Title: Research Methodologist
Appointment: Academic Year (9-month), renewable term appointment Earliest appointment: September 1, 2014
Application: Review of applications begins May 1, 2014 and will continue until the position is filled

The Position: The Institute for Social Science Research (ISSR) at the University of Massachusetts Amherst is seeking applicants for qualified candidates to serve as our Research Methodologist. The primary job responsibilities are developing and leading programs to support methodological skills and tools for social scientists. The Research Methodologist is expected to conduct innovative social science research, provide direct research and methodological advising to other researchers at UMass-Amherst, offer periodic instructional workshops on topics of broad interest to social science researchers, and manage and supervise a small team of graduate research consultants. The Research Methodologist will also work closely with the ISSR Director and staff to help design new initiatives to advance the service and research mission of the Institute. The successful candidate will pursue her or his own research interests, actively pursue externally funded research opportunities, and collaborate on interdisciplinary research with others in the UMass research community.

Qualifications: Qualified applicants must have a doctoral degree in a social science discipline such as sociology, political science, economics, and psychology, or related fields like public policy or public health. The candidate must have a deep background in quantitative social science methods and analytical techniques; strong organizational, writing, and verbal communication skills; experience mentoring and instructing others in research methods; and a genuine interest in collaboration and in facilitating research projects by students and colleagues.

This is a non-tenure track position. The initial appointment will be for one year with possibility for renewal contingent on performance and success in procuring external funding.

Setting: ISSR is a new initiative at UMass, and the Research Methodologist will have the opportunity to help build the Institute and develop its programs. The mission of the Institute is to promote excellence in social science research. We approach that goal with a variety of programs that are designed to: 1) support the development of methodological skills and tools for social scientists, 2) advance the meaningful participation of social scientists in interdisciplinary collaboration, 3) assist in the development of proposals and administration of funded research projects, and 4) promote the visibility of cutting-edge social science research.
The University of Massachusetts Amherst is the flagship campus of the University of Massachusetts system and is part of the Five-College Consortium in the beautiful Pioneer Valley of Western Massachusetts, with excellent social, cultural, and recreational amenities. We are two hours from Boston and three hours from New York City.

To Apply: Applicants must apply online through Interview Exchange:
http://umass.interviewexchange.com/jobofferdetails.jsp?JOBID=48004.
Applications must
include: 1) cover letter describing interest in this position and funded research plans, 2) curriculum vitae, and 3) short writing sample, such as a published article or research grant proposal. In addition, three letters of recommendation from scholars familiar with your research and mentoring capabilities must be submitted via email or U.S. mail to Karen Mason (mason@issr.umass.edu), Attn: Research Methodologist Search, ISSR, W34A Machmer Hall, University of Massachusetts, 240 Hicks Way, Amherst, MA 01003-9278.
For further information on ISSR, visit our website:
www.umass.edu/issr. Please direct questions to Henry Renski (renski@issr.umass.edu).

The University provides an intellectual environment committed to providing academic excellence and diversity, including mentoring programs for faculty. The College and Institute are committed to increasing the diversity of the faculty, student body and curriculum. The University of Massachusetts Amherst is an Affirmative Action/Equal Opportunity Employer of women, minorities, protected veterans, and individuals with disabilities and encourages applications from these and other protected group members.

http://www.umass.edu/issr/news/issr-research-methodologist-position-announcement