Arizona State University
Academic Researcher
🇺🇸
Hybrid - Scottsdale, AZ
🕑
Full-Time
💰
$70K - $80K
💻
Research
🗓️
April 28th, 2026
IRB
Miro
Edtech.com's Summary
Arizona State University is hiring an Academic Researcher. The role involves contributing to one or more moderately complex research projects focusing on qualitative data collection and analysis, especially on integrating Principled Innovation into course experiences to improve instructional quality and student development. The Academic Researcher collaborates with faculty and staff to inform decision-making and advance research initiatives within the ASU EdPlus Action Lab.
Highlights
- Perform literature reviews and participate in research design, including drafting IRB protocols.
- Collect qualitative data through interviews, focus groups, observations, and text analysis.
- Analyze qualitative data using QDA software such as ATLAS.ti.
- Collaborate with university stakeholders to support evidence-based instructional practices and promote equity.
- Present research findings to diverse audiences and supervise research-focused student workers.
- Assist with evaluation and implementation of emerging educational technologies like AI and virtual reality.
- Preferred qualifications include a PhD in social sciences or related disciplines and experience with IRB protocols.
- Required software knowledge includes Slack, Jira, Qualtrics, Miro, and Google Workspace.
- Salary ranges from $70,000 to $80,000 per year, depending on experience.
- This is a grant-funded, full-time position ending June 30, 2027, contingent on future funding, requiring in-person work three days per week in Scottsdale, Arizona.
Academic Researcher Full Description
Job Profile:Scientist 2
Job Family:Researchers and Scientists
Time Type:Full time
Max Pay - Depends on experience:$80,000.00 USD Annual
Apply before 11:59 PM Arizona time the day before the posted End Date.
Minimum Qualifications:
Bachelor's degree and three (3) years of experience appropriate to the area of assignment/field; OR, Any equivalent combination of experience and/or training from which comparable knowledge, skills and abilities have been achieved.
Job Profile Summary:
Serves as a contributor to a research team. Contributes to the execution of one or more moderately complex research projects to support the advancement of research.
Job Description:
Do you have strong skills in qualitative data collection and analysis, with knowledge of research methodology in an education setting? Are you eager to grow your presentation skills, research methods, and data-rich storytelling? Then apply today for this Academic Researcher opportunity!
NOTE: This is an in-person, hybrid position. Must be able to reliably commute to Scottsdale Arizona three days a week.
ASU EdPlus is a dynamic unit of Arizona State University focused on the design and scalable delivery of digital teaching and learning models to increase student success and reduce barriers to achievement in higher education. We advance the economic, social, cultural, and overall health of the local, national, and international communities served by ASU.
Want to know more about working at EdPlus? Click here!
Action Lab is a learning laboratory at ASU that is housed inside EdPlus. As a data-driven, research-focused service organization—an impact hub—Action Lab supports ASU and EdPlus initiatives by equipping leaders with the insights and analyses they need to make informed, evidence-based decisions. Action Lab's goal is to support ASU with data and scholarship that foster transformations within higher education. With an emphasis on online learning, our predictive and evaluative analyses support student success and persistence from curiosity to graduation.
Our research is actionable and operationally oriented, and we support and coordinate with high-level university stakeholders to improve student learning, motivation, and persistence and to increase equity across the university. We are a fast-paced unit that gets stuff done, makes a difference in the lives of our ASU students to drive change, and bolsters successes grounded in data and research.
We are seeking a skilled and passionate Academic Researcher to join our Action Lab team. Every day you will make a difference in the lives of others by supporting new and ongoing qualitative research on Principled Innovation (PI) to advance ASU's ninth design aspiration, Practice Principled Innovation. You will contribute to the identification and documentation of best practices that will be integrated into a sequence of course experiences across ASU, including both digital and campus-immersion formats.
In collaboration with faculty, staff, and PI subject matter experts, you will work on research initiatives that inform both tactical and strategic decision-making. This work focuses on effectively integrating PI into courses, some of which incorporate Dreamscape Learn virtual reality, immersive storytelling, and innovative pedagogy as foundational elements for embedding PI. This focus will enhance instructional practices, ensure overall course quality, and foster students' moral, civic, and intellectual development.
Essential Duties:
- Performs literature reviews to inform research design on a wide variety of projects.
- Participates in research design and drafts Institutional Review Board (IRB) protocols governing research projects.
- Collects qualitative data through interviews, focus groups, observations, text, and other avenues.
- Cleans qualitative data for further analysis using QDA software.
- Collaborates and works with multiple stakeholders and groups across the University to conduct and oversee qualitative research to inform evidence-based instructional practices, pedagogy, engagement, and technology.
- Collaborates on research investigations to enhance tactical and strategic decision-making, improve instruction, ensure quality courses, promote student success, and increase equity in representation
- Communicates with internal and external constituencies to obtain necessary information.
- Prepares and presents research findings to various audiences.
- Supervises, monitors, or coordinates the activities of research-focused student workers.
- Seeks, evaluates, and assists in implementing new and emerging technologies with potential value for both research and digital teaching/learning.
- Conducts and assists with the development of long- and short-range goals that influence tactical and strategic decision-making, improve instruction, ensure quality courses, and promote student success.
- Organizes and follows through with the best practices of the lab.
- Leans into the labs' ever-evolving organizational structure for managing a high volume of research files.
- Performs other duties or projects as assigned or directed.
NOTE: This is an in-person, hybrid position. Must be able to reliably commute to Scottsdale Arizona three days a week.
Desired Qualifications:
- PhD preferred, preferably in the social sciences or a related discipline.
- Evidence of skills in qualitative data collection and analysis.
- Experience working with Institutional Review Board (IRB) protocols.
- Experience in educational research and practice.
- Experience in educational technologies that are emerging, such as AI and virtual reality.
- Demonstrated ability to translate research findings into general audience language and willingness to refine writing to meet the need for seamless, clear communication.
- Evidence of effective communication and collaboration skills.
- Experience with QDA software such as ATLAS.ti.
- Experience with Slack, Jira, Qualtrics, Miro, and Google Workspace.
- Demonstrated ability to track, manage, and prioritize daily, weekly, and monthly tasks.
NOTE: Please answer the following questions in your cover letter:
- Briefly describe your experience independently designing and executing qualitative research studies, including developing surveys, conducting interviews or focus groups, and analyzing findings.
- Please provide a specific example of how you have translated qualitative research insights into actionable recommendations that informed program, curriculum, or product improvements.
Salary & Benefits:
$70,000 - $80,000 per year, DOE
This is a grant-funded position that ends June 30, 2027. Continuation is contingent on future grant funding.
ASU offers a total compensation package that includes valuable employee benefits. Click here to explore options.
- Healthcare
- Financial Security
- Retirement
- Family Resources
- Tuition Reduction (Eligible ASU Employee, their dependents and spouse.)
- Discounts
Working Environment:
Your desk will be in the beautiful, cutting-edge, and collaborative workspace at SkySong, the ASU Scottsdale Innovation Center. The Center houses a business community that links technology, research, education, and entrepreneurship to position ASU and Greater Phoenix as global leaders in the knowledge economy.
ASU EdPlus supports flexible work options, ranging from alternate to hybrid work schedules, subject to approvals per ASU policy. (This is an in-person position.)
Applicant must be eligible to work in the United States. ASU EdPlus will not be a sponsor for this position.
Department Statement:
EdPlus defines itself through a culture of curiosity, risk-taking and refusing to accept the status quo. As a central enterprise unit for ASU focused on the design and scalable delivery of digital teaching and learning models to increase student success and reduce barriers to achievement in higher education, our commitments support the University charter. ASU is a national service university and aspires to accelerate positive social outcomes through the seamless integration of cutting-edge technological innovation and scalability.
EdPlus employees are valued, respected, and encouraged to be their unique selves. We know that our ability to deliver high-quality services and educational experiences is strengthened by our culture. Our innovative approach drives outcomes through serving learners, achieving milestones, striving for excellence, solving problems, embracing urgency, and being bold.
Driving Requirement:Driving is not required for this position.
Location:Off-Campus: Scottsdale
Funding:Grant Funded
Instructions to Apply:
Current employees, student workers seeking staff opportunities, and students applying for student worker positions must apply directly through the Workday Jobs Hub.
Please use the link below to log in using single sign-on.
https://www.myworkday.com/asu/d/inst/1$9925/9925$21029.htmld
To be considered, your application must include all of the following attachments:
- Cover letter
- Resume or CV
Multiple documents may be uploaded in the attachments section. Alternatively, applicants may combine all required materials into a single PDF for submission. Please ensure uploaded documents are clearly labeled and include your name.
Please ensure your resume includes all employment information in month and year format, for example 6/04 to 8/14, along with job title, job duties, and employer name for each position. Your resume should clearly demonstrate how your experience and background meet the minimum and desired qualifications for this position. Incomplete applications or missing required materials may not be considered.
Important: Do not withdraw your application to make edits. Once an application is withdrawn, it cannot be edited, reactivated, or replaced with a new submission. If you have questions or need assistance, please contact The Office of Human Resources Talent Acquisition before the posting close date.
Graduate Assistant, Intern and part-time positions are counted as half time for experience equivalency, meaning one year equals six months of experience.
Only electronic applications will be accepted for this position. By submitting an application, you confirm that the information provided is accurate and complete.
ASU Statement:
Arizona State University is a new model for American higher education, an unprecedented combination of academic excellence, entrepreneurial energy and broad access. This New American University is a single, unified institution comprising four differentiated campuses positively impacting the economic, social, cultural and environmental health of the communities it serves. Its research is inspired by real world application blurring the boundaries that traditionally separate academic disciplines. ASU serves more than 100,000 students in metropolitan Phoenix, Arizona, the nation's fifth largest city. ASU champions inclusive excellence, and welcomes students from all fifty states and more than one hundred nations across the globe.
ASU is a tobacco-free university. For details visit https://wellness.asu.edu/explore-wellness/body/alcohol-and-drugs/tobacco
All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, disability, protected veteran status, or any other basis protected by law.
Notice of Availability of the ASU Annual Security and Fire Safety Report:
In compliance with federal law, ASU prepares an annual report on campus security and fire safety programs and resources. ASU's Annual Security and Fire Safety Report is available online at https://www.asu.edu/police/PDFs/ASU-Clery-Report.pdf. You may request a hard copy of the report by contacting the ASU Police Department at 480-965-3456.
Relocation Assistance - For information about schools, housing child resources, neighborhoods, hospitals, community events, and taxes, visit https://cfo.asu.edu/az-resources.
Employment Verification Statement:
ASU conducts pre-employment screening which may include verification of work history, academic credentials, licenses, and certifications.
Background Check Statement:
ASU conducts pre-employment screening for all positions which includes a criminal background check, verification of work history, academic credentials, licenses, and certifications. Employment is contingent upon successful passing of the background check.
Fingerprint Check Statement:This position is considered safety/security sensitive and will include a fingerprint check. Employment is contingent upon successful passing of the fingerprint check.
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