Research Assistant

LRDC - Pennsylvania-Pittsburgh - (26002372)

This position is at the Learning Research and Development Center (LRDC), a multi-disciplinary center for research to advance the science of learning by bringing together leading researchers in the cognitive, developmental, social, and educational sciences.

The primary responsibility of this position is to assist with a longitudinal research study examining how parents promote learning with their children during elementary school. The study consists of multiple testing sessions for parents and their children conducted in families’ homes during 1st and 2nd grades. Data collection will be virtual in 3rd grade. Time diary interviews are collected from parents over the phone. Job duties include contacting past participants for longitudinal study participation, administering assessments, retaining accurate experimental records and files, managing databases, transcribing conversations and coding behaviors during parent-child interactions. Baccalaureate degree required, in psychology or related field; at least 1 year research experience in developmental psychology; at least 1 year of experience working with children younger than 10 years-old required; must have basic computer skills (Microsoft Office, email, internet search); attention to detail and ability to multi-task are required.

Job Summary

Coordinates research and evaluation activities related to family engagement and child welfare and supports the design, development, and coordination of data collection in research and evaluation activities Ensures accuracy and timelines of data collection procedures, conducts quality assurance processes, evaluates and summarizes findings and crafts conclusion reports. Recommends effective revisions of research procedures and ensures adherence to rules, policies, and regulations.

Essential Functions

The incumbent must be able to work at a desk, go to families’ homes across the county, and test parent and child participants virtually as well.

Physical Effort

This position is predominantly sedentary. However, it does require the incumbent to travel to families’ homes.

Assignment Category: Full-time regular

Job Classification: Staff.Research & Evaluation Specialist I

Job Family: Research

Job Sub Family: Child Development Research

Campus: Pittsburgh

Minimum Education Level Required: Bachelor's Degree

Minimum Years of Experience Required: 1

Will this position accept substitution in lieu of education or experience: Combination of education and relevant experience will be considered in lieu of education and/ or experience requirement.

Work Schedule: Mon-Fri, 8:30-5:00, some evenings/weekends as needed

Work Arrangement: On-Campus: Teams that work on campus, in an office, or in a lab.

Hiring Range: $32,175 - $40,228

Relocation_Offered: No

Visa Sponsorship Provided: No

Background Check: For position finalists, employment with the University will require successful completion of a background check

Child Protection Clearances: The following PA Act 153 clearances and background checks are required prior to commencement of employment and as a condition of continued employment: PA State Police Criminal Record Check, FBI Criminal Record Check, PA Child Abuse History Clearance.

Required Documents: Resume, Cover Letter

Optional Documents: Not Applicable