Research Specialist II

The Department of Sociology at Princeton University seeks applicants for a Research Specialist II (RSII) position. The RSII will work on a new, mixed methods project at the Eviction Lab. The Research Specialist, whose duties will primarily be qualitative in nature, will work with the Principal Investigator (PI), the Lab Director, and other Lab members to conduct original research on the needs of Continuums of Care (CoC). 

The responsibilities of the Research Specialist II will center on planning and executing qualitative research on CoCs and will include but not be limited to: designing and conducting interviews and focus groups with CoC members; identifying, recruiting, and communicating with research participants across the United States; conducting document reviews of CoC materials such as programmatic manuals and application forms; and collaborating on the creation of reports and potential academic publications based on this research. 

This position will report to the Lab’s Principal Investigator and the Lab Director. This position will work with them as well as administrative staff and other Lab researchers to carry out the responsibilities. The position entails occasional travel.

The ideal candidate will have knowledge of qualitative and quantitative research methods; experience developing qualitative research agendas and executing qualitative research techniques, especially in conducting interviews and focus groups; experience reading and summarizing academic publications and policy papers; and three or more years of professional experience, with at least one of those spent working with CoCs or in the larger homelessness services ecosystem in the US.

This is a one-year term, benefits eligible position. Interested candidates should submit a cover letter and resume with their application.

Job responsibilities include:

• Planning and executing qualitative research on Continuums of Care (CoCs); Will include designing and conducting interviews and focus groups with CoC members; Identifying, recruiting, and communicating with research participants across the United States
• Conducting document reviews of CoC materials such as programmatic manuals and application forms
• Collaborating on the creation of reports and potential academic publications based on this research; Tasks related to academic and other publications may include, in addition to original research, library research, collaborating with other Eviction Lab team members on research questions, producing data visualizations, or writing reports.
• Attending and contributing to team meetings. Miscellaneous collaborations with Eviction Lab graduate, postdoctoral, and undergraduate researchers. Responding to queries from other researchers and members of the public.

Essential Qualifications:

• Bachelor's degree or equivalent
• 3+ years of relevant experience

• Experience communicating complex data and methodological concepts to both academic and non-technical audiences;

• Knowledge of qualitative and quantitative research methods; experience developing qualitative research agendas and executing qualitative research techniques, especially in conducting interviews and focus groups.

• Demonstrated successes in collaborating with colleagues and external stakeholders from varying disciplinary backgrounds and levels of seniority, including PI and community organizations;

• Performance history of meeting internal and external deadlines;

• Three or more years of academic and/or professional experience, with at least one of those spent working with CoCs or in the larger homelessness services ecosystem in the US.

Preferred Qualifications:

• Ability to perform basic statistical techniques in R or STATA

Princeton University is an Equal Opportunity and all qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to age, race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, national origin, disability status, protected veteran status, or any other characteristic protected by law. KNOW YOUR RIGHTS