Career Center

Job Overview

The research scientist will lead existing and future research and evaluation efforts, and in this role will (1) design, implement, and lead research and evaluation projects and may serve as principal investigator and/or project director; (2) collect and analyze data for multiple projects and purposes; (3) draw and communicate practice and policy inferences from analyses; (4) prepare written and oral presentations for diverse audiences; (5) write manuscripts for publication, research, and policy briefs, and (6) write and submit grants to procure funding.

Buffett Early Childhood Institute Profile

Envisioned as a new model for how public higher education is engaged in the first years of life, the Buffett Early Childhood Institute (https://buffettinstitute.nebraska.edu/) is a four-campus, university-wide, multidisciplinary research, education, outreach, and policy institute of the University of Nebraska committed to helping transform early childhood development and education in Nebraska and across the nation. The long-term goal of the Institute is to be a leading center where scholars, practitioners, community members, and policymakers collaborate to advance a unified approach that can improve the lives of young children and families and the systems that support them.

Applicants should note that the goals of the Institute are university-, state-, and nation-wide, but the location of the Institute administration office is in Omaha. The position will work primarily out of the Omaha office. Regular hours at the Institute and for this position are Monday through Friday, 8 a.m. to 5 p.m., with some evening and weekend assistance when events occur outside of normal work hours. This position may also require some travel.

Primary Job Responsibilities

• Design and lead implementation of evaluation and research studies. Lead and work with internal and external partners to identify meaningful approaches to addressing complex issues through rigorous research. Establish and apply appropriate quantitative and qualitative techniques to collect and analyze data.
• Develop independent line of research, aligned with Institute mission.
• Lead and contribute to written publications, including peer-reviewed manuscripts, research briefs, and data-driven annual reports. Prepare technical reports and journal articles and present findings to partners and the public. Prepare digestible reports with actionable findings and policy/practice recommendations as appropriate.
• Collaborate with Institute staff and stakeholders to define project scope, identify resources, and monitor project deliverables and outcomes.
• Develop grant and contract proposals for federal, state, and philanthropic partners.
• Develop and maintain productive partner relationships, serving as a primary Institute relationship for projects. Clearly communicate with state, university, and Institute partners to advance goals and objectives, orally and in writing. Collaborate with university and state partners.
• Mentor and supervise graduate assistants, sharing approaches to solving concrete problems and providing feedback on the work of others.
• Oversee day-to-day research and evaluation activities including budgeting, planning, analysis, and staff development.
• With minimal supervision, multitask and perform assigned tasks with attention to quality and accuracy.

The classification of this position is dependent on the knowledge, skills, and abilities of the applicant. Applicants who meet the criteria for senior research scientist will be appointed at that level.

Research Scientist

Required Qualifications:

• Doctorate degree (Ph.D. or Ed.D.) with coursework in child development, early education, psychology, or a related field
• One (1) year experience working in social science research-related field (entry-level Ph.D., includes doctoral preparation)
• Demonstrated ability to design, implement, and manage research and evaluation projects
• Proficient in the use of statistical software packages for quantitative (e.g., SAS, SPSS, MPlus) and/or qualitative data analysis (e.g., NVivo)
• Demonstrated excellent written and verbal communication skills, evidenced by written products and/or publication record
• Demonstrated attention to detail and ability to manage multiple tasks and priorities
• Familiarity with evidence-based practices and/or policies in early childhood areas
• Demonstrated commitment to equity through prior training and/or work
• Experience working collaboratively in a team-based setting
• Proficient in Microsoft Office including Word, Excel, and PowerPoint

Preferred Qualifications:

• Research experience with early childhood programs and policies
• Knowledge of rapid-cycle approaches for using data to inform improvement efforts
• Experience working with secondary data sets
• Experience working with mixed-methods approaches
• Experience conducting advanced statistical analyses (e.g., HLM, SEM, LCA)

Senior Research Scientist

Required Qualifications:

• Doctorate degree (Ph.D. or Ed.D.) with coursework in child development, early education, psychology, or a related field
• Five (5) years experience working in social science research-related field (entry-level Ph.D., includes doctoral preparation)
• Demonstrated ability to design, implement, and manage research and evaluation projects
• Proficient in the use of statistical software packages for quantitative (e.g., SAS, SPSS, MPlus) and/or qualitative data analysis (e.g., NVivo)
• Demonstrated excellent written and verbal communication skills, evidenced by written products and/or publication record
• Demonstrated attention to detail and ability to manage multiple tasks and priorities
• Familiarity with evidence-based practices and/or policies in early childhood areas
• Demonstrated commitment to equity through prior training and/or work
• Experience working collaboratively in a team-based setting
• Proficient in Microsoft Office including Word, Excel, and PowerPoint

Preferred Qualifications:

• Experience working with early care and education systems as a practitioner and/or researcher
• Experience in a research/evaluation and/or faculty role to include leading projects and mentoring research staff
• Research experience with early childhood programs and policies
• Knowledge of rapid-cycle approaches for using data to inform improvement efforts
• Experience working with secondary data sets
• Experience working with mixed-methods approaches
• Experience conducting advanced statistical analyses (e.g., HLM, SEM, LCA)

An equivalent combination of education and experience from which comparable knowledge and abilities can be acquired may be considered.

How to Apply

Applications are processed through the online job posting at https://careers.nebraska.edu. Follow instructions to complete the Standard Application. Along with your application, attach a cover letter, curriculum vitae, and contact information for three professional references. Direct questions about the position to: humanresources@nebraska.edu. Direct questions about the online application process to: (402) 472-3701.

The University of Nebraska does not discriminate based on race, color, ethnicity, national origin, sex, pregnancy, sexual orientation, gender identity, religion, disability, age, genetic information, veteran status, marital status, and/or political affiliation in its programs, activities, or employment. The University of Nebraska is an Equal Opportunity/Affirmative Action employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, age, national origin, disability, gender identity, sexual orientation, or protected veteran status.