Research Associate, Student Success, Support, and Engagement
Wayne State University is searching for an experienced Research Associate, Student Success, Support, and Engagement at its Detroit campus location.
Wayne State is a premier, public, urban research university located in the heart of Detroit, Michigan where students from all backgrounds are offered a rich, high-quality education. Our deep-rooted commitment to excellence, collaboration, integrity, diversity and inclusion creates exceptional educational opportunities which prepare students for success in a global society.
Essential functions (job duties):
Position Summary:
The research associate will play a critical role in student persistence and completion by conducting a comprehensive literature review of national best and promising practices aimed at narrowing disparities in achievement, retention, and graduation rates. The successful candidate will identify evidence-based strategies to reduce achievement gaps and collaborate with university stakeholders to deepen institutional analyses and inform the redesign of academic and student success initiatives. This is a full-time, two-year assignment.
Essential Functions:
- Conduct a systematic literature review of national and regional practices focused on narrowing disparities in achievement, retention, and graduation rates in higher education.
- Analyze and summarize findings from peer-reviewed journal articles, white papers, case studies, and institutional reports.
- Develop annotated bibliographies and detailed summaries of promising practices that can inform university-wide efforts to redesign academic support structures and course delivery.
- Collaborate with the Office for Institutional Research and Data Analytics to align literature findings with institutional data trends and needs.
- Assist in preparing reports, presentations, and recommendations for stakeholders, including faculty, staff, and administrators, to enhance retention and graduation efforts.
- Stay informed on emerging research and trends in evolving pedagogy, student retention strategies, and student success initiatives.
- Participate in project meetings to share research insights and provide updates on progress.
Qualifications:
- degree obtained no more than 4 years ago with a focus in education, sociology, public policy, or a related field preferred.
- Strong research skills, including experience conducting literature reviews and analyzing both qualitative and quantitative data.
- Knowledge of student success initiatives in higher education and strategies for narrowing disparities in achievement, retention, and graduation rates.
- Excellent written and verbal communication skills, with the ability to present complex information clearly.
- Proficiency in research databases and tools (, JSTOR, PubMed, Google Scholar).
- Ability to work independently, manage time effectively, and meet deadlines.
Preferred qualifications:
Experience with higher education quantitative data analysis and reporting. Previous experience supporting academic and/or student success initiatives.
School/College/Division:
H92 - VP Student Affairs
Primary department:
H9212 - Office of Academic Student Affairs (H9212)
Employment type:
- Regular Employee
- Job type: Full Time
- Job category: Research
Funding/salary information:
- Compensation type: Annual Salary
- Hourly rate:
- Salary minimum: TBD
- Salary hire maximum: TBD
Working conditions:
Office environment.
Job openings:
- Number of openings: 1
- Reposted position: No
- Reposted reason: None (New Requisition)
- Prior posting/requisition number:
Background check requirements:
University policy requires certain persons who are offered employment to undergo a background check, including a criminal history check, before starting work. If you are offered employment, the university will inform you if a background check is required.