Research Associate - Education

Job Summary: Synergy Enterprises, Inc., a minority and woman-owned government contractor located in North Bethesda, MD, currently has an opportunity for a full-time employee as a Research Associate. This position is remote. The Research Associate will work closely with both evaluation and technical staff and provide support in a variety of areas. Such areas may include providing technical assistance, developing publications, conducting initial and ongoing needs assessments, and analyzing and reporting data.

Primary Responsibilities:

• Conduct research and provide support for a variety of activities, including, but not limited to, developing white papers, case studies, blog posts, workshop packets, fact sheets, newsletters, webinars, presentations, and other technical-assistance related products as well as data collection, analysis and reporting.

• Develop data collection instruments for evaluation of technical assistance and needs assessments.

• Identify new high-quality methods of providing technical assistance and technical assistance products based on needs assessments and other data.

• Conduct data collection interviews, focus groups, and surveys.

• Determine research activities and best course of action for accomplishing objectives.

• Work with IT and Communications staff to ensure client deliverables are of high quality.

Qualifications:

• Master’s Degree in Education or Social Science related field.

• Background in literacy instruction, education research, and state education agencies strongly preferred.

• Advanced skill set with Microsoft Word, Excel, PowerPoint and web-based databases.

• Demonstrated skills in research, data collection, and analysis.

• Self-starter with strong time management and multitasking skills.

• The right candidate excels at working in a fast paced, dynamic environment.

• Ability to work under pressure, managing several complex assignments with multiple deadlines.

• Strong organizational skills and attention to detail.

• Excellent verbal and written communication skills. Proofreading or copyediting experience is a plus.

• Understanding of or experience with statistical, survey, and/or data analysis programs, and applications as well as online data collection forms.

Physical demands and work environment:

• Physical demands: While performing duties of job, employee is occasionally required to stand; walk; sit; use hands to handle objects and documents; reach with hands and arms; talk and hear. Employee may occasionally lift and/or move up to 40 pounds. Specific vision abilities required by the job include close vision. Employee may use office equipment such as telephone, computer, computer software, calculator, printer, copier, and facsimile.

• Work environment: Employees are not substantially exposed to adverse environmental conditions. The noise level in the work environment is usually moderate.