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Position Summary
The Educational Policy Research Associate will work on several policy‑relevant research project concerning the educational outcomes and systems impacting LGBTQ+ youth and the adults who work with them. The research associate will work closely with Dr. Mollie McQuillan, Associate Professor in Educational Leadership and Policy Analysis at the UW-Madison School of Education. The research associate will advance mixed‑methods projects with a focus on ongoing quantitative analyses, support grant‑funded projects, contribute to manuscripts and translational policy briefs, and assist with other knowledge translation to practitioners and policymakers. The appointment is designed to build independent research capacity while directly supporting ongoing projects focused on educational policy protections, leadership approaches, school climate, disciplinary practices, and academics. The research associate will also participate in several research‑practice partnerships with school districts, community organizations, and state agencies, co‑producing usable evidence.
Key Responsibilities
Research and Analysis: Lead and contribute to quantitative and qualitative analyses, including data cleaning, advanced statistical modeling, and interpretation of complex longitudinal and administrative datasets.
Advanced Quantitative Work: Design and implement sophisticated quantitative approaches (e.g., multilevel models, causal inference, longitudinal modeling, propensity score methods).
Qualitative Methods Engagement: Collaborate on qualitative data collection and analysis; learn and apply qualitative methods as needed to strengthen mixed‑methods inference.
Novel Data Work: Access, work with, and create novel datasets, including linked administrative records and survey data; design and implement data management and documentation practices.
Translational Products: Produce translational research reports and practitioner‑facing materials that summarize findings, implications, and actionable recommendations for schools, districts, and policymakers.
Project Management: Coordinate project timelines, manage data workflows, and support IRB and data‑use agreements as needed.
Grant Support and Development: Contribute to grant proposals, budget justifications, and progress reports; identify funding opportunities.
Knowledge Translation and Outreach: Translate findings for practitioner audiences, support dissemination events, and collaborate with community partners and legal stakeholders when evidence is used in policy or litigation contexts.
Mentoring and Teaching: Mentor graduate students and research assistants.
Required Qualifications
PhD in Education Policy, Sociology of Education, Public Policy, Statistics, Economics, Biostatistics, Human Development, Psychology, or a closely related field (completed by start date).
Strong quantitative expertise with demonstrated experience in advanced statistical methods and programming (e.g., R, Stata). Experience with data management, secure data environments, and complex data linkage.
Proven ability to design and execute complex quantitative analyses using large administrative or survey datasets.
Willingness to learn about qualitative methods and to engage in mixed‑methods research; prior exposure to qualitative approaches is a plus but not required.
Demonstrated ability to work collaboratively.
Track record of scholarly writing (peer‑reviewed publications or manuscripts in preparation).
Strong communication skills for academic, policy, and practitioner audiences. Experience conducting policy‑relevant research used in legal or advocacy contexts is a plus but not required.
Appointment Details and Compensation
Appointment length: 12-month academic year contract, with the possibility of renewal contingent on funding and performance.
Start date: Flexible within the 2026–27 academic year.
Salary: Commensurate with experience
Benefits will be provided according to university policy.
Research‑Practice Opportunities: The research associate will have the opportunity to work directly in research‑practice partnerships with school districts, community organizations, and state agencies, and to access and create novel datasets for translational research.
Application Instructions
Please submit the following materials as a single PDF:
Cover letter describing research interests and fit with the projects.
Curriculum vitae.
Research statement (2 pages) outlining methodological expertise and planned contributions.
Writing sample (e.g., manuscript or policy brief).
Contact information for three references.
Submit applications to Dr. Mollie McQuillan through this form.
Review of applications will begin immediately and continue until the position is filled. Priority consideration will be given to applications received by May 20, 2026.
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