ACT Job Announcement

ACT is looking to recruit a recent PhD grad with deep knowledge of the personality literature for our work on behavioral predictors of academic and workforce performance and persistence. Feel free to share this with anyone who might be interested.

Position title: Research Associate                                        
Department: Career Transitions Research                           
EEOC Class: 2
Area: Research
Reports to: Director or Principal Research Associate or Senior Research Associate     
FLSA Status: Exempt
Date Written: 9/30/98
Revised: 6/14/01; 9/1/02, 8/2503; 8/8/05; 9/1/10; 12/13/10; 10/29/12

General summary:Under the direction of senior staff, conduct research for ACT?s career transition programs and services.  Requires well-developed skills and experience in applied research, as well as a clear understanding of the principles of applied psychology (e.g., personality, industrial/organizational, educational, and/or counseling psychology).  This position requires general knowledge and experience in the areas of personality and behavior, and well-developed oral and written communication skills.

Essential job functions:
Under the direction of senior staff:
1.      Assist with the design, analysis, interpretation, and reporting of research in support of department objectives and ACT?s mission.
2.      Assist with consultation for clients regarding a variety of applied psychology issues, such as personnel selection, identification of student risk, etc.
3.      Coordinate and facilitate focus group meetings.
4.      Complete literature reviews to maintain up-to-date knowledge in relevant areas.
5.      Participate in a program of research, publication, and presentations at professional conferences on issues affecting ACT?s business.
6.      Assist with the review and development of behavioral and personality assessments including item writing and data collection.
7.      Assist with the development of support materials.
8.      Assist with assessment validation research.
9.      Assist with the development of behavioral training program materials and with the evaluation of such materials.
10.  Provide technical support for internal staff and clients.
11.  Communicate effectively with ACT staff and clients through strong, organized writing and verbal skills.
12.  Maintain quality and security control on all projects.
13.  Exercise discretion and independent judgment in making work-related decisions.
14.  Maintain a high level of confidentiality regarding corporate information.
15.  Maintain regular and predictable attendance.

Knowledge, skills, and abilities:
Demonstrated competence in:
1.      Collecting and analyzing research data.
2.      Proficiency with computer and social science statistical software, including Word, Excel, Powerpoint, and SAS/SPSS.
3.      Effectively managing and prioritizing work to meet multiple deadlines.
4.      Determining logical solutions to complicated problems.
5.      Superior ability to interpret technical materials.
6.      Familiarity with statistical concepts.
7.      Knowledge of the personality and behavioral literatures whether from an industrial/organizational or educational perspectives
8.      Setting specific goals and priorities.
9.      Ability to function independently and as part of a team in a professional work environment.
10.  Communicating with coworkers and external customers through strong, organized writing and verbal skills.
11.  Maintaining a high level of confidentiality regarding corporate information.
12.  Managing stress effectively.

Supportive job functions: *
1.      Assist in developing goals, objectives, and strategic plans.
2.      Participate in the preparation of contract/grant proposals.

* These tasks do not meet the Americans with Disabilities Act definition of essential job functions and usually equal 5% or less of time spent.  However, these tasks still constitute important performance aspects of the job.

Education and experience:
1.      Doctorate degree in related content area, ABD, or Master?s degree with several years of applied experience.
2.      Experience in applied research.

Working conditions:The working conditions for this position typically require an individual to work inside the majority of the day.  This position includes mainly sedentary work and exerting up to 10 pounds of force occasionally.  This position requires an individual to work independently as well as maintain strong interpersonal working relationships.  This position also requires continuous alertness and concentrated mental and visual attention throughout the workday.  This position may require up to fifteen (15) days of travel per year for professional development and new business development.

If you are interested in learning more about this position, please contact Dr. Alex Casillas at alex.casillas@act.org or at 319.337.1211.

Note: The statements herein are intended to describe the general nature and level of work being performed by employees, and are not to be construed as an exhaustive list of responsibilities, duties and skills required of personnel so classified.  Furthermore, they do not establish a contract for employment and are subject to change at the discretion of the employer.