Research Associate 1 - University of Louisiana at Lafayette : Job Details

The Kathleen Blanco Public Policy Center at the University of Louisiana at Lafayette is an independent, interdisciplinary research center and archive engaged in research across a broad range of topics in public policy. Our core policy areas of focus include education, poverty and economic opportunity, criminal justice reform, health and healthcare, the coast and environment, and governmental ethics. The Center is committed to producing high-quality, evidence-based research that informs public understanding and supports effective policy decision-making across Louisiana and beyond. We are seeking a detail-oriented and motivated individual to serve as Research Associate 1. This position plays a critical role in supporting research activities at the Center and contributing to the development of impactful, data-driven policy insights. The ideal candidate will be highly organized, collaborative, and capable of managing multiple tasks across various projects simultaneously.

Key responsibilities include:

• Providing technical and administrative support for multiple ongoing public policy research projects.
• Managing project timelines and ensuring timely completion of interim milestones and final deliverables.
• Collecting, organizing, and analyzing relevant data sets using appropriate research methodologies.
• Drafting narrative content for incorporation into reports, policy briefs, presentations, and publications.
• Collaborating with senior Center staff to interpret research findings and provide constructive input and recommendations.
• Assisting in the preparation of grant proposals, research scopes, and supporting materials for new research initiatives.
• Attending and contributing to meetings with external stakeholders, research partners, and sponsors.
• Staying informed on developments in public policy areas relevant to the Center's mission and research priorities.
• Performing other duties as assigned to support the Center's strategic goals and research operations.

Qualifications:

Required qualifications:

• Bachelor's degree in Economics, Political Science, Sociology, or related field.

Preferred qualifications:

• Previous coursework or research experience in at least one Blanco Center priority policy area.
• Prior research experience and work with software packages such as STATA, R, SAS, SPSS, ATLAS.ti and/or ArcGIS are preferred.

Skills, abilities, etc.:

• Exceptional written and oral communication skills, analytical skills, and familiarity with a range of computer software (including but not limited to Microsoft Office).
• The candidate must demonstrate creativity in problem solving, must be self-motivated and able to work collaboratively in teams.
• In addition, candidates must demonstrate a high degree of competency and creativity in problem solving.

All interested applicants should send a cover letter, resume, a writing sample, and three references.