Senior Researcher Jobs in Oregon

Position Details

Proposed Start Date 07/16/2026

Rank K1 - Senior research Asst I

Working Title RRI Senior Research Assistant I

Position Number D91621

Representation AU - AAUP

Faculty Type Fixed Term Research/Grant

Fixed Term End Date: 06/01/2028

Position FTE Variable between .50 and 1.0 FTE, starting at 1.0 FTE

Term of Service 12 month

Position Summary

Brief Description of PSU/School/Dept

Portland State University is Oregon’s most affordable public research university, located in the heart of one of America’s most dynamic cities. Our mission to “let knowledge serve the city” reflects our dedication to turning ideas into action — in Portland and around the world. The city is our campus, giving students unmatched access to career connections, a vibrant cultural scene and hands-on learning experiences with hundreds of community partners. More than 22,000 students from all backgrounds bring diverse perspectives to our classrooms and campus life, from the tree-lined Park Blocks to the bustling Urban Plaza and state-of-the-art science labs. We are proud of our world-class faculty, groundbreaking research and international reputation for excellence in sustainability, community engagement and innovation.

The Senior Research Assistant I will support multiple grant-funded research and evaluation projects at PSU’s Regional Research Institute for Human Services and Institute on Aging.

Tasks include coordinating research activities; communicating with community and interdisciplinary collaborators; basic qualitative or statistical analysis; creating and maintaining databases and data dashboards; coordinating the collection, processing, and reporting of data; and assisting in judging the validity of data.

Primary Activity R - Research

Minimum Qualifications

- Bachelor’s degree in Social Work
- Demonstrated ability to perform focused research or evaluation tasks
- 2 or more years conducting research at .50 FTE or above
- At least 1 year of experience collecting, analyzing, and reporting program evaluation data
- At least 1 year of experience with SPSS Statistics, Microsoft Excel, Qualtrics research software, and ASANA project management software
- Ability to create data dashboards
- Familiarity with the following evidence-based practices: IPS+, PEARLS, Zero Suicide & Trauma Informed Care
- Ability to occasionally travel and work remote from campus

Preferred Qualifications

- Master’s Degree in Social Work
- Experience evaluating the above evidence-based practices

Key Cultural Competencies

- Creates an environment that acknowledges, encourages and celebrates differences.
- Functions and communicates effectively and respectfully within the context of varying beliefs, behaviors, orientations, identities and cultural backgrounds.
- Seeks opportunities to gain experience working and collaborating in diverse, multicultural, and inclusive settings with a willingness to change for continual improvement
- Adheres to all PSU’s policies including the policies on Prohibited Discrimination & Harassment and the Professional Standards of Conduct.

Environmental Stewardship

Contributes to a culture of environmental stewardship, practices resource conservation, and actively works toward achieving long-term sustainability goals.

Professional Standards of Conduct

At Portland State University, all employees are expected to conduct themselves in a professional manner which maintains a safe, respectful, and productive environment for faculty, students, administrators, and staff. It is the responsibility of every member of the Portland State University community to conduct themselves in accordance with our PSU Professional Standards of Conduct which are available at https://www.pdx.edu/human-resources/professional-standards-conduct-policy.

Total Compensation Range & Benefits Statement

Salary is dependent on several factors, and new employees will typically start around the Q1 level to allow for later growth within the salary band. PSU has a structured process for determining starting compensation, taking into account years of related experience, applicable skills, knowledge and abilities, market parity, and internal equity.

The starting annual salary for this position will be $69,216 (at 1.0 FTE), but may be negotiated above this rate dependent upon the factors above, the budget of the hiring department, and approval from HR.

An excellent benefits package includes 95% premium paid healthcare; a generous retirement and vacation package; and reduced tuition rates for employee, spouse or dependent at any of the Oregon University System schools.

Please visit our total compensation calculator to see the full value of our benefits package.

Application Instructions

Additional Information

Additional Application Instructions (deadlines, etc.)

Please list the names, telephone numbers and email address for three professional references. References will be contacted only if you are selected as a finalist.

Does this position require the employee to drive a motor vehicle? No

Background Check Required Yes

If you have questions

Please email the Regional Research Institute.