research Associate 5
The Research Associate 5 is the highest level of the job series for other academic research support. Research Associate 5 provides several major functions. These activities include: 1) grant seeking, writing, limited grant management, and expansion of eval activities; 2) Program/Intervention Evaluation; and 3) Research and Dissemination. This position demands a person with highly developed analytic skills who has the ability to solve complex, real-world problems, collect data from a variety of sources, manage datasets, analyze statistical data, be self-motivated, and prepare research reports and findings. The Research Associate 5 must have the ability to make research- and evaluation-related decisions and judgments on a daily basis. Strong writing skills and the ability to work effectively in a team is essential. This position also requires a person with strong organizational skills who can work both primarily independently but also within groups when asked, manage multiple projects simultaneously, and prioritize tasks, often in a fast-paced, short-deadline environment. The position will work with clients, colleagues, and other stakeholders and partners on proposed and current projects.
The Research Associate 5 will help develop a menu of evaluation products and services, and sustain and develop a network of collaborators. They should be able to develop evaluation and research proposals and manage/carry out associated tasks.
Job Responsibilities
50%- Grant seeking, writing, limited grant management, and expansion of eval activities: persistently seeks external funding opportunities; collaborates with HARC team to develop and submit timely proposals, ensuring alignment with the mission of HARC, CHSE, and LSU; provides consistent, concurrent communication with College of Human Sciences and Education Office of Sponsored Research (CHSE-OSR) in the development of grant proposal narratives to facilitate the accurate and timely preparation of proposal budget(s) by CHSE-OSR for submission to the LSU Office of Sponsored Programs for University review and approval; assist HARC director/assoc. director in grant activities management, when needed.
25%- Program Evaluation: Oversees evaluations and research projects through project completion, as well as in accordance with its appropriate regulations; develops evaluation protocols that align with the project designs; develops research designs, quantitative and qualitative methodology and instrumentation; oversees design and management of project databases; manages data collection, including administration of surveys and conducting interviews, focus groups and site observations; maintains effective/positive working relationships with collaborators; conducts quantitative and qualitative data analysis; and ensures evaluation and research reports are completed and submitted to funders and stakeholders in a timely manner
20%- Research and dissemination: Prepares and presents research findings to multiple audiences and stakeholders; contributes to the writing and dissemination of research studies, including publishing in scholarly journals; and remains current on relevant professional standards, trends, and innovations, including participating in local, state, and national research conferences, trainings, and other professional events.
5%- Other duties as assigned.
Additional Information
This position regularly engages in financial matters including handling credit cards, cash, grant funds, or other university funds, and must undergo a credit check per FASOP HR-04.
Competencies Required
Microsoft Office (Word, Excel, etc.)- Proficient
Statistical Analysis using computer soft ware (e.g SPSS, STATA, R, SAS)- Proficient
Minimum Qualifications
Master's Degree in social sciences, education, or related field.
Bachelor's degree if the applicant has minimum 6 years of related experience; or a terminal degree (PhD) in related field.
2 years experience managing research or evaluation projects, grant writing, and working on funded collaborative projects.
Preferred Qualifications
Ph.D in social sciences, education or related field
Four years of relevant experience in social services or related field managing research or evaluation projects, grant writing, and working on government-funded projects.
Background Check - An offer of employment is contingent on a satisfactory pre-employment background check.
Benefits - LSU offers outstanding benefits to eligible employees and their dependents including health, life, dental, and vision insurance; flexible spending accounts; retirement options; various leave options; paid holidays; wellness benefits; tuition exemption for qualified positions; training and development opportunities; employee discounts; and more!
Positions approved to work outside the State of Louisiana shall be employed through Louisiana State University’s partner, nextSource Workforce Solutions, for Employer of Record Services including but not limited to employment, benefits, payroll, and tax compliance. Positions employed through Employer of Record Services will be offered benefits and retirement as applicable through their provider and will not be eligible for State of Louisiana benefits and retirement.
All candidates must have valid U.S. work authorization at the time of hire and maintain that valid work authorization throughout employment. Changes in laws, regulations, or government policies may impact the university’s ability to employ individuals in certain positions.
For questions or concerns related to updating your application with attachments (e.g., resumes, RS:17 documents), date of birth, or reactivating applications, please contact the LSU Human Resources Management Office at 225-578-8200 or email HR@lsu.edu. For questions or concerns regarding the status of your application or salary ranges, please contact the department using the information provided in the Special Instructions section of this job posting.