Skip to main content

This job has expired

Senior Research Specialist I

Employer
Princeton University
Location
Nassau Hall

View more

Administrative Jobs
Academic Affairs, Research Staff & Technicians
Employment Type
Full Time
Institution Type
Four-Year Institution

Job Details

Overview

Job Description: Senior Research Specialist (ASR 010)

Princeton University’s Innovations for Successful Societies (ISS) research program invites outstanding candidates to apply for the position of senior research specialists for the period October 2019-October 2020.

 

About Innovations for Successful Societies

Innovations for Successful Societies (ISS) develops case studies of institutional and policy reform. Our case studies serve reformers in developing and fragile states, those who advise them, and scholars of international development.

Each year the program focuses on four public management problems that leaders encounter in building more effective, more accountable government. It develops case studies and massive open online courses in connection with this work. The research specialist may be responsible for tasks such as pre-trip investigation, interviews, case drafting or editing, or management of MOOC development. In this portion of the job, the successful candidate will report to the faculty director of the Innovations for Successful Societies program.

Please visit the ISS website at http://www.princeton.edu/successfulsocieties for examples of the program's work.

 

Responsibilities

About the Senior Research Specialist Position

The Senior Research Specialist will research and author case studies on topics of interest to the ISS audience, as defined by the program’s directors. We are particularly interested in people with knowledge of public finance and budgeting, project management, or frontline service delivery.  Work experience in Nigeria, India, Peru, Turkey, or Palestine is valuable.

Key responsibilities include:

  • Pre-trip background research relevant to the case
  • Building a network of key contacts for each case study
  • Planning and organization of overseas research trips
  • Conducting field interviews with key reformers and senior officials abroad
  • Write-up of case studies and quote clearance
  • Execute a university-wide survey to identify and define demand for Africa-related work on campus
  • Develop Integrated “Africa at Princeton” Website
  • Integrate existing opportunities across Princeton into programs for undergraduate students
  • Support faculty to identify areas of student and industry demand that are relevant to Africa, and support the development of courses to fill gaps
  • Organizing the Africa Summit conference and related events

The ideal candidate has relevant social science preparation or equivalent experience, a year or more of work experience in a low-income country, exceptional writing skills, poise in conducting interviews with senior officials (ministerial rank), and demonstrated capacity for teamwork. Each case study is produced on a 8 to 10 week timeline and typically goes through 6 drafts before publication on the program’s website; therefore, ability to work effectively with editors and to share writing with a group is essential.

We are particularly interested in people with some knowledge of public finance/budgeting, project management, or frontline service delivery.

The position is based at Princeton University, with periods of travel ranging from 2 to 4 weeks for a total of roughly 12 weeks overseas in the course of a year. Overseas travel is an essential part of the job.

This is a one-year, on-site, term position with no possibility of renewal.

Qualifications

Essential Skills

  • Ability to research, evaluate, and synthesize information efficiently;
  • Excellent interpersonal and interview skills;
  • Strong writing skills and flexibility to match the ISS writing style;
  • Capacity to manage time and work without extensive direction;
  • Ability to produce high-quality written work to tight deadlines;
  • Understanding of the challenges facing developing countries.

 

Experience and Qualifications

  • Knowledge of public finance/budgeting, project management, frontline service delivery, or other familiarity with public management is a definite plus.
  • Experience with research and/or work in developing countries is required;
  • Master’s or PhD in history, politics, economics, public policy, international development or a related field preferred, but very talented candidates with B.A.s are welcome to apply;

 

About the recruitment process

Short-listed applicants will be asked to complete a written exercise and to participate in interviews at Princeton University. We regret that we are only able to contact short-listed applicants.

 

Princeton University is an Equal Opportunity/Affirmative Action Employer and all qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to age, race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, national origin, disability status, protected veteran status, or any other characteristic protected by law. EEO IS THE LAW

 

Salary GradeASR, 010Standard Weekly Hours36.25Eligible for OvertimeNoBenefits EligibleYesEssential Services Personnel (see policy for detail)NoEstimated Appointment End Date10/1/2020Comments Related to End Date1-year term positionPhysical Capacity Exam RequiredNoValid Driver's License RequiredNo

Organization

Princeton entrance

Princeton University is a vibrant community of scholarship and learning that stands in the nation's service and the service of humanity. As a world-renowned research university, Princeton seeks to achieve the highest levels of distinction in the discovery and transmission of knowledge and understanding. At the same time, Princeton is distinctive among research universities in its commitment to undergraduate teaching.

Princeton University facultyOpportunity and Impact

At Princeton, every member of our community plays an important role in our mission of teaching and research. That mission provides every faculty and staff member with the opportunity to make an impact bigger than oneself. Learn about working at Princeton and meet some of our wonderful employees.

 

Services and Resources

When you make a commitment to our teaching and research mission, you will have access to the University’s world-renowned resources to help you succeed at work and in life. Discover the exceptional benefits and unique opportunities we offer as part of our commitment to you.

Work-Life Integration

Life is complicated. At Princeton, we recognize that and are sensitive and responsive to the challenges our employees face. The University offers a broad array of benefits and services that help our staff in a variety of ways.

Explore Our Job OpeningsPrinceton students and prof

Whether you’re already part of our community or just getting to know us for the first time, we invite you to imagine the meaningful difference you can make while working at Princeton. For faculty member and academic professional opportunities, visit the Dean of the Faculty website. For staff member job openings and to join our Talent Network, visit our Careers website.

Connect With Us
LinkedIn
Instagram
Facebook
Snapchat
YouTube

Get job alerts

Create a job alert and receive personalized job recommendations straight to your inbox.

Create alert