Senior Research Associate - Qualitative
Senior Research Associate - Qualitative
Job Summary
Lab Overview
The Prison Education Action Research Lab (PEARL) at the University of Utah advances educational justice for people and communities impacted by incarceration. Funded by an award from Ascendium Education Group, PEARL leverages evidence-based research to change systems and reduce barriers to postsecondary education for people directly impacted by the criminal legal system. PEARL's anchor project, the Prison Education Research Initiative (PERI), is a first-of-its-kind multi-institutional longitudinal study spanning 21+ partner colleges and universities nationwide.
Position Summary
PEARL is seeking a Senior Research Associate (SRA) with deep expertise in and professional experience with multi-site, multi-methods qualitative research. The SRA will lead data integration, synthesizing qualitative findings with quantitative data in collaboration with the broader research team across PEARL's research portfolio. This position will work in close partnership with PEARL's Senior Quantitative Research Associate to design and produce research that is both interpretively rich and analytically robust. Alongside Center leadership, the SRA will mentor emerging researchers and help the Lab translate findings into scholarship, research briefs, technical reports, and presentations. The SRA will work under the supervision of the Lab Director.
We strongly encourage applications from individuals directly impacted by incarceration and punishment systems.
Compensation and Terms
This is a grant-funded position within PEARL. The position is full-time and benefitted. Work schedule: Monday-Friday, 8:00 AM-5:00 PM. Travel, evenings, and weekends may occasionally be required. The Senior Research Associate may work remotely or on-site at the University of Utah with some travel required.
Responsibilities
- Provide intellectual and applied expertise across multi-PI research projects;
- Design and lead qualitative data collection, including interviews, case studies, site visits, and document analysis across multiple institutional sites;
- Develop and refine data collection instruments, protocols, and field guides appropriate to diverse institutional contexts;
- Maintain and manage qualitative data systems, including codebooks, analytical memos, and documentation of analytical decisions;
- Coordinate secure data transfers and compliance across states and data providers;
- Serve as senior liaison with stakeholders, including colleges, universities, state agencies, and community partners;
- Lead regular cross-site meetings to align stakeholders;
- Oversee IRB protocols, data transfer agreements, and compliance monitoring across multiple institutions and jurisdictions;
- Develop and present research results in the form of peer-reviewed manuscripts, technical reports, briefs, and presentations for both academic and practitioner audiences;
- Mentor, train, and supervise research staff and graduate assistants in qualitative methods and writing;
- Other research-related activities as assigned by the Lab Director.
Minimum Qualifications
- PhD in education or a related social science field, or comparable professional experience demonstrating equivalent expertise;
- 5+ years of post-graduate experience leading qualitative research, including research design, data collection, data analysis, and reporting;
- Advanced proficiency with qualitative data analysis software (e.g., NVivo, Dedoose, Atlas.ti, MAXQDA, or equivalent); and working knowledge of Excel;
- A strong collaborative publication record, including peer-reviewed first-author work;
- Demonstrated experience leading multi-site and multi-stakeholder research projects, including those with multiple types of data;
- Advanced experience with design and integration of qualitative and quantitative research;
- Commitment to educational equity and justice, particularly for communities impacted by the criminal legal system;
- Excellent project management skills, including coordinating logistics, maintaining timelines, and communicating across diverse teams;
- Proven ability to work collaboratively;
- Excellent written and verbal communication skills, including the ability to write for both academic and public audiences.
Preferences
- Familiarity with institutional, state, and federal postsecondary education data systems;
- Ability to relocate to Salt Lake City, UT.
Special Instructions
Required Application Materials
- Cover letter (no more than two pages) that specifically addresses: interest in the position, disciplinary and methodological training, years of professional experience (post-terminal degree), at least one example of multi-site research leadership, at least one example of applied qualitative methods, and names of qualitative software with which you have proficiency;
- Curriculum vitae;
- Writing samples: One scholarly paper and one technical report (or equivalent) where you are the lead author or a major contributor;
- Names and contact information for three professional references who can speak to your research leadership, qualitative expertise, and collaboration skills.
Requisition Number: PRN45110B
Full Time or Part Time? Full Time
Work Schedule Summary: Work schedule: Monday-Friday, 8:00 AM-5:00 PM. Travel, evenings, and weekends may occasionally be required.
Department: 00162 - Educational Leadership&Policy
Location: Campus
Pay Rate Range: $90,000-$120,000
Close Date: 7/23/2026
Open Until Filled:
To apply, visit https://utah.peopleadmin.com/postings/202685
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