How to Become a Research Associate in San Diego

SAN DIEGO COMMUNITY COLLEGE DISTRICT EMPLOYMENT OPPORTUNITY Research Associate THE POSITION Applications are now being accepted to establish a current six-month eligibility list for the classification of Research Associate. A vacancy currently exists at the District Office. Please note that an employee may be transferred to any site at the option of the Chancellor. MAJOR RESPONSIBILITIES Under the direction of the Director of Institutional Research and/or Chief Researcher, the Research Associate provides high level technical and analytical support to assist in productivity, accuracy and level of documentation of the District-wide Research function. Prepares, formats, and cleans research data in support of specific projects; conducts tasks as assigned to help produce studies; assists in analysis; prepare layout and format reports consistent with project specifications and stakeholder needs. QUALIFICATIONS Major factors to be evaluated for this classification will include knowledge of: - Applicable sections of State Education Codes. - Basic principles of project and research planning and design, data collection, analysis, report preparation and presentation of results. - Basic principles of statistical analysis. - Basic principles of survey design and techniques. - Basic techniques of project management. - Basics of salient issues and current methodologies in post-secondary educational research including student transfer, matriculation, accreditation, and institutional research. - Basics of research design, including literature review and synthesis, and comprehensive report preparation with respect to purpose, method, analysis, results, and recommendation. - Computer data management and analysis applications. - Computer operation and software and statistical packages related to research and analysis including SPSS and SAS - Correct English usage and strong report writing and presentation. - District-wide organization, operations, policies, goals and objectives. - General principles of budgeting and accounting. - Intermediate research techniques and methodologies, including both quantitative and qualitative research methods. - Principles of classroom based research methods particularly student learning outcomes. - State and legislative mandated reporting requirements as applicable. A successful candidate must successfully demonstrate the skill and ability to: - Analyze situations and adopt an effective course of action.

- Basic design and administration of questionnaires and research instruments. - Communicate effectively both orally and in writing. - Conduct background and literature reviews. - Detail orientated. - Develop, evaluate, and effectively present alternative recommendations. - Effective oral presentation and written communications. - Establish and maintain effective working relationships with others. - Evaluate and make recommendations in operations, systems, procedures, policies, and methods. - Help initiate research studies and reports including the design, collection, organization, analysis, coordination and development of research. - Intermediate skill in Microsoft Access and Excel, and various web applications. - Interpret and explain laws, rules, and policies/procedures and make appropriate recommendations. - Meet schedules and timeliness. - Perform statistical and qualitative analyses. - Prepare written analysis, recommendations, and complex reports. - Proficient in the use of complex software programs designed to import, manipulate and organize large databases (e.g., SPSS, SAS). - Reason logically and creatively. - Research and analyze data and information. - Use computer applications for on-line background and literature review search. - Work confidentially with discretion. MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS A typical way for applicants to meet the qualifications would be equivalent to the following: any combination of training and experience equivalent to: graduation from an accredited college or university with an emphasis on research, education, social science or management, and one year of professional level experience coordinating the research, study and analysis of management, budget, administrative, organizational, functional or procedural problems. B.A. Degree with experience in post-secondary institutions preferred. If your application indicates that you possess a college degree, you will be asked to submit official transcripts if you are selected for this position (even if a degree is not a requirement for this position). LICENSE Valid California driver's license, which is verified by Human Resources at the time of appointment and must be maintained throughout employment MONTHLY SALARY Range 28, $3393- $5404, Office Technical Unit. Effective January 1, 2008, all new employees will begin on Step C $3741. For a 100% assignment, the District pays the employee's share of PERS (Public Employees' Retirement System), which is equivalent to an additional 7% of the

monthly salary, and excellent benefits are provided to the employee and also to all eligible dependents. This position is non-exempt (may accrue overtime). HOW TO APPLY At this time, you may complete applications online (http://employment.sdccd.edu), however, they must still be printed and submitted with the items listed below via mail or in person. 1. District Application for Classified Employment 2. Supplemental Application Research Associate 3. Current Résumé 4. Confidential Conviction Questionnaire 5. **Affirmative Action Information (voluntary) Submit to San Diego Community College District, 3375 Camino del Rio South, Suite 330, San Diego, CA 92108-3883, no later than 4:30 p.m. on the FILING DEADLINE WEDNESDAY, JANUARY 7, 2009. ** If applying online you will respond to the information requested on this form as part of the online application process & you will not need to print or submit this form with your application packet (if you are not completing an application online, you must submit this form with your application packet). SELECTION PROCESS All complete applications received in Human Resources by the filing deadline will be reviewed by a committee appointed for this purpose. Only those applicants showing the best combination of knowledge, skills, and abilities will be invited to participate in the next phase of the selection process. Please note that correspondence may be sent to you via e-mail. U.S. mail will be used if no e-mail address is included on your application form. Job Code J1905 THE DISTRICT - The San Diego Community College District serves the educational needs of approximately 100,000 students; employs over 4,500 full and part-time faculty and staff; maintains control of an annual budget which exceeds $300 million; and is among the largest community college districts in the nation and second largest in California. APPLICATIONS - The Human Resources Employment Office is located in Mission Valley at 3375 Camino del Rio So., Room 330, and is open from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. weekdays. Applications may be obtained at that location. NOTE: Please notify the Employment office and Payroll Department (if currently an employee) of any address changes. Postmarks are not acceptable.

Applicants wishing to apply for more than one position must submit materials for each position. The District does not return materials submitted in application for a position. (Copies of original documents are acceptable.) Applications are kept in our active files for the eligibility period. A Committee will screen all applications received by the filing deadline. All initial interviews will be conducted after the date of the filing deadline. Meeting the minimum qualifications for a position does not assure the applicant an interview. It is, therefore, important that the application be thorough, detailed, and clear. Current District employees who are applying for a position should be aware that materials from their personnel file (this includes address changes) will not be included as a part of the application packet, and they should, therefore, provide information on past and present employment in the same degree of detail as any other applicant. Applicants who are eliminated from final consideration during the initial selection process will be notified. Applicants will be notified of interview by e-mail or letter. MEDICAL EXAMINATION - Each candidate for appointment will be required to pass a medical screening, which may include the requirement for a medical examination at the candidate's expense. TUBERCULOSIS EXAMINATION All new SDCCD employees must provide a Certificate of Tuberculosis Exam for initial appointment, and must renew the certificate every 4 years as a condition of continuing employment. EMPLOYEE BENEFITS - The District provides a comprehensive program of benefits for its full-time classified employees. The program includes group long-term disability and life insurance, dental and vision insurance, paid sick leave, and a professional development plan. The District also contributes toward the cost of the premium (including dependent coverage) for the health insurance plan options. Contract employees become members of the Public Employees Retirement System (PERS) upon appointment. SAN DIEGO COMMUNITY COLLEGE DISTRICT 3375 Camino del Rio South San Diego, CA 92108-3883 619-388-6500 JOB TAPE RECORDING (619) 388-6580 WEB SITE http://employment.sdccd.edu