Researcher in Transformative Education

Duke University:

Duke University was created in 1924 through an indenture of trust by James Buchanan Duke. Today, Duke is regarded as one of America’s leading research universities. Located in Durham, North Carolina, Duke is positioned in the heart of the Research Triangle, which is ranked annually as one of the best places in the country to work and live. Duke has more than 15,000 students who study and conduct research in its 10 undergraduate, graduate and professional schools. With about 40,000 employees, Duke is the third largest private employer in North Carolina, and it now has international programs in more than 150 countries.

Overview of the Organization

The newly established Center for Applied Research and Design in Transformative Education (CARADITE) is part of Duke Learning Innovation and Lifetime Education (LILE). LILE is Duke University’s central resource for innovative teaching and learning on campus and through Duke’s professional, continuing, and online education offerings. LILE’s applied educational research and development expertise and market-driven lifetime learning opportunities serve all learners, from pre-college through post-career.

CARADITE is Duke’s think-tank and living laboratory for innovative research and design about transformative education. The Center explores critical questions across lifetime learning journeys, spanning pre-college through post-career, and designs human(e)-centered and equity-directed solutions for next generation learning and development. CARADITE draws from the expertise of Duke faculty, works with Duke leadership, and collaborates with internal and external partners so that research insights can guide Duke’s teaching and learning in its second centennial. The Center also serves as a hub to connect and grow the Duke community engaged in research and public discourse about transformative education.

Position Summary

The Researcher in Transformative Education supports the work of the Center for Applied Research and Design in Transformative Education (CARADITE). This position will report to LILE’s Associate Director of Faculty Development and Applied Research. The Researcher in Transformative Education will help manage the original research and development efforts of CARADITE and LILE through two primary activities: (1) developing, writing, and submitting grant and other funding proposals to federal, state, and private funding agencies; and (2) contributing to research projects and products through data collection, data analysis, and the publication of varied research products, including peer-reviewed scholarship, white papers, case studies, blog posts, and openly accessible resources.

This position is time-limited to two years.

Responsibilities

Develop, Write, and Submit Grant Proposals (70%)

• Help in managing CARADITE’s grant programs and sponsored research activities in coordination with CARADITE and LILE leadership.
• Identify new and diverse funding opportunities to advance CARADITE research
• Prepare proposals and grant applications, including administrative work necessary to develop and respond to public and private grant opportunities.
• Comprehend and persuasively write about wide-ranging technical and educational research content.
• Collaborate with Duke faculty and LILE partners regarding how to plan, prepare, and write highly competitive and complex research grant proposals.

Contribute to Research Projects and Products (30%)

• Monitor the state of transformative educational research efforts (e.g., artificial intelligence, digital pedagogy, assessment practices, alternative credentials).
• Develop research designs and instruments appropriate for the collection of qualitative and quantitative data sources.
• Evaluate and analyze multiple sources of qualitative and quantitative data.
• Prepare and deliver research presentations at conferences and meetings.
• Prepare manuscripts for publication, including peer-reviewed journal articles, conference proceedings, book chapters, as well as white papers, reports, and case studies.
• Contribute to and disseminate research through blog posts, openly accessible resources, and other products intended for a general readership.

Supervisory Responsibilities

May hire and supervise student workers

Expectations

It is the expectation that all LILE staff members will demonstrate exceptional workplace behaviors in the execution of their specific position responsibilities. These behaviors are customer focus, collaboration, creative problem solving, continuous learning and a commitment to diversity. In addition, managers and supervisors are expected to help develop a common vision by providing clear direction and priorities, clarifying roles and responsibilities, and promoting mutual understanding through effective communication. They are also expected to take the time to effectively plan and evaluate performance, provide feedback, recognition and coaching, and develop employees to achieve their personal and organizational goals.

Education

Work requires a bachelor's degree in a field related to the specific position. A Master’s degree and advanced knowledge of applied research generally acquired through completion of a graduate degree in a social sciences-related field is preferred.

Experience

Work requires two years of experience in research/data analysis or OR AN EQUIVALENT COMBINATION OF RELEVANT EDUCATION AND/OR EXPERIENCE related position. It is preferred that the candidate will have previously secured, or have helped to secure, external funding for research projects through the successful preparation and submission of grant proposals.

In addition to these credentials and expertise, a successful candidate will also be able to demonstrate various skills, knowledge, and mindsets associated with applied research, including but not limited to:

• Knowledge and experience in developing and implementing research processes, instrument development, and data collection, analysis, and reporting (e.g., Qualtrics). Familiarity with data management, analysis, and visualization tools (e.g., Tableau).
• Ability to collaborate effectively and understand and empathize with the perspectives, feelings, and experiences of others.
• Exceptional interpersonal and communication skills both orally and in multimodal writing and presentation. Experience with grant writing and writing for academic and public audiences.
• Flexible and agile, able to adjust to shifting priorities and embrace changes and uncertainties as opportunities for growth. Stay curious to explore new ideas, concepts, and approaches.

Working Conditions

LILE is a remote-first organization, meaning individuals may choose to work away from our campus office. There will be at least two times each year when everyone is required to attend in-person All-Hands meetings; employees are responsible for all expenses associated with travel to and from LILE’s Durham, NC, office. Possible evening and weekend work and occasional travel.

Candidates should submit a resume and cover letter. A writing sample will be required in a later round of the interview process.

Job Code: 00001297 RESEARCH ANALYST I
Job Level: 11

Duke is an Affirmative Action/Equal Opportunity Employer committed to providing employment opportunity without regard to an individual's age, color, disability, gender, gender expression, gender identity, genetic information, national origin, race, religion, sex, sexual orientation, or veteran status.

Duke aspires to create a community built on collaboration, innovation, creativity, and belonging. Our collective success depends on the robust exchange of ideas—an exchange that is best when the rich diversity of our perspectives, backgrounds, and experiences flourishes. To achieve this exchange, it is essential that all members of the community feel secureand welcome, that the contributions of all individuals are respected, and that all voices are heard. All members of our community have a responsibility to uphold these values.

Essential Physical Job Functions: Certain jobs at Duke University and Duke University Health System may include essential job functions that require specific physical and/or mental abilities. Additional information and provision for requests for reasonable accommodation will be provided by each hiring department.