Public Opinion Senior Scholar

The Williams Institute on Sexual Orientation and Gender Identity Law and Public Policy at UCLA School of Law is seeking a Senior Scholar who is an expert on research related to public opinion about LGBT people and issues. The Scholar will lead a new initiative at the Williams Institute that will include overseeing the creation of a new comprehensive national database and collection on LGBT-related public opinion; conducting research and analysis using the new database and collection; disseminating the results of that analysis; and assisting scholars, fellows, and others associated with the Williams Institute in using the database and collection.
The goal of the LGBT public opinion project is to collect all related research in a searchable, comprehensive, and current database; analyze the data in reports and publications; publish results in a timely manner; provide assistance with ongoing research to eliminate unnecessary duplication, implement best practices more broadly, and standardize questions when appropriate; identify research gaps; and to ensure the broad and considered use of the data and analysis.
The scholar will have substantial autonomy in shaping this new initiative and in designing their own long-term and short-term research projects on LGBT-related public opinion.
The successful candidate will have a Masters or PhD and at least 3 years of post-degree experience in a research-related position. Candidates should have a record of academic and/or policy-related publications that demonstrates strong empirical research skills, either quantitative or qualitative. The scholar will oversee developing, planning, and implementing the creation of the new database and collection on LGBT-related public opinion as well as their own personal research projects. Excellent writing and communication skills for a variety of audiences are essential, as well as the ability to coordinate a large project involving a number of people. The scholar will also be expected to participate in the Institute's grant-seeking efforts.

Requirements:

  • Knowledge of LGBT-related public opinion research, issues, and methodologies required.
  • Ability to conduct research and provide analyses resulting in insightful reports on LGBT-related public opinion.
  • Previous experience working with surveys and large data sets, including: ability to present statistical information in a clear and concise manner, and experience in survey instrument design, development and testing.
  • Excellent analytical and writing skills. Prior journal publications and/or publications for decision-makers or lay audiences required.
  • Minimum of five years of relevant work experience with academic, research, nonprofit, or consulting organizations, with increasing responsibility.
  • Excellent computer skills with proficiency in operating a Windows-based personal computer with electronic mail (Outlook), word processing (Word), presentation (PowerPoint) and spreadsheet (Excel) software packages, as well as familiarity with the Internet.
  • Master's degree required, PhD preferred.

The complete listing of qualifications is available on UCLA's official job posting.

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Application Instructions

Applicants must submit their qualifications via UCLA's Career Opportunities website at

Reference UCLA REQ. # 16966. AA/EEO