Contribute to the work of COSI’s Center for Research and Evaluation by supporting the development, management, and delivery of high-quality research, evaluation, and consulting projects with external clients and internal stakeholders at COSI. Support the dissemination of evidence-based insights about informal learning and visitor studies across a variety of academic fields and to professional and lay audiences. Support the financial sustainability of COSI’s Center for Research and Evaluation by cultivating positive client relationships and contributing to business development.

POSITION REQUIREMENTS / EDUCATION & EXPERIENCE: 

• Working knowledge of theory and practice of applied social science, particularly in informal/non-formal learning environments, including (but not limited to) program and/or exhibit development.
• Proficiency in a social science based methodology, including qualitative and/or quantitative analysis methods. Familiarity with software used for data analysis, such as SPSS and NVivo or other qualitative or quantitative analysis tools.
• Experience with the implementation needs of research/evaluation studies, including research design, following and training others on systematic data collection protocols, and data analysis.
• Ability to contribute as a team member on research/evaluation projects, including managing collaborative workflows, as appropriate to project roles.
• Demonstrated ability to manage project resources, including budgets.
• Strong writing skills, and a demonstrated ability to communicate research strategies, protocols, and findings to both academic and lay audiences. 
• Strong interpersonal skills, including the ability to communicate clearly, respectfully, and effectively with project stakeholders and the ability to approach and interact with public audiences.
• Demonstrated ability to work independently, meet deadlines, and work on multiple projects in a fast-paced, team-based context.
• Ability to travel to project locations and/or work remotely as appropriate to project needs and institutional policies.
• Regular availability during COSI’s standard business hours (Eastern time) required, although mutually agreeable remote working structures will be considered.
• Experience in grant or proposal development and client services preferred.
• Advanced degree or equivalent demonstrated experience in the social sciences, education and extension, museum studies, arts policy and administration, or a related field required.

ACCOUNTABILITIES/ESSENTIAL JOB FUNCTIONS include, but are not limited to:

• Participate as a contributing member of research and evaluation project teams for external clients and internal stakeholders, as assigned, including:
• Stewarding project resources in collaboration with other personnel and in alignment with guidance from the Project Director(s), as appropriate to team roles;
• Collecting data using a variety of protocols, methods, and technologies
• Contributing to writing data collection protocols; train and supervise others in data collection;
• Developing and managing systems for data entry, storage, and analysis; train and monitor others in data management as appropriate to project roles;
• Analyzing data using quantitative and qualitative methods;
• Writing evaluation/research reports, data summaries;
• Conducting literature searches and reviews using academic reference database;
• Following policies and procedures regarding data and report storage and use;
• Contributing to other project tasks, including instrument development, study design, and dissemination, as assigned by project directors.
• Contribute to the development of CRE’s business relationships, project concepts, and intellectual capital. Direct projects as agreed upon by the CRE team.
• Contribute to the administrative needs of CRE as agreed upon by the CRE team.
• As appropriate to resource allocation and team priorities, contribute to the development of cross-project intellectual capital within the Center for Research and Evaluation, COSI, and the field at large:
• Participate in the development and implementation of training and other professional learning opportunities for the larger field and for COSI staff;
• Share relevant project findings, challenges, or insights with CRE and other COSI colleagues, as appropriate;
• Present timely findings, methods, and relevant issues to COSI leadership and to the larger field at conferences and symposia;
• Contribute to articles and papers in peer-reviewed journals and other trade publications and media.
• Support general COSI operations through participation in meetings as appropriate.
• Serve as an example to other COSI Team Members and Volunteers in matters of appearance, attitude, and performance in a manner best serving COSI paid and Volunteer Team Members and Guests.
• In accordance with COSI's Guest Services Strategy, and as opportunities present themselves, provide excellence in Guest Services by assuring Guest safety, using courtesy to drive each Guest interaction, by delivering the COSI show, and by keeping operations efficient.
• Perform other duties as agreed upon by the CRE team.