Research Assistant I Jobs

About WestEd

As a community of over 1,000 researchers, practitioners, consultants, and administrative professionals from all backgrounds and life experiences, we are committed to making a qualitative difference in the lives of youth, children, and adults. We conduct and apply research, develop evidence-based solutions, and provide consulting services across the country in both rural and urban communities to improve equitable outcomes for individuals from infancy through adulthood. Serving as trusted partners in the areas of education, health, and justice, our teams enhance capacity within communities and school districts to prioritize impact — asking the right questions, customizing methodologies, developing relevant tools, and implementing best practices specific to a diverse range of stakeholder needs.

Furthering diversity, equity, and inclusion is core to who we are and how we work. We are committed to working with our clients to illuminate and address disparities, value and elevate diverse voices, and ensure equitable access to our resources and services. Please review our commitment to diversity, equity, and inclusion on our Careers page at wested.org. Come and join us!

SPECIAL NOTICE REGARDING THE WORK LOCATION OF THIS POSITION—Although WestEd provides the option of working at one of its facilities for employees, many roles allow employees to choose to work remotely for their own convenience. The decision to allow remote work at the employee's convenience is based on the requirements of the position or project in question.

Content Area or Department Brief Description

Work in Early Childhood Learning and Development Content area builds the capacity of ECE educators, caregivers and parents to provide high quality, responsive, early care and education to all children (birth-five); supporting children’s well-being and promoting their development across all domains.

This work includes: 1) The development of research-based professional development and curriculum resources (print, online, and video) and the provision of T/TA to build the capacity of the early childhood workforce 2) the evaluation of ECE programs and resources designed to promote children’s learning and development, including assessing the quality of environments and relationships in early care and education programs, and 3) assessment development and research on the developmental progress of children.

The Opportunity

The roles and responsibilities of the Research Assistant I include the following:

• Prepare data files for analysis (e.g., downloading/exporting data, data cleaning, exploring data anomalies, merging data files)
• Set up surveys and data forms in Survey Monkey and Smartsheet
• Use and update existing documentation to prepare data files and carry out basic data analyses
• Participate in data team meetings
• Carry out data integrity checks for data visualizations prepared by others
• Apply existing formulas and code to new data sets, as directed
• Set up data tables and graphs

What We’re Looking For

• Skillful use of Microsoft Office suite and online tools, such as Smartsheet and Box
• Ability to work well both independently and under direction
• Ability to work well under deadlines, effectively managing multiple tasks and timelines simultaneously, within an active team environment
• Experience interacting and working with members of diverse cultural and linguistic communities
• Dependability, reliability, and a professional attitude
• B.A./B.S. degree in education, psychology, or related field
• High level of proficiency using Microsoft Excel and SPSS for data management and basic analyses
• Demonstrated experience cleaning and managing data files
• Takes initiative while appropriately seeking guidance for prioritizing tasks and approaches to work
• Strong organizational skills and careful attention to detail
• Experience working as a team member in a professional setting

• Note: Visa sponsorship is not available for this position. Successful candidates must be authorized to work in the United States.

SALARY AND BENEFITS:

The full salary range for this position, WestEd level D, is $55,200 to $94,800 but WestEd does not typically hire at or near the top of the salary range. The typical hiring range for this role is $63,200 to $79,000. The actual offer takes into account multiple factors including but not limited to education; experience; internal equity, and other organizational needs.

In addition to the base salary, benefits include:

• 15% contribution toward retirement effective day 1 of employment

• Pre-tax Flexible Spending Accounts

• All health/welfare benefits are effective first of the month following hire date

• PTO: 3 weeks vacation (increases to 4 weeks beginning the 4th year of employment), paid holidays, and 12 days paid sick leave per year

• Life Insurance: value of 3x gross salary

• Opportunities for annual merit-based performance increases + annual incentives

• Professional development opportunities & mentorship program

For more detail about our benefits, go to: https://www.wested.org/work-at-wested/benefits/

Committed to the diversity of race, ethnicities, perspectives, and opportunities, WestEd offers a variety of social and professional learning communities, such as Employee Resource groups, the Data Intelligence, Insights, and Innovation PLC, and the WestEd Parent Community, just to name a few. We hope you’ll consider joining us to build better schools, communities, learning pathways, and more! #LI-Remote #LI-Hybrid

Equal Opportunity Employer/Protected Veterans/Individuals with Disabilities

The contractor will not discharge or in any other manner discriminate against employees or applicants because they have inquired about, discussed, or disclosed their own pay or the pay of another employee or applicant. However, employees who have access to the compensation information of other employees or applicants as a part of their essential job functions cannot disclose the pay of other employees or applicants to individuals who do not otherwise have access to compensation information, unless the disclosure is (a) in response to a formal complaint or charge, (b) in furtherance of an investigation, proceeding, hearing, or action, including an investigation conducted by the employer, or (c) consistent with the contractor’s legal duty to furnish information. 41 CFR 60-1.35(c)