Staff Researcher I

The Colorado Evaluation and Action Lab at the University of Denver (DU) was created under the leadership of the Governor’s Office to unlock data-informed solutions to our most pressing social problems. Working together with a broad range of government and community partners, we conduct research with rigor to obtain the best available evidence to inform policies, programs, and investments. Our goal is to leverage data to inform policy and practice, set the wheels in motion to achieve and sustain change, and position our partners to pursue additional, meaningful change for the communities they serve with the guidance of eight essential elements: Prioritize Relationships, Learn Together, Apply Rigor, Activate Findings, Sustain Change, Make Connections, Welcome Risk for Reward, and act as a Bridge to the Research Community.

The Colorado Lab team currently consists of a three-person management team, a 6-person research team, as well as staff in operations and for the Linked Information Network of Colorado. The Colorado Lab also works closely with a network of affiliated researchers throughout the state. Colorado Lab research staff are required to possess a solid intuitive understanding of rigorous research methods and why they work, strong written and oral communication skills for explaining technical topics to non-experts, and coding skills necessary to manage and analyze longitudinal data efficiently. Staff members are expected to engage in a collaborative learning environment where employees are highly responsive to each other as well as to government and research partners. Staff hold themselves and each other responsible for completing high quality, well-documented work in a timely fashion.

Position Summary

The Colorado Lab seeks to hire a Staff Researcher I to support research and evidence-building activities across a variety of issue areas. Examples of our projects may be found on our website as well as our approach to building evidence. Funding for this position is secure for 2 years from date of hire with the possibility of an extension based on available funding, the needs of the Colorado Lab at that time, and employee performance.

Essential Functions

• The position will support project directors on all aspects of research and evaluation projects, which involve multiple partners, tight deadlines, and sensitive data. Example functions include:
• Develop trusting relationships with project partners by being responsive and communicating clearly and appropriately about project needs.
• Use expertise in subject matter and methodology to inform and strengthen project design, deliverables, and actionable dissemination.
• Complete a variety of analytic tasks, based on a project plan or scope, recommending deviations from the plan as appropriate, such as:
• Prepare, program, and administer data collection tools. Flag for Project Director potential data integrity issues
• Manage and clean datasets. Perform basic descriptive analyses with well documented code, and/or basic qualitative coding.
• Develop necessary documentation to support replicability.
• Gather primary data, if relevant for a project, such as developing surveys, conducting focus groups or interviews.
• Conduct literature reviews.
• Project manage the timely creation, quality checks, and contributions to deliverables.
• Coordinate with external consultants (e.g., subject matter experts, graphic designers, and statisticians) about project timelines and needs.
• Facilitate internal and external check-ins and meetings to meet project goals.
• Shepherd projects through the Institutional Review Board process.
• Effectively communicate orally and in writing to a lay audience about technical, analytic, and policy issues.
• Develop data visualizations and insight statements that convey the meaning or application of research findings
• Create content for layered communication such as executive summaries, factsheets, and social media messaging.
• Engage in other duties as necessary, requested, and appropriate to support the mission of the Colorado Lab.

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities

• Demonstrated passion for improving government performance and addressing complex social problems.
• Excellence in both written and oral communications.
• Experience with technical writing for research audiences, communication for policymakers and practitioners, and slide decks.
• Exceptional organizational skills and creativity in problem solving.
• Solid quantitative and qualitative analytical skills.
• Experience with approaches across the Steps to Building Evidence
• Experience generating and/or using data to drive insights and acti