Researcher 3 - Minnesota Design Center

Company: University of Minnesota
Location: Minneapolis
Posted on: April 16, 2024

Job Description:

Apply for JobJob ID360587

LocationTwin Cities

Job FamilyResearch-Researchers

Full/Part TimeFull-Time

Regular/TemporaryRegular

Job Code8352R3

Employee ClassCivil Service

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About the Job





About the Job
The Minnesota Design Center (MDC) seeks a motivated individual to serve as a Researcher to assist with research, design, and project management support for several multi-year community-based research projects.

This position will require work on the following projects:

Design Assist
Design Assist project, funded by the Bush Foundation. This three-year project involves working with the MDC staff and research assistants in service to community based organizations, especially those in under-served areas of the Twin Cities and across Minnesota, in need of urban design assistance.

The position requires a person able to work independently, keeping the Principal Investigator (PI) and senior research fellows informed of progress, and making decisions as required in a timely way for the good of the project. The position involves supporting the students working on projects and aiding in design work as assigned by the MDC's studio head. This work can vary considerably from day to day and can be very complex, so the person in this position needs to be able to respond to diverse needs and switch from one task to another quickly.

Empowering Small Minnesota Communities (ESMC)
This state-funded, three-year project involves working with several community-based teams led by MDC affiliates and research assistants, in coordination with the regional Executive Directors of the Regional Sustainable Development Partnership, with the staff of the Center for Transportation Studies and the Resilient Communities Project, and with faculty from the Humphrey School of Public Affairs. The goal of the project is to help small (under 10,000 population) communities in the state compete more effectively for funding from sources such as the Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act (IIJA), the Inflation Reduction Act (IRA),
and the state's Legacy, Bonding and LCCMR funds.

The position requires a person able to work independently, keeping the Principal Investigator (PI) and senior research fellows informed of progress, and making decisions as required in a timely way for the good of the project. The position involves supporting the teams working on "Community Futures" projects, aiding in design work as assigned by the MDC's studio head, and helping the research of affiliate contractor engaged in that work. This work can vary considerably from day to day and can be very complex, so the person in this position needs to be able to respond to diverse needs and switch from one task to another quickly.

Duration: This is a 12-month appointment with a possible extension, 40 hours per week.Compensation: $53,000 - $66,000 Based on qualifications

Responsibilities:75% Design and research support

• Contribute to the collection and analysis of data to evaluate the progress of the work and to assess its impact in preparation of yearly reports to the Bush Foundation, collaborative partners, and funders.
• Proactively solve problems with the Design Assist and/or Empowering Small Minnesota Communities leadership to address challenges.
• Ensure information is communicated in a timely and accurate way.
• Verify and confirm the progress of the various projects by co-managing milestones and deadlines.
• Create and deliver high level presentations online and in person collaboratively, providing detailed updates on the plans and
  progress of the Design Assist and/or EMpowering Small Minnesota Communities project.
• Establish regular check-in team meetings, various cohort meetings, and problem-solving sessions with team leaders and communities.
• Collaborate closely with the senior research fellow on community design work
• Supervise student research assistants in collaboration with others on the team.
• Produce advanced and detailed reports, factsheets, research summaries, and white papers that synthesize research findings for various stakeholders.
  25% Program management support
  • Illustrate and communicate the outcomes of the work by tracking various metrics of success.
  • Share information with stakeholders to facilitate the work and broaden its impact.
  • Arrange team cohort meetings and monitor the progress of individual teams and their members.
  • Ensure that work is being done properly and adhering to standards, and is fully documented correctly for future use.
  • Coordinate with other organizations and communicate the work and research results broadly to various audiences.
    
    Qualifications
    
    
    
    
    
    Required Qualifications
    • BA/BS in landscape architecture, architecture, urban design, planning, or geography and 2 years of related experience or a combination of education and work experience to equal 6 years.
    • Experience with Geographic Information Systems and ESRI's ArcGIS products: ArcGIS Pro, ArcGIS Online, ArcGIS Planner, ArcGIS Storymap, ArcGIS Survey 123, and etc.
    • Experience with Adobe Creative Cloud: Indesign, Illustrator, and Photoshop
    • Experience in 3-D modeling and Rendering software: Sketchup, Rhinoceros, V-Ray, and Enscape
    • Ability to conduct research into the needs of communities and relevant solutions to those needs
    • Ability to research and design projects independently, keeping MDC staff informed of progress
      Preferred Qualifications
      • Graduate degree in landscape architecture, architecture, urban design, planning, or geography.
      • Experience with Geographic Information Systems and ESRI's ArcGIS products.
      • Ability to work independently and to assess information critically.
      • Ability to deal with a range of personalities and a diversity of communities.
      • Interest in the challenges and opportunities of under-served communities
      • Design-thinking experience involving diverse communities with varied needs.
      • Community engagement experience related to environmental and urbanism issues.
        
        Benefits
        
        
        
        
        
        Working at the University
        
        At the University of Minnesota, you'll find a flexible work environment and supportive colleagues who are interested in lifelong learning. We prioritize work-life balance, allowing you to invest in the future of your career and in your life outside of work.
        
        The University also offers a comprehensive benefits package that includes:
        • Competitive wages, paid holidays, and generous time off
        • Continuous learning opportunities through professional training and degree-seeking programs supported by the Regents Tuition Benefit Program
        • Low-cost medical, dental, and pharmacy plans
        • Healthcare and dependent care flexible spending accounts
        • University HSA contributions
        • Disability and employer-paid life insurance
        • Employee wellbeing program
        • Excellent retirement plans with employer contribution
        • Public Service Loan Forgiveness (PSLF) opportunity
        • Financial counseling services
        • Employee Assistance Program with eight sessions of counseling at no cost
        • Employee Transit Pass with free or reduced rates in the Twin Cities metro areaPlease visit the Office of Human Resources website for more information regarding benefits.
          
          How To Apply
          
          
          
          
          
          Applications must be submitted online. To be considered for this position, please click the Apply button and follow the instructions. You will be given the opportunity to complete an online application for the position and attach a cover letter and resume.Additional documents may be attached after application by accessing your "My Job Applications" page and uploading documents in the "My Cover Letters and Attachments" section.To request an accommodation during the application process, please e-mail or call .
          
          Diversity
          
          
          
          
          
          The University recognizes and values the importance of diversity and inclusion in enriching the employment experience of its employees and in supporting the academic mission. The University is committed to attracting and retaining employees with varying identities and backgrounds.The University of Minnesota provides equal access to and opportunity in its programs, facilities, and employment without regard to race, color, creed, religion, national origin, gender, age, marital status, disability, public assistance status, veteran status, sexual orientation, gender identity, or gender expression. To learn more about diversity at the U:
          
          Employment Requirements
          
          
          
          
          
          Any offer of employment is contingent upon the successful completion of a background check. Our presumption is that prospective employees are eligible to work here. Criminal convictions do not automatically disqualify finalists from employment.
          
          About the U of M
          
          
          
          
          
          The University of Minnesota, Twin Cities (UMTC)The University of Minnesota, Twin Cities (UMTC), is among the largest public research universities in the country, offering undergraduate, graduate, and professional students a multitude of opportunities for study and research. Located at the heart of one of the nation's most vibrant, diverse metropolitan communities, students on the campuses in Minneapolis and St. Paul benefit from extensive partnerships with world-renowned health centers, international corporations, government agencies, and arts, nonprofit, and public service organizations.At the University of Minnesota, we are proud to be recognized by the Star Tribune as a Top Workplace for 2021, as well as by Forbes as Best Employers for Women and one of America's Best Employers (2015, 2018, 2019, 2023), Best Employer for Diversity (2019, 2020), Best Employer for New Grads (2018, 2019), and Best Employer by State (2019, 2022).
          
          

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