Senior Research Associate

Job #

042411

Department Code

Department

Academic Affairs

Job Title

Senior Research Associate

Location

Syracuse, NY

Campus

Syracuse, NY

Commitment to On-Campus Experience

Syracuse University is committed to delivering an exceptional student experience through vibrant, engaged campus communities. This position is based at the above campus location and requires regular in-person presence to support our students, collaborate with colleagues, and contribute to our thriving academic environment. Syracuse University values the collaboration, mentorship, and spontaneous connections that happen when our community works together on campus. Remote work arrangements are limited in accordance with University policy.

Pay Range

$72,700 - $100,000

Pay Determination

Pay rates at Syracuse University are based on a combination of factors including, but not limited to, the job responsibilities; the candidate's education, training, work experience and key competencies; the university's strategic priorities; internal peer equity; applicable federal, state, local laws, grant funding and contractual requisites; and external market analyses.

Staff Level

S5

FLSA Status

Exempt

Hours

Standard University business hours

8:30am – 5:00pm (academic year)

8:00am – 4:30pm (summer)

Hours may vary based on operational needs

Job Type

Full-time

Unionized Position Code

UA

Job Description

The Senior Research Associate will work closely with the Director of Research at the Burton Blatt Institute (BBI). In this role, they will independently design, conduct, and execute advanced quantitative studies on disability policy, produce manuscripts for top academic journals, and develop high-quality reports and briefs for granting agencies. This role required expertise in causal inference methods (e.g., randomized controlled trials (RCTs), quasi-experimental designs, advanced econometrics), strong applied data skills, and familiarity with contemporary disability policies.

The Senior Research Associate is expected to function as an independent investigator by leading projects, shaping research questions, designing study protocols, preparing IRB documentation, and writing manuscripts. The successful candidate will bring a proven quantitative skill set and track record of delivering empirical research from design to completion.

This position is part of a bargaining unit and is represented by the union SEIU, Local 200United.

Education and Experience

• Ph.D. in Economics, Public Administration, Public Policy, Public Health, or related fields
• 7+ years of relevant experience in academic, government, non-profit, research institute, or similar settings.
• 3+ years of post-degree, full-time quantitative research experience (government, academic, policy lab, evaluation contractor, consulting, or similar).
• Experience in designing, supervising, and completing complex research projects using rigorous quantitative methods.
• Expertise with causal inference and evaluation designs (e.g., RCTs, quasi-experimental methods, difference-in-differences, regression discontinuity, others).
• Experience analyzing large datasets, including representative surveys and Census data.
• Understanding of contemporary disability policies and issues.
• Excellent written and oral communication skills, including translating complex research findings for diverse audiences.
• Track record of first-author or lead-author publications and experience contributing to successful funded research proposals.
• Residence in Central New York and ability to work from Burton Blatt Institute's office at Syracuse University Campus. Position may be eligible for SU's flexible work arrangement policy after a three-month period (minimum 3 days per week on campus).

Skills and Knowledge

• Expertise designing and implementing quantitative research and evaluation.
• Experience managing complex research projects and producing high quality reports and manuscripts.
• Demonstrated history of research excellence and/or a strong publication record.
• Proficiency in inferential statistics and experience using at least one statistical software package or programming language (e.g., SAS, SPSS, Stata, R, Python, SQL, others).
• Demonstrated ability to work independently, manage multiple priorities simultaneously, and deliver high-quality work on schedule.
• Demonstrated ability to work independently and with minimal supervision to complete assigned tasks.
• Strong interpersonal skills to collaborate effectively with individuals across diverse backgrounds and organizational levels, including virtual work environments.
• Strong organizational skills and high level of attention to detail.

Responsibilities

• Design and implement research projects, including developing research questions, analytic approaches, and study protocols.
• Develop detailed project timelines and make methodological decisions independently.
• Collect, clean, and analyze data.
• Write reports, manuscripts, briefs, and presentations for academic, policy, and community audiences.
• Interpret and communicate analytic results to stakeholders in accessible and actionable ways.
• Support administrative tasks related to funded projects.
• Mentor students and junior staff working on sponsored projects.

Physical Requirements

Not Applicable

Tools/Equipment

Not Applicable

Application Instructions

In addition to completing an online application, please attach a resume and cover letter.

About Syracuse University

Syracuse University is a private, international research university with distinctive academics, diversely unique offerings, and an undeniable spirit. Located in the geographic heart of New York State, with a global footprint, and over 150 years of history, Syracuse University offers a quintessential college experience.

The scope of Syracuse University is a testament to its strengths: a pioneering history dating back to 1870; a choice of more than 200 majors, 100 minors, and 200 advanced degree programs offered across the University's 13 schools and colleges; over 15,000 undergraduates and over 6,000 graduate students; more than a quarter of a million alumni in 160 countries; and a student population from all 50 U.S. states and 123 countries. For more information, please visit

About the Syracuse area

Syracuse is a medium-sized city situated in the geographic center of New York State approximately 250 miles northwest of New York City. The metro-area population totals approximately 500,000. The area offers a low cost of living and provides many social, cultural, and recreational options, including parks, museums, festivals, professional regional theater, and premier shopping venues. Syracuse and Central New York present a wide range of seasonal recreation and attractions ranging from water skiing and snow skiing, hiking in the Adirondacks, touring the historic sites, visiting wineries along the Finger Lakes, and biking on trails along the Erie Canal.

EEO Statement

Syracuse University is an equal-opportunity institution. The University prohibits discrimination and harassment based on race, color, creed, religion, sex, gender, national origin, citizenship, ethnicity, marital status, age, disability, sexual orientation, gender identity and gender expression, veteran status, or any other status protected by applicable law to the extent prohibited by law. This nondiscrimination policy covers admissions, employment, and access to and treatment in University programs, services, and activities.

Commitment to Supporting and Hiring Veterans

Syracuse University has a long history of engaging veterans and the military-connected community through its educational programs, community outreach, and employment programs. After World War II, Syracuse University welcomed more than 10,000 returning veterans to our campus, and those veterans literally transformed Syracuse University into the national research institution it is today. The University's contemporary commitment to veterans builds on this historical legacy, and extends to both class-leading initiatives focused on making an SU degree accessible and affordable to the post-9/11 generation of veterans, and also programs designed to position Syracuse University as the employer of choice for military veterans, members of the Guard and Reserve, and military family members.

Commitment to a Respectful and Welcoming Community

Syracuse University fosters a welcoming learning environment where students, faculty, administrators, staff, curriculum, social activities, governance, and all aspects of campus life reflect a broad range of perspectives and experiences. The University community values the many similarities and differences among individuals and groups. At Syracuse, we are committed to preparing students to engage with and appreciate the richness of backgrounds, beliefs, and experiences that shape our society. To achieve this, we strive to cultivate a community that respects and encourages open dialogue, understanding, and mutual respect.