The Career-Connected Learning and Life Skills (CCLLS) Interest Area Team and the Research Team at foundry10 are looking to hire an Associate Researcher to carry out research that advances the goals and strategy of the CCLLS team. Interest Area Teams identify gaps and needs in their respective fields of impact and expertise. They then develop and deploy educational programming, relevant research, philanthropic support, and other resources to bridge and meet youth needs. The Career Connected Learning and Life Skills team helps young people pursue a rewarding livelihood by supporting career exploration, entrepreneurship, and life skill development.

The Associate Researcher will lead research efforts for the CCLLS team under the supervision of Dr. Travis Windleharth, one of the Research Team’s Senior Researchers. They will help the CCLLS team plan and execute research projects identified as strategic priorities by the team, as well as assist in the identification of knowledge gaps for research, programming, and philanthropy in the team's focus areas. This includes leading and supporting existing research projects, as well as developing new research questions, identifying appropriate methods for research studies and data collection, and leading the reporting of results. The ideal candidate will have experience studying youth, specifically focused on adolescence, emerging adulthood, young adults’ career development, life skill development and relevant topics such as Career and Technical Education, and will be sensitive to equity issues and community considerations in their approach. The Associate Researcher will help the CCLLS team make sense of their research findings and help use that data to inform the direction for future research, programs, and philanthropic gifts so that their work can be improved and compared across iterations.

foundry10 is an education research organization with a philanthropic focus on expanding ideas about learning and creating direct value for youth. Candidates must live in Washington State and be able to work occasionally in the foundry10’s Seattle office, which is located in the University District. We are not able to sponsor visa applications, and to be considered for this position, you must be eligible to work in the United States. To protect our staff, partners, and the youth we serve, we require all foundry10 employees be fully vaccinated against COVID-19, unless they have an approved medical or religious accommodation.

This is a full-time, exempt position with a salary range of $95,000-105,000, reporting to a Senior Researcher.

Qualifications

• Has experience/knowledge equivalent to a Masters degree in subject-area expertise
• Masters degree or equivalent in a social science or related field such as psychology, education, economics, sociology, or a related field
• At least 4 years of relevant research experience in early career development, career and technical education, life skills development, or related topic
• Practical experience leading and conducting applied research in education, particularly experience with survey implementation and interviews
• Strong background in qualitative and quantitative methodology and analysis
• Experience working with practitioners to apply research findings
• Knowledge of and experience with statistical software packages such as R, SPSS, or similar programs
• Ability to manage time and track several project timelines at once
• Ability to work self-sufficiently and identify areas where processes could be improved
• Outstanding written and verbal communication skills

Responsibilities

• Lead and execute all stages of the research process, including:
  • Helping to identify key knowledge gaps as part of the Interest Area Team’s yearly goals and strategic planning process
  • Formulating research questions & designing studies
  • Carry out ongoing research projects with the Interest Area Team
  • Writing IRB Approval Forms
  • Conducting literature reviews
  • Creating surveys, interview protocols, and other data collection tools (question writing, pulling measures)
  • Data collection (interviews, observation, survey administration)
  • Data management (data entry, data cleaning)
  • Data analysis (statistical analysis, qualitative coding)
  • Sharing results through written reports, presentations, conferences, and other relevant mediums
• Translate research findings for the CCLLS team; develop data-driven strategies to make improvements to future programming and philanthropic efforts
• Write peer-reviewed research articles in collaboration with foundry10 researchers and synthesize existing research for comprehensive literature reviews
• Analyze data from research studies and translate that into other mediums for worthwhile sharing (e.g., Medium posts, white papers)
• Communicate actionable insights to various learning and research communities/fields as well as with lay-people in the community
• Work collaboratively across teams using clear communication and organization skills to help manage the research projects for the team
• Stay current on relevant subject-areas to the projects that they are working on and contributes in meaningful ways to research, programs, and philanthropy on the team
• Coordinate with Research Team members and Interest Area team members about planning/conducting research projects
• Identify, coordinate, and grow relationships with collaborators outside of foundry10 to produce meaningful research work

To be considered for this position, submit your resume or CV along with a cover letter describing how the Associate Researcher position at foundry10 aligns with your experience, skills, and interests. Applications will not be reviewed without a cover letter. Priority will be given to applications received by 11:59 pm on September 27, 2023. **
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The interview process will consist of the following steps:

Step 1: Phone interview (1 hour)

Step 2: Zoom interview with members of the Research Team and CCLLS Team and includes a research proposal presentation (1.5 to 2 hours with a short break in between). You will be asked to provide a sample proposal prior to the presentation. More information will be given during the interview process.

Step 3: Zoom meeting with a Senior Researcher, if needed (30 mins)

Step 4: Reference checks

foundry10 offers competitive salary and benefits that include:

• A 4-day (32 hour) workweek
• A flexible and hybrid work schedule
• Full Medical, Dental, and Vision coverage for employees and 100% coverage for dependents
• $1,500 yearly education stipend
• $1,500 yearly wellness and hobby stipend
• Flexible vacation time
• 401(k) retirement plan with employer match
• Flexible Spending Account and Dependent Care Reimbursement Account
• Employee Assistance Program at no cost to the employee
• Short Term Disability, Long Term Disability, Life Insurance paid fully by foundry10

foundry10 is committed to creating a diverse environment where everyone can bring their full selves to work. Employment decisions are based on merit and business needs. The organization strives to provide a work environment free from discrimination and harassment because of a protected characteristic. foundry10 does not discriminate against employees or applicants based on race, color, creed, citizenship, status, national origin, ancestry, gender, genetic information, sexual orientation, gender expression or identity, age, religion, pregnancy or pregnancy-related condition, physical or mental disability, marital status, parental status, veteran status, political affiliation, or any other characteristic protected by law.

We are committed to providing reasonable accommodations to assist individuals with disabilities with the application and interviewing process as well as essential job functions.