Job Description

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Position Summary

The Kinder Institute for Urban Research aims to improve lives through data, research, engagement, and action. The institute is focused on key aspects shaping the social and cultural landscape of the Houston area. The five research centers will conduct research on , , , , and . Each of these centers will conduct research focused on its particular topic, as well as do groundbreaking and necessary work across centers. To achieve this, each center is building interdisciplinary teams that specialize in solutions-oriented research, and will use a model to jointly design, develop, and do research that values diversity in expertise and centers the community in identifying the most pressing questions and challenges facing Houston.

The Kinder Institute for Urban Research (KIUR) at Rice University, is seeking multiple full-time Research Scientists for its Housing & Neighborhoods research center with expertise in quantitative and/or qualitative research, who can design, plan, implement, and conduct complex and specialized research projects utilizing a research-practice partnership model. Diverse subject matter expertise is valued with an interest in researchers familiar with topics like gentrification, segregation, housing affordability, the intersection of health and housing, evictions, housing policy and urban planning, neighborhood influences on life outcomes, ecological systems theory, or community policing, crime, and safety. Research Scientists are involved in multiple research projects at a time, and work closely with community organizations throughout the entire lifespan of a project from idea generation to sharing out results and utilizing what is learned.

In addition to conducting rigorous and sophisticated research, the Research Scientist will also be responsible for effectively translating research findings for broad and varied audiences utilizing a portfolio of research products to communicate findings, including (but not limited to) research briefs and papers, presentations, webinars, video recordings, and data dashboards. They will also supervise and train small research teams.

Optional hybrid work schedule within Harris County and surrounding counties.

Requirements

• Ph.D. or other Doctoral Degree in sociology, urban planning, economics, civil engineering, other social science, public health, or related field
• Minimum of 3 years of postdoctoral experience
• Ability to work and solve problems independently
• Good interpersonal skills such as patience, determination, flexibility, and decisiveness
• Excellent listening, verbal and written communication, analytical, and research skills
• Ability to communicate research findings to multiple audiences, which may include practitioners, community members, youth, families, policymakers, other researchers or academics, and other relevant actors in research
• Excellent scientific and methodological skills with meticulous attention to detail and accuracy
• Proficient in multiple regression (OLS, logistic); familiarity with multilevel models
• Advanced knowledge and skill in the use of Stata, SAS, or R

Essential Functions

• Designs, plans, implements, and conducts independent and team-based research studies and specialized research projects
• Effectively communicates and translates research findings for a variety of audiences utilizing a portfolio of research products, such as research briefs and papers, presentations, and data dashboards
• Communicates and builds relationships with community organizations and stakeholders
• Mentors, supervises, and trains researchers by including them in ongoing research in a meaningful manner
• Leads and develops research studies from start to finish, including managing a research team
• Seeks new research grant opportunities
• Performs all other duties as assigned

Preferences

• Ph.D. in sociology, urban planning, economics, civil engineering, public health, or a related field
• Experience developing and managing research projects, managing data and conducting quantitative and qualitative analyses, such as multilevel modeling, causal modeling, quasi-experimental methods, survey design, and interviews
• Mission-driven with a passion for social justice and advancing equity
• Experience as a Research Analyst or Research Assistant
• Able to conduct and lead quantitative, qualitative, or mixed methods research
• Familiarity with geospatial information system (GIS) data and analysis
• Able to oversee various research projects while managing and mentoring other research staff
• Able to interact effectively with internal and external stakeholders
• Adaptable to change and able to think creatively to address issues
• Able to work well with many people and many personalities

Workplace Requirements

• Occasional travel
• Evening and/or weekend work as needed

Rice University HR | Benefits:

Rice Mission and Values:

Rice University is an Equal Opportunity Employer with commitment to diversity at all levels, and considers for employment qualified applicants without regard to race, color, religion, age, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national or ethnic origin, genetic information, disability or protected veteran status.

Faculty and staff are expected (but not required) to have completed a full vaccination series for COVID-19 (currently defined as full course COVID-19 Vaccine (typically two shots of a WHO-approved COVID-19 Vaccine or one J&J) and a COVID-19 booster. Rice does not require documentation for COVID 19 vaccination at this time for faculty and staff. More information can be found here: .

About Us: Boasting a 300-acre tree-lined campus in Houston, Rice University is ranked among the nation\'s top 20 universities by U.S. News & World Report. Rice has a 6-to-1 undergraduate student-to-faculty ratio, and a residential college system, which supports students intellectually, emotionally and culturally through social events, intramural sports, student plays, lectures series, courses and student government. Developing close-knit, diverse college communities is a strong campus tradition, which is why Rice is highly ranked for best quality of life and best value among private universities.

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