[RURAL INSTITUTE BANNER] 

The UNIVERSITY OF MONTANA invites applications for a RESEARCH ASSOCIATE to join the Research and Training Team (RTC: Rural) at the RURAL INSTITUTE FOR INCLUSIVE COMMUNITIES (RIIC). The Research Associate will contribute to the development and implementation of research projects that support community living outcomes among people with disabilities living in rural communities. The position may supervise 1-2 undergraduate or graduate students who will serve as research assistants.

Key duties and responsibilities include:

• Conduct literature reviews
• Develop surveys and interview questions
• Find, communicate with, and engage key stakeholders and partner programs
• Be a collaborative member of an interdisciplinary team
• Coordinate team efforts to complete projects ahead of deadlines
• Support qualitative and quantitative data collection, analysis and outcomes reporting for multiple partnering organizations
• Develop and disseminate high-quality reports, factsheets, and manuscripts describing analyzed data
• Prioritize multiple projects
• Learn new systems and procedures quickly
• Analyze and creatively solve problem using new technologies and proven practices

The University of Montana is an Affirmative Action/Equal Opportunity employer and has a strong institutional commitment to the principle of diversity in all areas. In that spirit, we are particularly interested in receiving applications from a broad spectrum of qualified people who would assist the University in demonstrating its five priorities for action: Place student success at the center of all we do; drive excellence and innovation in teaching, learning, and research; embody the principle of “mission first, people always"; partner with place; and proudly tell the UM story.

Position Details

• The position is a full-time, 1.0 FTE (40 hrs/week) Letter of Appointment and includes a comprehensive BENEFITS PACKAGE.
• Location: Missoula, MT
• Annual base salary is $42,000 - $54,000 per year, depending on experience and qualifications
• Letter of Appointment until August 31, 2023; renewal is dependent on satisfactory job performance, continuing project needs, and/or available funding

Minimum Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree and three to five (3-5) years of experience in social science field, such as public health, social work, psychology, sociology, economics, rehabilitation counseling.
• Ability to work collaboratively and positively with members of an interdisciplinary team, including external project partners.
• Ability to conduct literature reviews.
• Ability to design data collection tools
• Ability to conceptualize and perform basic statistical analyses using statistical software (e.g. SPSS, SAS)
• Ability to conduct qualitative research and analyze qualitative data using statistical software (e.g. NVIVO).
• Ability to develop and deliver presentations both live and via the Internet using Powerpoint and Zoom
• Ability to communicate clearly, professionally, and concisely with diverse audiences.
• Ability to write progress reports, factsheets, outreach materials, and/or manuscripts on research-related topics.
• Ability to prioritize work across multiple projects
• Ability to work effectively within a hybrid team environment (i.e. with in-office and remote colleagues)

Preferred Qualifications

• Master’s degree in psychology, sociology, economics, rehabilitation counseling, public health, or other field that prepares individuals to conduct analytic and intervention research.
• Advanced knowledge of qualitative data analysis software (e.g. NVIVO, AtlasTI).
• Advanced knowledge of statistical analysis methods and software (e.g. SPSS, STATA, SAS)
• Knowledge of Community Based Participatory Research (CBPR) methods or Participatory Action Research methods (PAR).
• Experience developing training materials such as curricula and workshop content using a participatory process.
• Lived experience as a person with a disability or as a family member of a person with disabilities.
• Experience with theories of behavior change, including theories of hope and meaning.
• Experience contributing to the creation of grant proposals, both in terms of ideas, plans, and writing.
• Experience publishing manuscripts using both qualitative and quantitative data analysis methods.

About UM and the Rural Institute for Inclusive Communities

The University of Montana (UM) is a flagship research institution of approximately 10,000 undergraduate and graduate students. UM is located in Missoula, a cosmopolitan Rocky Mountain community, often singled out in national publications for its quality of life. The vibrant downtown community embraces the state’s most sophisticated music and art scene. Surrounding public forests provide unparalleled recreational opportunities. Nearby, Glacier National Park and Yellowstone National Park complement a thriving intellectual atmosphere.

The Rural Institute for Inclusive Communities (RIIC) is a unit within UM dedicated to disability focused service, education, and research. RIIC is home to multiple federal, state, and foundation grants and contracts. RIIC is committed to collaborative partnerships that support opportunities for all. Our mission is to promote equal opportunity for people with disabilities. We value respectful partnerships, inclusive decision-making, evidence- and practice-based solutions, healthy interdependence, and rural community resilience.

Learn more:

• To learn more about UM check out: University of Montana
• To learn more about RIIC: Rural Institute for Inclusive Communities
• To learn more about the RTC:Rural located within the RIIC: RTC:Rural

CRIMINAL BACKGROUND INVESTIGATION IS REQUIRED PRIOR TO OFFER OF EMPLOYMENT. In accordance with University policy, finalists for this position will be subject to criminal background investigations. ADA/EOE/AA/VETERAN'S PREFERENCE - Reasonable accommodations are provided in the hiring process for persons with disabilities. For example, this material is available in alternative format upon request. As an Equal Opportunity/Affirmative Action employer, we encourage applications from minorities, veterans, and women. Qualified candidates may request veterans’ or disabilities preference in accordance with state law. REFERENCES - *References not listed on the application materials may be contacted; notice may be provided to the applicant. TESTING - Individual hiring departments at UM-M may elect to administer pre-employment tests, which are relevant to essential job functions. EMPLOYMENT ELIGIBILITY - All New Employees must be eligible and show employment eligibility verification by the first date of employment at UM, as legally required (e.g., Form I-9).

How to Apply

PRIORITY APPLICATION DATE: TUESDAY, AUGUST 16, 2022 by 11:59 pm (MST)

Applications received by this date will be guaranteed consideration. Application review will begin after date above and continue until the position is filled.

*Please note: only five (5) attachments are allowed per application. Please combine documents accordingly.

APPLICATION MATERIALS:

Please submit the following application materials via "New Resume/CV" button below.

• LETTER OF INTEREST – addressing the stated required skills for the position
• DETAILED RESUME listing education and describing work experience
• THREE (3) PROFESSIONAL REFERENCES - Names and contact information

Required Skills Required Experience

• Excellent interpersonal skills. Must demonstrate the highest degree of professionalism while interacting with a diverse group
• Strong communication skills, written and verbal
• Active TS/SCI security clearance