Postdoctoral Research Associate - Public Evaluation Lab

About the Opportunity

Northeastern University’s Bouvé College of Health Sciences is seeking applications for a Post-Doctoral Research Associate. This is a full-time position, available immediately, that will work halftime with the NU Public Evaluation Lab (NU-PEL) on the evaluation of the Boston Area Youth Direct Cash Transfer (BAY-CASH) program and half-time with Dr. Jonathan Zaff on a research-practice partnership with the Massachusetts Department of Youth Services (the juvenile justice agency for the state).

Position Description

50%, evaluation of Boston Area Youth Cash Assistance for Stable Housing (BAY-CASH). NU-PEL is leading the evaluation of BAY-CASH, a direct cash transfer plus program for housing insecure and unhoused young adults in the Boston-area that pairs unconditional cash transfer payments with optional social support services, including service navigation and mentoring. The evaluation will

examine the implementation and implications of the program on housing stability, financial well-being, educational attainment, housing stability, and overall social and emotional wellness. The evaluation will include secondary data analysis, participant interviews, and surveys over the course of three years.

50%, research-practice partnership with the MA Department of Youth Services. Dr. Zaff has been the research lead for a research-practice partnership with the juvenile justice agency of Massachusetts. His team has been analyzing secondary data integrated across the Departments of Elementary and Secondary Education and Youth Services to understand why youth are detained and committed into the juvenile justice system, the implications of such actions on the long-term educational and vocational outcomes for those youth, and ways to promote more positive trajectories for juvenile justice-involved youth. The post-doctoral researcher will have the opportunity to co-construct research questions with the executive committee of the Department of Youth Services, practitioners, and youth, carry out studies implemented based on those questions, and write-up and present findings to key decision-makers. The post-doctoral researcher will also have the opportunity conduct mixed-methods projects that include qualitative components with youth and the practitioners who serve them.

Responsibilities will include, but are not limited to:

• Managing the overall logistical tasks of the project

• Supervising and mentoring a team of researchers, including graduate students

• Writing reports and other materials for practice and policy audiences

• Presenting research findings at local, national, and international meetings

• Publishing research findings in peer-reviewed journals and special interest publications

• Contributing to general project oversight, implementation, and management

Qualifications

• Applicants must have earned a doctorate in social work, sociology, psychology, public health, public policy or a related field and have demonstrated community-based research experience with vulnerable communities.

• Applicants must be able to take a leading role in the collection and analysis of qualitative (interview and focus group) data and provide support to graduate-student research assistants.

• The ideal candidate will have a strong interest in applied child and youth development research and evaluation and possess advanced statistical methodological skills.

• The candidate will also have an appreciation for taking a mixed-methodological approach to answering research questions, with experience conducting qualitative studies.

• A history working with youth from historically marginalized communities Is preferred.

• The successful candidate will be a highly motivated individual able to work efficiently and productively in a fast-paced, multifaceted research environment.

• The candidate should be able to lead a team of researchers as well as work successfully as a team member.

• Additionally, bi-lingual applicants with proficiency in Spanish are strongly encouraged to apply.

Position Type

Additional Information

Northeastern University considers factors such as candidate work experience, education and skills when extending an offer.  

All qualified applicants are encouraged to apply and will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, religion, color, national origin, age, sex, sexual orientation, disability status, or any other characteristic protected by applicable law.

Compensation Grade/Pay Type:

Expected Hiring Range:

With the pay range(s) shown above, the starting salary will depend on several factors, which may include your education, experience, location, knowledge and expertise, and skills as well as a pay comparison to similarly-situated employees already in the role. Salary ranges are reviewed regularly and are subject to change.