Research Assistant (Quantitative)

Posting Summary:

The Community College Research Center (CCRC) at Teachers College, Columbia University, is seeking a part-time Quantitative Research Assistant to support quantitative research projects in the transitions program area. This area focuses on access, transition to, and completion of degrees of high value, particularly among underserved populations. The role requires a committment of approximately 20 hours/week.

Job Summary/Basic Function:

The Community College Research Center (CCRC) at Teachers College, Columbia University, studies community colleges because they provide critical access to postsecondary education and are uniquely positioned to promote equity and social mobility in the United States. Our mission is to conduct research that helps these institutions strengthen opportunities and improve outcomes for their students, particularly those from underserved populations.

CCRC is seeking a part-time Quantitative Research Assistant to support quantitative research projects in the transitions program area. This area focuses on access, transition to and completion of degrees of high value particularly among underserved populations. Current work uses large administrative datasets to examine barriers and opportunities in for students taking college-level coursework while in high school, broadly known as dual enrollment. The position’s responsibilities include supporting senior staff, participating in data collection, management, and analysis, and assisting in the preparation of project-related reports, presentations, and publications. Candidates should have experience working with student-level datasets, have a strong background in data analysis, statistics and probability, and have demonstrated skills using data analytic tools such as Excel and Stata. Prior experience in community college or U.S. higher education is strongly desired.

The position may begin immediately and is based in New York City. Please find the application link at ccrc.tc.columbia.edu/employment and include a cover letter, resume, and coding sample with your application.

CHARACTERISTIC DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES:

Data management, collection, and analysis

• Manage data collection and relationships with research partners with the support of the project lead
• Lead the data cleaning and preparation for the analysis
• Implement data analysis plans using Stata and Excel
• Ensure data documentation, organization, and security
• Ensure replicability of the analysis
• Ensure quality of the results

Research planning and management

• Contribute to the development of data analysis plans
• Draft and maintain IRB applications and documents
• Maintain records related to the progress of research and activities
• Assist with the organization and execution of research team meetings (e.g., draft agendas, organize formal note-taking and task-setting)
• Independently respond to internal and external requests for information
• Participate in project updates for funders

Writing

• Draft and revise analytic memos and reports
• Contribute to the development of report storylines
• Create tables and figures for reports and presentations
• Co-author study reports and other written products
• Participate in the CCRC internal paper review process

Dissemination and Public Relations

• Present research findings at meetings and conferences under the supervision of senior project staff

CCRC service

• Participate in Center events and professional development activities

Minimum Qualifications:

• Bachelor’s degree in economics, public policy, education policy, statistics or equivalent degrees.
• Experience with data management
• Proficiency with Excel and Stata
• Proficiency in Microsoft Word and PowerPoint
• Excellent organizational and analytical skills
• Outstanding oral and written communication skills
• Good judgment, reliability, ability to work effectively independently and as part of a team

Preferred Qualifications:

• Knowledge of community colleges, higher education, and issues of access to and success in postsecondary education
• Graduate-level coursework in data analysis and statistics
• Familiarity with AI coding tools such as Claude or ChatGPT

Salary Range:

$25-37/hour

Work Modality:

Hybrid