The Research Assistant is responsible for assisting senior researchers and research teams in successfully executing defined research tasks. This position will be aligned with one of Metro's research practice areas.
Responsibilities include:
- Collection and analysis of qualitative and/or quantitative data. Including producing literature reviews, conducting fieldwork (such as interviews and site visits, managing data, and using computer programs for data processing and analysis,
- Production of tables, charts, and maps.
- Contributing to and/or editing various publications for different audiences, including research reports, briefs, blogs, and other deliverables.
- Completion of logistical tasks for research proposals, internal and external research events, and research management.
- Completion of administrative tasks such as tracking project timelines, project reporting, taking and summarizing meeting minutes, and other tasks as assigned.
- Independent time management and collaboration with teams to prioritize and complete multiple tasks.
What you'll bring:
The successful candidate will have:
- Bachelor's degree or associate's degree with equivalent experience required, preferably in the field of Public Policy, Urban Studies, Urban Planning, Data Science, Sociology, Economics, Statistics, Environmental Studies, Geography, Social Welfare, Education, Psychology, or related field of inquiry.
- Demonstrated qualitative and/or quantitative research skills.
- Excellent written and verbal communication skills.
- Ability to present to diverse audiences, specifically racially, ethnically, and socioeconomically diverse communities.
- Capacity to conduct library and internet research quickly and with strong critical thinking analysis.
- Proficiency with publication, spreadsheet, and presentation graphics software.
- Familiarity with data analysis tools and software such as Stata, R, or SAS.
- Strong time management skills and high level of professionalism.
- Ability to work efficiently and effectively as part of a team.
- High level of organization and motivation, creativity, and self-confidence; we seek individuals who can work effectively, independently, and simultaneously on multiple projects.
- Bilingual abilities, although not required are a plus.
- Have a willingness and ability to travel when conditions make travel safe.
- Strong interest in one or more of the following topics: housing and housing-related assistance programs, homelessness, demographic and population studies, urban planning and land use, community economic development, city governance and public-sector capacity, physical and environmental quality, and Housing and neighborhoods as a platform for other household and societal outcomes, structural racism and inequality.
