ASSISTANT DIRECTOR, RESEARCH SCIENTIST, Antiracist Tech Initiative, ATI

Tracking Code3240 Job Description

The mission of the Boston University Center for Antiracist Research is to convene varied researchers and practitioners to figure out novel and practical ways to understand, explain, and solve seemingly intractable problems of racial inequity and injustice. We foster exhaustive racial research, research-based policy innovation, data-driven educational and advocacy campaigns, and narrative-change initiatives. We are working toward building an antiracist society that ensures equity and justice for all.

The BU Center for Antiracist Research founded in 2020 by Dr. Ibram Kendi the Center is rapidly growing and looking for passionate individuals to join their dedicated research teams and initiatives.

This Assistant Director is broadly responsible for leading the development of the Antiracist Tech Initiative (ATI), and will work closely with the Associate Director (AD) for ATI to build research infrastructure for studying antiracism across the entire ecosystem of the technology industry (from schools to firms to communities), manage partnerships with research sites and data donors, design research, and disseminate findings to both academics, policymakers, practitioners, and the broader public through advocacy, journalism, marketing, events, and social media. Although research projects will vary, the majority of the team’s work will involve conducting applied data-driven social science research that leverages novel big data and field experiments. ATI’s aim is to conduct scientific evaluations to find out what works for addressing racial inequity in tech and help bring solutions to scale. This position reports to the AD for ATI.

Responsibilities:

Manage relationships with partners providing data to ATI throughout the entire data sharing and research process. Partners may include companies, non-profits, government agencies, practitioners, and policymakers. Work closely with CENTER leadership, ATI Associate Director, data scientists, and research teams to design and implement rigorous research designs—including but not limited to randomized control trials, survey experiments, behavioral interventions, qualitative interviews, and econometric analyses—and prepare manuscripts for academic and non-academic publication. Work with ATI Associate Director to develop protocol and procedures for safe and secure data transfer as well as for provisioning data access to various research teams. Develop and implement policies, processes, and systems to optimize operational efficiency, and manage current and future organizational structure. Other duties as assigned.

Requirements:

Demonstrated experience managing client relationships, managing projects independently, meeting project timelines, and communicating with internal and external stakeholders in a productive and timely manner. Oversee the work of other full-time and part-time research staff and assistants.

Deep understanding of conducting applied data driven social science research, preparing manuscripts for publication, designing field experiments, and conducting research. Self-motivated and experience working collaboratively to build consensus in a dynamic and fast-paced environment.

Education & Training:

PhD in quantitative social science, sociology, social psychology, economics, statistics, public policy, political science, or a related field and/or an equivalent combination of experience/training.

Experience working with field experiments, large datasets, and computational social science research methods is preferred.

This position is for a two year appointment term, with the possibility of renewal, contingent upon funding. This position is eligible for Boston University's generous benefits package including health, dental, life insurance, tuition remission, paid time off, and so much more

We are an equal opportunity employer and all qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability status, protected veteran status, or any other characteristic protected by law. We are a VEVRAA Federal Contractor.

Job Location BOSTON, Massachusetts, United StatesPosition TypeFull-Time/Regular