Senior Research Associate

Are you someone who strives for excellence, values accountability, provides the best service, all while reflecting unwavering integrity? Our talented team members across the state follow the behaviors, beliefs and outcomes of these core values to ensure that our vision is met. If you're ready to join the TSTC family and make great memories please complete our application process.

The employee will demonstrate TSTC's Core Values of Excellence, Accountability, Service, and Integrity with internal and external stakeholders, customers, students, and community members.

Research Design & Leadership

Independently design, implement, and lead applied research studies aligned to institutional priorities. Develop integrated research frameworks incorporating qualitative and quantitative methodologies. Identify emerging research needs in collaboration with executive leadership and conduct program evaluations to assess institutional initiatives and recommend improvements.

Data Collection & Analysis

Design and administer surveys, interview protocols, focus groups, and observational tools. Conduct site visits and stakeholder engagements. Perform advanced statistical and qualitative analyses to generate meaningful insights. Ensure data integrity and compliance with FERPA and institutional standards.

Strategic Communication

Translate research findings into executive-level reports, visualizations, dashboards, and presentations. Communicate complex findings clearly to non-technical audiences. Present research outcomes at institutional meetings and inform strategic planning efforts.

Collaboration & Stakeholder Engagement

Partner with departments to identify research priorities aligned with institutional goals. Serve as a research consultant to leadership on methodology, design, and interpretation. Foster a culture of data-informed decision-making across the college.

Additional Duties

Perform other tasks as required to support organizational goals and strategic initiatives. Other duties as assigned by the Director of Applied Research.

Minimum Qualifications

Master's degree (preferred) in Institutional Research, Higher Education, Social Sciences, or related field; OR equivalent combination of advanced education and demonstrated applied research expertise.

Minimum 3-5 years of progressive experience in applied research, institutional research, or program evaluation. Demonstrated ability to independently design and lead research initiatives from conception through completion. Proven experience conducting rigorous qualitative and quantitative research.

Preferred Qualifications

Experience in higher education research environments.
Experience with advanced data visualization platforms such as Power BI.
Experience with survey administration tools such as Qualtrics.
Experience presenting research findings to executive leadership teams.

Evidence-based experience may be considered in lieu of a degree.

Advanced knowledge of quantitative and qualitative research methodologies.
Proficiency in statistical software such as SPSS, R, Python, or SAS.
Strong data visualization and reporting capabilities.
Ability to synthesize complex data into actionable insights.
Strong written and verbal communication skills.
Ability to manage multiple concurrent research initiatives independently.
Strong understanding of research ethics, data privacy, and FERPA compliance.

Applied Research Expertise

Designs and executes sophisticated research aligned to institutional priorities.

Analytical Rigor & Insight Generation

Applies advanced analytical techniques to generate meaningful, decision-driving insights.

Strategic Communication

Effectively translates complex research findings into actionable recommendations for diverse audiences.

Institutional Impact & Continuous Improvement

Uses research to evaluate programs, improve effectiveness, and inform long-term strategy.

Collaboration & Influence

Builds cross-functional partnerships and promotes data-informed decision-making.

Professional Integrity & Compliance

Maintains strict adherence to ethical research practices, privacy regulations, and institutional standards.

This job description outlines the general responsibilities and expectations of the role. It is not intended to include every task or responsibility. Additional duties may be assigned by leadership as needed.

As a condition of employment and continued service in this position, which may involve access to sensitive institutional data, the employee must demonstrate the ability to maintain data security and integrity in accordance with institutional policies and applicable state and federal regulations. Employment in this role is contingent upon meeting these security-related qualifications and remaining in compliance throughout employment.

This position is classified as Full Time and exempt under the Fair Labor Standards Act (FLSA). It operates in a professional office and academic environment and may require collaboration across campuses. Work is primarily performed using standard office technology and data systems and may be performed with or without reasonable accommodation.

TSTC is an Equal Opportunity Employer and does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, national origin, sex, disability, age, religion, genetic information, or veteran status.

Equal Opportunity Employer

Texas State Technical College (TSTC), as an equal opportunity employer, complies with all applicable federal and state laws regarding nondiscrimination. TSTC is committed to a policy of equal opportunity for all persons and does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, national origin, age, marital status, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, gender expression, disability, religion, or veteran status in employment, educational programs and activities, and admissions.

Employment Eligibility Verification

If hired, you will be required to complete the federal Employment Eligibility Verification I-9 form. You will be required to present acceptable and original documents to prove your identity and authorization to work in the United States. Documents need to be presented no later than the third day of employment. Failure to do so will result in loss of employment at TSTC.

Background Checks

A criminal history background check will be required for the finalist(s) under consideration for this position.