Research Associate

About this role

American University is a student-centered research institution located in Washington, DC, with highly-ranked schools and colleges, internationally-renowned faculty, and a reputation for creating meaningful change in the world. Learn more about American University

Department:

School of Public Affairs

Time Type: Full time Job Type: Temporary (Fixed Term) FLSA Status: Non-Exempt Work Modality:

Hybrid 01 (On Campus 3-4 Days/Week) Union:

Excluded

Job Description:

Summary:

American University is an equal-opportunity employer committed to a diverse and inclusive workplace. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, gender, gender identity or expression, sexual orientation, national origin, genetics, disability, age, or veteran status.    The Polarization and Extremism Research Innovation Lab (PERIL) at American University is a leading research center dedicated to studying and preventing extremism through evidence-based intervention programs. The Polarization & Extremism Research & Innovation Lab is an applied research lab preventing radicalization to violent extremism by strengthening community resilience.    PERIL seeks a Research Associate supporting PERIL's research, evaluation, and programmatic initiatives by assisting with research activities, data collection and analysis, literature reviews, project coordination, and administrative support for research projects. This position is designed for an early-career professional who is eager to develop research skills while contributing to evidence-based work focused on preventing polarization, hate, and violent extremism. Working closely with researchers and project teams, the Research Associate will help ensure projects are completed accurately, efficiently, and on schedule in the Interventions Division of PERIL.   This position will end on August 1, 2028. The position may be eligible for renewal based on funding.

Essential Functions:

1.) Research Support • Conduct literature reviews and summarize research findings.

• Assist with qualitative and quantitative research activities.

• Collect, organize, clean, and manage research data.

• Support survey development, interview scheduling, and data collection.

• Assist with coding qualitative data using established methodologies.

• Help prepare research reports, briefs, manuscripts, and presentations.

• Verify citations and maintain research documentation.

      2.) Project Coordination • Assist with project timelines and deliverables.

• Coordinate meetings and prepare agendas and meeting notes.

• Track project milestones and action items.

• Support grant reporting requirements and documentation.

• Maintain organized project files and research records.

• Prepare and provide reports and updates to funders, leadership, and other key stakeholders on grant status, budget utilization, and project outcomes.

3.) Partnership and Outreach • Cultivate and maintain relationships with academic institutions, nonprofit organizations, government agencies, and community groups.

• Assist in developing materials for presentations, reports, and public communications to support PERIL’s initiatives.

• Contribute to the creation of educational and training materials for external partners, including toolkits, guides, and other PERIL resources.

• Track and analyze outreach metrics to evaluate the effectiveness of engagement efforts and provide data-driven recommendations for improvement.

4.) Data and Analysis and Administrative Support • Perform basic statistical analyses under supervision.

• Prepare tables, charts, and visualizations.

• Assist with quality assurance and data validation.

• Maintain confidentiality of research participants and sensitive information.

• Assist with scheduling research activities.

• Coordinate travel and logistics when needed.

• Support event planning, trainings, and workshops.

• Prepare materials for meetings and presentations.

5.) Other Duties as Assigned

Supervisory Responsibility: • Manage students in execution of their project activities.

Position Type/Expected Hours of Work: • Full-time.

• 35 hours per week.

• Hybrid 1 work modality - 3 days in the office.

• Continuation of the program/position is contingent upon external funding.

• This is a temporary full-time position ending on or before 08/01/2028.

Salary Range: • $29.12 - $31.20 per hour.

Required Education and Experience: • Bachelor's degree .

• 2 - 4 years of relevant experience.

• Experience in program or project management, preferably in a nonprofit, academic, or research setting.

• Strong organizational skills with the ability to manage multiple priorities and deadlines.

• Excellent communication and stakeholder engagement skills.

Preferred Education and Experience: • Master's degree or equivalent.

• 3 - 5 years of relevant experience.

Travel: • Occasional travel for meetings, conferences, or research activities.

Additional Eligibility Qualifications: • Excellent organizational skills, attention to detail, and the ability to manage competing priorities effectively.  Understanding of research methods.

• Knowledge of intervention approaches to reduce radicalization.   

• Ability to work effectively and collaboratively with a team on a variety of research projects.   

• Excellent written, verbal, and interpersonal communication skills.

• Strong Microsoft Office Suite skills.

• Knowledge of project management tools.

  Work Authorization/Security Clearance: • Candidates must be able to provide proof of eligibility to work in the USA and live in the DMV area.

• No visa sponsorship is offered for this position.

• Security Clearance is not applicable.   

  Other Duties: • Please note this job description is not designed to cover or contain a comprehensive listing of activities, duties or responsibilities that are required of the employee for this job. Duties, responsibilities, and activities may change at any time w

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