Job Summary

The Institutional Data, Analytics + Assessment (IDA+A or IDATA) unit is currently seeking a person who will have the following opportunities:  a) support a variety of institutional research (IR) projects that utilize qualitative and mixed methods - from creation to maintenance- and b) institutionalize resources and support for conducting large-scale qualitative research projects that inform decision-makers across Purdue.  The immediate needs include project management and institutional research support, both of which focus on exploring phenomenon related to student and employee success through interviews and focus groups, and analysis of open-text response from survey questions.  The staff member needs to highly value collaboration, embody a commitment to excellence or integrity, and be dedicated to customer/client satisfaction.  This is a hybrid role - requiring the individual to come to campus to complete the roles and responsibilities associated with this position.

Responsibilities:

• Handle the planning, development, objectives or strategic alignment, and logistics of large-scale qualitative methods, which are meant to collect data on any type of Purdue constituent (students, faculty, staff, and others).  Ensure that methods allow for reliable interpretation of qualitative data.  Lead the process of cleaning, documenting, and ensuring proper storage of qualitative and related data on Purdue data warehousing solutions.  Analyze, interpret, and communicate the meaning of qualitative data to faculty, staff, and students across campus.  Ensure system-wide usage of insights gained about a number of phenomena related to faculty or student success, which were gained via either qualitative or mixed methods.
• Establish the Listening Laboratory at Purdue.  This Lab will serve to institutionalize qualitative methods and centralize the resources necessary for conducting large-scale qualitative or mixed methods.  With support from others, establish the governance structure of the Listening Lab.  Secure funding to employ an apprenticeship model of training- undergraduate and graduate students in conducting, analyzing, and reporting on large-scale qualitative methods.  Create the process by which decision-makers at Purdue can request the support of the Listening Lab.

What We're Looking For:

• Bachelor's degree in a social science field with an emphasis or minor in qualitative methods
• Five or more years of experience conducting qualitative methods in an educational setting
• Experience with implementing standards and best practices in qualitative methods
• Experience utilizing theory or frameworks to guide research methods
• Experience with recruitment to and the scheduling of interviews, focus groups, or observations with research participants, plus distributing incentives to participants when applicable (e.g., electronic gift cards)
• Experience with construction, managing, interacting with, and analyzing large sets of qualitative data
• Experience leading the creation of an environment in which qualitative methods are understood and respected for ongoing continuous improvement efforts (i.e., institutionalizing)
• Experience with qualitative analysis software (NVivo, AtlasTi, or similar)
• Experience writing reports regarding insights gained from a qualitative or mixed-method, for a variety of audiences
• Experience effectively communicating with a variety of diverse stakeholders through multiple channels
• Experience serving multiple educational units (colleges, schools, centers, offices, etc.) in garnering insights into phenomena related to student success during college and employee success with this organization
• Strong understanding of equity issues and approaches in the field of higher education
• Exceptional analytical and problem-solving skills
• Skill in managing, processing, and analyzing large sets of qualitative data
• Knowledge of the major methodological (theoretical) approaches to qualitative research
• Documented experience in educating colleagues about qualitative methods and, in particular the topics of validity, reliability and generalizability when it comes to making inferences from qualitative methods  
• Documented experience setting up and conducting all phases of a qualitative research endeavor or inquiry process (formulating research questions, sampling, validity, reliability, reporting, storage of data, ensuring confidentiality or anonymity, respecting human subjects, etc.)
• Ability to independently lead and deliver qualitative research projects
• Capable of formulating and implementing qualitative research methodologies and procedures
• Ability to make independent decisions regarding qualitative data quality, analysis, and interpretation
• Capability to independently manage timelines and deliverables

What Is Helpful:

• Master's or PhD in a social science field, with an emphasis or minor in qualitative methods
• Advanced proficiency in analysis software utilized for making inferences from qualitative data
• Ability to track laboratory supplies and expenses
• Previous experience institutionalizing qualitative data collection methods and analysis as a part of an institutional research unit in higher education
• Prior documented experiences in leading teams to accomplish projects
• Knowledge of qualitative data management, data integrity, data governance, and the ethics of human subject research

What We Want You To Know:

• A background check is required for employment in this position
• FLSA: Exempt (Not eligible for overtime)
• Retirement Eligibility: Defined Contribution Waiting Period
• Purdue University is an EOE/AA employer. All individuals, including minorities, women, individuals with disabilities, and veterans are encouraged to apply

What You'll Get In Return:

All university employees are afforded a generous benefits package, https://www.purdue.edu/hr/benewell/index.php, including medical/dental/vision insurance, paid time off, and retirement contributions. As part of Purdue University’s expansive employee benefit package, the University is proud to offer its employees the opportunity to grow, learn, and advance by offering a tuition remission opportunity at both Purdue University and Purdue Global.

Take Your Next Giant Leap

We never stop, we keep going, because Discovery is in our DNA, and we want you to discover a Career at Purdue University! Come work alongside a family of diverse culture with faculty, students, and staff who come together to become one, Boilermakers! Our greatest adventures are yet to come, and we want to include you.

Come take your Next Giant Leap and Discover your next career!