Senior Research Associate, LEAD at Krea University

Type: Full-time

Employer: LEAD at Krea University

Location: Chennai 

Salary: Commensurate with qualifications and experience

About LEAD at Krea University:

LEAD, an action-oriented research centre of IFMR Society (a not-for-profit society registered under the Societies Act), leverages the power of research, innovation and co-creation to solve complex and pressing challenges in development. LEAD has strategic oversight and brand support from Krea University (sponsored by IFMR Society) to enable synergies between academia and the research centre. LEAD is a collaborative hub that brings experts from diverse disciplines and sectors together to develop innovative solutions by harnessing innovation, technology and analytics.

About the Role:
The primary role of the Senior Research Associate will be the implementation of data collection and data management of the projects. The SRA will work closely with other research team members on designing survey questionnaires, conducting literature reviews, managing survey teams, monitoring data collection activities on the field, conducting data checks and analyzing data, coordinating with the partner organisations’ field teams, etc. The SRA is also expected to mentor Research Associates on their respective projects and guide them in completing their tasks effectively.

Key Responsibilities:

• Assist in the design and development of research projects, including literature reviews, research methodology and implementation;
• Work with colleagues at LEAD to generate a data collection strategy to maximize the efficient collection of data and its implementation;
• Design survey questionnaires independently;
• Lead the hiring, training, and management of the field team in consultation with the research manager;
• Conduct field monitoring exercises to ensure data quality and supervise field work where required 
• Conduct data cleaning and prepare data for analysis;
• Conduct pilots for survey questionnaires as well as data collection methodologies; 
• Contribute to reports, blogs and other project deliverables to help dissemination of research findings in close coordination with LEAD’s communications team;
• Conduct secondary research where required;
• Develop and maintain a good relationship with stakeholders;
• Mentor Research Associate level staff in completing their roles efficiently.

Background and Qualifications:

• Master’s degree in Economics, Statistics, Public Policy or other related discipline;
• Basic knowledge of MS Office and programming languages like STATA, R, or comparable statistical programming software required;
• Strong interest in the areas of financial well-being, social protection and economic development in low-income countries;
• Comfortable working in a dynamic and fast-paced environment;
• The candidate should have previous experience (at least two years) after post-graduation in coordinating research projects and translating study results into knowledge outputs;
• A mature, self-directed individual with the capacity to maintain an organized and structured work style, the ability to balance multiple tasks and prioritize effectively to meet deadlines in a fast-paced working environment;
• Strong interpersonal skills and willingness to work in a team;
• Problem-solving aptitude and a self-starter;
• Excellent verbal and written communication and presentation skills;
• Proficiency in spoken and written English and Hindi is required. Knowledge of any other language (other than the mother tongue) will be an added advantage;
• Willingness to travel extensively to field locations is required (post-COVID-19 scenario).

Work Experience:

• 2-3 years of research experience in development studies or related fields;
• Demonstrated ability to maintain an organized and structured work style in a fast-paced environment.

Deadline: Applications are being accepted till the position is filled. Please collate your resume, writing sample and cover letter and apply in the form here.  

Note: We are an equal-opportunity employer, and all candidates will be considered for employment. However, due to the large volume of applications we receive, we are unable to contact each candidate individually regarding the status of their application. Only shortlisted applicants will be contacted for interview purposes.