Research Assistant Opening

The Center for Social Organization of Schools,

Johns Hopkins University

Baltimore, MD

Starting Summer 2008

What is the Johns Hopkins University Center for Social Organization of Schools?

The Center for Social Organization of Schools is an academic department at Johns Hopkins.  It has a proud history that goes back to James Coleman and the team of researchers who produced the landmark Equality of Educational Opportunity report (1966).  The Center brings together cutting-edge research and development in education, with a focus on traditionally underserved students.  Current research projects address the high school dropout crisis, instructional strategies in Algebra 1 and adolescent literacy curricula, and high school organization.  The Center is also deeply involved in comprehensive school reform and continues to refine the curricula and technical assistance it offers through the Talent Development Middle Schools and Talent Development High Schools programs.

Job Responsibilities

The Research Assistant will work closely with Ph.D.-level research scientists on dynamic new initiatives to improve high school and college graduation rates for traditionally underserved youth.  Two major substantive areas of work will be:

  • Longitudinal studies at the district and state level that examine predictors of student success in high school and/or postsecondary education
  • Analyses of data from randomized control trials of college-preparatory coursework for underserved youth

Specific responsibilities include: conducting literature searches; managing and manipulating large, complex data sets; analyzing quantitative data from surveys and administrative records; preparing reports and memos; creating graphs and tables; supervising work-study students as needed.

Job Qualifications

  • At least a bachelor's degree in the social sciences, statistics, or education policy/leadership.  A master's degree or some graduate coursework preferred
  • Knowledge of statistical software and data base programs (SPSS/Stata/SAS and Excel)
  • Demonstrated ability to construct and manage large databases, clean and analyze data, and construct tables and figures
  • Strong writing skills
  • Excellent work attitude and work habits including reliability, excellent communication skills, and the ability to think and work independently.
  • Knowledge of GIS (mapping) software a plus

Apply online at (use job number 33704):

https://hrnt.jhu.edu/jhujobs/index.cfm?CFID=2066547&CFTOKEN=64814874