Research Director: Social Sciences

Research Director: Social Sciences

New York Law School (NYLS), located in the heart of Tribeca, seeks an experienced and highly motivated Research Director to manage an extensive empirical study that will provide unique insights into the effectiveness of convergent teaching in American law schools. The project builds on a significant pilot study that examined how law school faculty create linkages between their subject matter and students’ existing knowledge, experiences, and values.

This study aims to achieve important insights for teaching, faculty recruitment, and development to help students from a diverse range of backgrounds succeed in law school, pass the bar examination, and achieve successful legal careers. This study will also lead to the establishment of an innovative, multidisciplinary Center to disseminate and assist in implementing the study findings nationally.

The successful candidate will manage all aspects of the research process, from conceptualization and design through to data collection, analysis, and writing of findings for dissemination. This position will report to the Principal Investigator.

This is a fixed-term position offering an exciting opportunity to shape impactful social science research in a collaborative environment.

Responsibilities:

• Leadership & Project Management

In partnership with the Principal Investigator and research team, work to:

• • Lead the planning and execution of the research project
  • Lead the recruitment process for a team of research assistants
  • Conduct onsite qualitative research at various law schools and coordinate team’s onsite activities
  • Ensure that the project adheres to ethical standards and regulatory requirements
• Research Design & Implementation

In partnership with the Principal Investigator and research team, work to:

• • Finalize existing preliminary drafts of research instruments (e.g., surveys, interview protocols, focus group guides)
  • Manage and coordinate data collection efforts, including fieldwork, surveys, interviews, and/or archival research
• Data Analysis & Interpretation
  • Participate in the analysis of research findings
  • Monitor data collection productivity and quality through development of basic quantitative reports and ad hoc analyses, including summary tables, graphs, and text
  • Provide guidance on advanced statistical techniques, qualitative coding methods, or mixed-methods approaches
  • Ensure the accuracy, integrity, and reliability of data and research outcomes
• Dissemination & Publication
  • Assist with writing and submission of research reports, academic papers, and policy briefs for dissemination

Education, Experience, and Requirements

• Education
  • Ph.D., Ed.D., or equivalent in Social Sciences (e.g., Education, Sociology, Psychology, etc.) or a related field
  • Preference is given to candidates who earned a J.D. degree or completed significant course study at an accredited law school
• Experience
  • Strong qualitative research experience
  • Minimum 4 years of experience in social science research, including at least 2 years in a leadership or managerial role
  • Proven track record of successful research project management, including team leadership and interviewer training
  • Experience with academic publications and presenting research to diverse audiences
• Skills & Competencies
  • Strong understanding of research design, data collection methods, and analysis tools
  • Excellent written and verbal communication skills, with the demonstrated ability to write for both academic and non-academic audiences
  • Strong organizational and time management skills, with the ability to manage multiple tasks and meet deadlines
• Preferred Qualifications
  • Experience working with diverse and/or historically marginalized populations
  • Candidates from non-traditional backgrounds are encouraged to apply

Location: New York City. Remote within the U.S. is also considered; travel is required. Qualified applicants must be eligible to work in the U.S. We regret that we are unable to offer visa sponsorship for this position.

Compensation:

This position is a 22-month, part-time (24 hr. work week) grant-funded project. The salary for this position will be $60,000 plus certain benefits.

How to Apply:

Please submit a cover letter along with your salary requirements and your résumé to jobs@nyls.edu, Attention: Kitty Montanez, Associate Director of Human Resources.

About New York Law School

Founded in 1891, New York Law School (NYLS) is an independent law school located in Tribeca, the heart of New York City’s legal, government, financial, and emerging tech centers. Known as “New York’s law school,” NYLS embraces the city as its classroom by complementing a rigorous legal education with an innovative and diverse set of “uniquely New York” experiential learning opportunities. Since opening its doors, NYLS has produced graduates who have gone on to hold high elected and appointed office in the city, lead large and small firms, and gain broad recognition as captains of business and industry. Its renowned faculty of prolific scholars has built the School’s strength in key areas of the law, including business and financial services, intellectual property and privacy, and government and public interest law. NYLS has more than 18,000 graduates and currently enrolls around 1,100 students in its full-time and part-time J.D. programs. The School also offers an advanced degree program in Tax Law.

New York Law School is an Equal Opportunity Employer

All qualified candidates will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, gender expression, national or ethnic origin, age, disability, or veteran status, or any other characteristic protected by law.