Job Summary:

The Associate Research Scientist at the Karyn Purvis Institute of Child Development (KPICD) is responsible for conducting mission-relevant research, managing research and evaluation projects, developing research programs and goals, coordinating research-related efforts with KPICD Education and Outreach teams, and communicating research results and findings. This position is focused on the integration of research, resource development, education, and support for implementing Trust-based Relational Intervention® (TBRI®) globally, with particular emphasis on Eastern Europe.

Duties & Essential Job Functions:

1. Conducts research and documents results by designing and conducting studies; completing assigned reports as required by government or agency officials and IRB; reading and studying the known published and unpublished results on the research under investigation; conducting literature reviews; coordinating development, implementation, and maintenance of community research studies and projects; writing manuscripts for peer-review publications; assisting the principal investigator, research manager, and financial coordinator with various administrative tasks associated with the day-to-day operations of research studies and projects; and assisting with the organization and implementation of research projects such as reporting on the status of various research tasks and identifying ways to improve research design.
2. Collects and maintains data by recruiting subjects; gathering data for existing and future projects; collecting qualitative data from interviews, non-participant observations or focus groups; entering, analyzing, and presenting both quantitative and qualitative data; conducting statistical analysis of data, making critical observations of analyses or data and identifying patterns in the data; preparing quantitative data files and evaluating data quality; overseeing data entry procedures; identifying ways to validate data and enhance quality control of data; and designing questionnaires and other methods to collect quantitative data.
3. Communicates research results and the Institute’s position by preparing and processing instructional materials; engaging in technical writing, editing, and graphical design of materials to communicate results of Institute research; preparing clearly written technical and analytical reports; and presenting findings at scientific meetings.
4. Supports educational components of the KPICD mission by teaching undergraduate courses (e.g., developmental research methods), supervising undergraduate students enrolled as research assistants; participating actively in undergraduate lab activities; mentoring undergraduate and graduate students in research-related tasks; and serving on thesis and dissertation committees.
5. Serves as an Institute liaison between the University, local and state government agencies, and other participating agencies by providing consulting assistance to various organizations; supports the implementation of TBRI-related research and knowledge in specific contexts and cultures (i.e., Eastern Europe); develops and maintains positive relationships with colleagues and clients both internal and external to TCU; demonstrates excellent written, oral communication skills, and attention to detail.
6. Coordinates the grant application process from initial application to final award determination; coordinates the preparation of all necessary reports to various outside/inside regulatory and supporting agencies; plans, schedules, and coordinates detailed phases of administrative matters related to grant-funded and KPICD-funded research projects; and attends any necessary training and in-service sessions.
7. Performs other related duties as assigned.

Required Education & Experience:

• Ph.D. in experimental psychology or related field.
• 4 years’ experience with research design and implementation including experience with supervising undergraduate student research.

Preferred Education & Experience:

• None

Required Licensure/Certification/Specialized Training:

• None

Preferred Licensure, Certification, and/or Specialized Training:

• TBRI Practitioner

Knowledge, Skills & Abilities:

• Knowledge of and expertise with statistical packages such as R, SAS, and/or SPSS.
• Knowledge of the clear understanding of the research process acquired through both practical and academic experience.
• Ability to plan, direct, and supervise the work of others toward a particular goal involving a high degree of complexity.
• Ability to effectively utilize Microsoft Office to include Word, Excel and Outlook.
• Ability to work independently towards the Institute’s goals and vision.
• Excellent oral and written communication skills
• Ability to communicate effectively with individuals in the Eastern Europe region of the world

TCU Core Competencies:

University Core Competencies definitions may be found on the Human Resources website and in the staff performance management system.

Physical Requirements (With or Without Accommodations):

• Visual acuity to read information from computer screens, forms and other printed materials and information.
• Able to speak (enunciate) clearly in conversation and general communication.
• Hearing ability for verbal communication/conversation/responses via telephone, telephone systems, and face-to-face interactions.
• Manual dexterity for typing, writing, standing and reaching, flexibility, body movement for bending, crouching, walking, kneeling and prolonged sitting.
• Lifting and moving objects and equipment up to 10 lbs.

Work Environment:

• Work is indoors and sedentary and is subject to schedule changes and/or variable work hours.
• This role is an on campus, in-person position.
• There are no harmful environmental conditions present for this job.
• The noise level in this work environment is usually moderate.

AA/EEO Statement:

As an AA/EEO employer, TCU recruits, hires, and promotes qualified persons in all job classifications without regard to age, race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender, gender identity, gender expression, national origin, ethnic origin, disability, genetic information, covered veteran status, or any other basis protected by law.