ECEI Senior Research Associate: TULSA CAMPUS (Project Management)

Early Childhood Education Institute at OU-Tulsa

Situated on the campus of The University of Oklahoma at Tulsa, the Early Childhood Education Institute (ECEI) is an applied research center focused on understanding and advancing access and opportunity for young children and families. Our team of researchers engages in research-practice partnerships, bringing expertise in early care and education, early childhood workforce, and cutting-edge approaches to leveraging longitudinal data to examine practices and policies that lead to thriving children, families, and communities.  We partner with community agencies and researchers from affiliated fields to infuse multiple and interdisciplinary perspectives.

Senior Research Associate 

Position Summary: 

The Senior Research Associate leads lines of applied research for the Institute, including research projects, grants, contracts, and disseminates results to program partners and scientific forums. Contributes to design, development, and implementation of research projects and all data systems. Supervises project staff and serves as Principal Investigator on selected projects; develops and maintains individual program of research with publications and funding. Serves as member of Research Team; collaborates with research-related teams within Institute to build research capacity. Collaborates with faculty, staff, and graduate students in multiple departments and community partners to promote interdisciplinary research. This position is located in Tulsa, OK. 

Duties:

• Project Design. Provide leadership for the overall research design and modification of selected projects. Conduct and lead relevant literature reviews and searches. Work closely with agency partners and funders in the design, implementation, and dissemination of applied research studies. Utilize quantitative and qualitative designs. Submit internal and external grant proposals. 
  
• Project Implementation. Develop, implement, and supervise data collection protocols including interviews, focus groups, classroom observations, child assessments, environmental ratings, and surveys used in ECEI's research.  
• Budget Creation and Oversight. Develop and manage fiscal integrity of contracts, subcontracts, and grants in partnership with ECEI's Assistant Director of Operations and ECEI's Director.  
  
• Strategic Leadership and Development. Work closely with Director, researchers and project teams to build research capacity of ECEI aligned with research needs in the field, ECEI strategic goals, and available partners and resources to develop foci and studies.
  
• Funding Development. Secure external funding from foundations, state and federal agencies, or other sources to support the work of the ECEI. Identify relevant funding sources and cultivate relationships to support external funding. Lead and partner with collaborators to develop proposals, lines of research, and strategic initiatives. 
  
• Collaboration. Represent ECEI in a variety of contexts; cultivate and maintain relationships within and outside the organization.
  
• Dissemination. Lead and participate in dissemination of products to multiple audiences and platforms. Prepare presentations and publications for funders/partners, refereed publications, and regional and national conferences.
  
• Personnel Supervision and Mentorship. Supervise and mentor research staff, which may include Project Director, Post-Doctoral Fellow, Data Specialist, Research Associates, and Graduate Research Assistants. Provide ongoing guidance to ensure staff develop the skills and attributes needed to successfully implement research projects. Participate in selection and training of new employees. 
• Record Keeping. Maintain IRB and other project-related records, conforming with university, federal, and state regulations.
• As Needed. Perform various duties as needed to successfully fulfill the function of the position.

Qualifications:

Required Education: Master's degree, AND: 

• 36 months related research experience, including supervision.

Equivalency/Substitution:  Will accept 72 months related research experience in lieu of the Master's degree for a total of 108 months of related experience.

Working Conditions:

• Physical: Ability to engage in repetitive motions.
• Environmental: Ability to work in varied settings and locations as determined by research goals.  May be required to travel. Ability to work effectively with a wide range of constituencies. 

Knowledge, Skills & Abilities:

• Effective verbal and written communication skills
• Proficient in Microsoft Office
• Highly organized and able to handle multiple projects and deadlines
• Ability to supervise staff and communicate directions and expectations effectively
• Advanced scientific knowledge in field of study
• Ability to work independently and as a member of the team
• Project management experience
• Detail oriented and excellent organization skills

Preferences: 

• Ph.D in Child Development, Early Childhood, Psychology, or related field required. Candidates ABD will be considered.
• At least two years of research experience. Research-Practice Partnership experience with programs serving young children ages birth to age 8 preferred.
• At least two years of successful project management experience including oversight of primary data collection.
• At least two years of experience supervising research/evaluation staff.
• Extensive familiarity with early childhood research, including knowledge of diverse contemporary research methods and needs in the field.
• Demonstrated record of publishing and presenting research related to young children, birth through age 8, to both community partners and peer researchers. Experience with programs serving infants and toddlers preferred.
• Ability to translate and apply findings to early childhood classrooms, programs, systems, and policy.
• Familiarity with a variety of early childhood settings required. 

Why You Belong at the University of Oklahoma: The University of Oklahoma fosters an inclusive culture of respect and civility, belonging, and access, which are essential to our collective pursuit of excellence and our determination to change lives. The unique talents, perspectives, and experiences of our community enrich the learning, and working environment at OU, inspiring us to harness our innovation, creativity, and collaboration for the advancement of people everywhere.

Equal Employment Opportunity Statement: The University of Oklahoma, in compliance with all applicable federal and state laws and regulations, does not discriminate based on race, color, national origin, sex, sexual orientation, genetic information, gender identity, gender expression, age, religion, disability, political beliefs, or status as a veteran in any of its policies, practices, or procedures. This includes, but is not limited to, admissions, employment, financial aid, housing, services in educational programs or activities, and health care services that the University operates or provides.