The Scientific Careers Research and Development Group (SCDRG) at Northwestern University Feinberg School of Medicine (Chicago Campus) is seeking up to two research associates with a master’s degree or higher with experience in qualitative research to join our team. These are grant-funded positions supported by an NIH grant that will continue at least through June 2026.

Our group has been continuously funded with grants from NIH since 2008 to conduct novel empirical and interventional studies of the development and career progression of biomedical scientists. Our work places particular emphasis on understanding and addressing the slow rate of diversification of the biomedical science workforce. The size, duration and depth of data collected through annual in-depth interviews over many years is, in many ways, unprecedented. The population of the young scientists in the studies is highly diverse, allowing comparisons across racial/ethnic groups and genders. Recent publications from these studies can be found at these links:

https://journals.plos.org/plosone/article/comments?id=10.1371/journal.pone.0234259
https://www.lifescied.org/doi/full/10.1187/cbe.19-10-0195
https://www.lifescied.org/doi/10.1187/cbe.17-01-0021

People in the research associate position will:

  • Code interview transcripts
  • Assign initial analytical categorizations while coding
  • Participate in a variety of analyses related to intersectional identities such as gender and racial
    representation in science careers
  • Query, retrieve, and organize data from multiple sources such as databases, transcripts, and
    spreadsheets
  • Contribute to manuscripts via literature reviews, data reduction, editing, and writing
  • Work in close collaboration with other team members

Familiarity with higher education and/or biomedical education systems is desired. Candidates may have knowledge or skills in an array of disciplines and fields such as STEM education, diversity and inclusion, advising, program evaluation, and social science disciplines like sociology and anthropology. Proficiency or a willingness to learn basic to intermediate functions of NVivo qualitative research software and Microsoft Access is preferred.

Individuals who identify with groups minoritized in STEM education and careers are particularly encouraged to apply.

Positions qualify for a full benefits package as provided to all employees of Northwestern University. Salaries will be commensurate with experience, and similar positions within the research group. Given the current COVID-19 pandemic, flexible options for a balance of both in-person and remote work are available contingent on the university’s guidance on safe in-office environments on the Northwestern University Chicago Campus.

Candidates should submit a CV or resume, cover letter describing the experiences that have prepared them for these roles, reasons for interest in and fit with the topic of our research, and names of at least 3 references. References will not be contacted until the decision to interview a candidate has been made, and after obtaining permission from the candidate.

Submit materials and/or questions to: Rick McGee, PhD, Associate Dean for Professional Development, Professor of Medical Education r-mcgee@northwestern.edu (preferred) or 312-503-1737 (leave a message).