Senior Research Associate (Research Practice Partnerships)

Position Details

Position Information

• Recruitment Posting Title: Senior Research Associate, Research Practice Partnerships
• Posting Number: 26TM0093
• Department: Cornwall Center, Metro Studies

Overview Since it was established in 2000, the Joseph C. Cornwall Center for Metropolitan Studies has been a signature component of Rutgers University-Newarks commitment to be an anchor institution for the metropolitan area. Cornwalls specific role is bringing the campuss intellectual talent and other resources to bear on the challenges of revitalizing Newark and similar communities in the region and state.

To this end, the Center sponsors research projects, publications, conferences, symposia, seminars, workshops, public forums, and incubates projects translating research into effective practice. In all its work, Cornwall is especially concerned with supporting the most vulnerable urban populations.

Posting Summary Rutgers University-Newark (RU-N), an urban public research university and anchor institution located in Newark, New Jersey, a city of promise, is seeking a Senior Research Associate. The Joseph C. Cornwall Center for Metropolitan Studies, Rutgers University-Newark, seeks to hire a Senior Research Associate, Research Practice Partnership Focused.

The Joseph C. Cornwall Center for Metropolitan Studies uses basic and applied research to support the revitalization of New Jerseys urban areas. Reporting to the Associate Director of the Cornwall Center, the Associate will have a dual role - leading mixed-methods research and evaluation studies and leading efforts for mutual learning among researchers, practitioners, advocates, community organizers, and policymakers.

The associate will conduct research in the context of research practice partnerships, learning hubs, and coalitions, and will play a lead role in coordinating efforts for collective learning. Through this work, the Associate will advance the Center and the Universitys goal to produce socially impactful research and be an effective partner and anchor institution.

This position is responsible for, and not limited to, the following:

• Conduct research, often in partnership with stakeholder groups, of education and urban quality of life issues.
• Produce peer-reviewed publications and public reports.
• Lead the coordination of statewide and local research and practice learning hubs.
• Organize conferences, workshops, public forums, outreach activities, and virtual events.
• Regularly present research to various audiences.
• Assist with maintaining the Centers website to support research visibility and access.
• Assist with securing funding for research and outreach activities.
• Work as a publicly engaged scholar comfortable with mixed methods and capable of designing and leading qualitative projects and contributing to quantitative projects.

FLSA: Exempt

Salary Details $75,000 - $90,000

Offer Information The final salary offer may be determined by several factors, including but not limited to the candidates qualifications, experience, and expertise, and availability of department or grant funds to support the position. We also take into consideration market benchmarks, if and when appropriate, and internal equity to ensure fair compensation relative to the universitys broader compensation structure. We are committed to offering competitive and flexible compensation packages to attract and retain top talent.

Benefits Rutgers provides a comprehensive benefits package to eligible employees. The specific benefits vary based on the position and may include:

• Medical, prescription drug, and dental coverage
• Paid vacation, holidays, and various leave programs
• Competitive retirement benefits, including defined contribution plans and voluntary tax-deferred savings options
• Employee and dependent educational benefits when applicable
• Life insurance coverage
• Employee discount programs

Position Status: Full Time

Working Hours: 40

Daily Work Shift: Day

Work Arrangement Consistent with the current application of Rutgers Policy 60.3.22, this position may be eligible for a hybrid work arrangement. The flexible work arrangements outlined in Rutgers Policy 60.3.22 are part of a pilot program that is effective September 1, 2022, through August 31, 2024. Therefore, there is no guarantee that this flexible work arrangement will continue beyond that date.

Flexible work arrangements are not permanent, are subject to change or cancellation, and contingent on the employee receiving approval in the FlexWorkRU Application System. Additional information may be found at https://futureofwork.rutgers.edu.

Payroll Designation: PeopleSoft

Terms of Appointment Temporary Staff Appointment - Salaried (12 Month)

Qualifications

Minimum Education and Experience

• A masters degree in a related social science field.
• A minimum of three years of related experience is acceptable.
• Excellent communication skills and computer literacy.

Certifications/Licenses: Required

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities

• Masters degree with at least three years of applied experience and effectiveness.
• Position requires a person with excellent organizational talents, interpersonal skills, and demonstrated ability to work with diverse interests in a spirit of mutual cooperation.
• Strong written and oral communication skills are essential.
• Both local and in-state travel may be required.

Preferred Qualifications

• Doctorate degree in urban and regional planning, urban studies, criminal justice, public administration, education/educational leadership, social work, sociology, public policy, or related discipline from an accredited graduate degree program.
• At least three years of continuous responsible experience working effectively with neighborhood, civic, faith-based, cultural, public, business, and/or nonprofit organizations, or three years teaching in an urban or low-income environment.
• Ability to attend meetings across metropolitan Newark, some of which will be evening or weekend.
• Familiarity with desktop publishing software and data visualization tools.
• Familiarity with continuous improvement research and community-based participatory research.
• Community organizing background.
• Familiarity with Freedom Schools.
• Website design or maintenance.
• Familiarity with language commonly spoken in Newark other than English.
• A good grasp of public policy issues related to human welfare in New Jerseys cities and metropolitan areas.
• Substantive experience desirable in one or more policy areas such as housing, neighborhood revitalization, education, economic development, planning, public administration, harm reduction, decarceration, employment, or social welfare.
• Proficiency in MS Word, MS PowerPoint, MS Excel, and R, R Studio, or STATA.
• Must be able to travel to local schools.
• Comfortable operating in a very complex world that interfaces between the districts social services agencies, faith-based organizations, and older adult advocacy and volunteer programs and organizations in New Jersey.
• High level of interpersonal skill and knowledge of the basic interests and goals of all entities.

Equipment Utilized: (Not specified)

Physical Demands and Work Environment: (Not specified)

Special Conditions: (Not specified)

Posting Details

• Posting Open Date: 03/17/2026
• Posting Close Date: 06/15/2026
• Open Until Filled: No

Special Instructions to Applicants: (Not specified)

Regional Campus: Rutgers University-Newark

Home Location Campus: Rutgers University-Newark

City: Newark

State: NJ

Location Details: (Not specified)

Pre-employment Screenings All offers of employment are contingent upon successful completion of all pre-employment screenings.

Immunization Requirements Under Policy 100.3.1, Immunization Policy for Covered Individuals, if employment will commence during Flu Season, Rutgers University may require certain prospective employees to provide proof that they are vaccinated against Seasonal Influenza for the current Flu Season unless the University has granted the individual a medical or religious exemption. Additional infection control and safety policies may apply. Prospective employees should speak with their hiring manager to determine which policies apply to the role or position for which they are applying. Failure to provide proof of vaccination for any required vaccines or obtain a medical or religious exemption from the University will result in rescission of a candidates offer of employment or disciplinary action up to and including termination.

Equal Employment Opportunity Statement It is university policy to provide equal employment opportunity to all its employees and applicants for employment regardless of their race, creed, color, national origin, age, ancestry, nationality, marital or domestic partnership or civil union status, sex, pregnancy, gender identity or expression, disability status, liability for military service, protected veteran status, affectional or sexual orientation, atypical cellular or blood trait, genetic information, including the refusal to submit to genetic testing, or any other category protected by law. As an institution, we encourage all qualified applicants to apply. For additional information, please see the Non-Discrimination Statement at the following web address: http://uhr.rutgers.edu/non-discrimination-statement

Posting Specific QuestionsRequired fields are indicated with an asterisk.

1. What is the highest level of education you have completed?
   • High School Diploma/GED
   • Associates Degree
   • Bachelors Degree
   • Masters Degree
   • Ph.D.
   • <
   • Do you have at least three to five years of relevant professional experience in an administrative and/or supervisory function, excellent communication skills, and computer literacy?
     • Yes
     • No
     • <
     • Have you been in your current position for 6 months?
       • Yes
       • No
       • <

         Applicant Documents

         • Required Documents:
         • Resume/CV
         • Cover Letter/Letter of Application
         • List of Professional References (contact Info)
         • Optional Documents: (Not specified)