foundry10 is an education research organization with a philanthropic focus on expanding ideas about learning and creating direct value for youth. In collaboration with a wide range of partners, we surface, evaluate, and share opportunities to better support youth learning both inside and outside the classroom. Building on more than a decade of impactful work, our unique approach blends applied and basic research, philanthropy, and education programs rooted in evidence-based best practices.

Summary of Role

The Youth and Educator Social and Emotional Learning (YESEL) Lab at foundry10 is looking to hire a Graduate Student Researcher to assist in the design and execution of research studies focused on:

• Social and emotional learning (SEL) and technology in teacher preparation and education
• Youth play, sports, and recreation
• The role of school counselors in school-wide SEL efforts

The Graduate Student Researcher will work closely with Dr. Helen Lee on research projects that require skills or expertise in the graduate student’s field of study. They will provide substantial collaboration on research projects, including helping to develop all aspects of the research process (e.g., designing a research study, recruitment parameters, data analysis techniques, technical and non-technical writing). Additionally, they will work with Junior Researchers in moving projects forward. The ideal candidate has (1) strong written communication skills, (2) research expertise in lab and Health & Well-Being Interest Area Team focus area, and (3) advanced training in qualitative and participatory/applied research methods.

This is a part-time, temporary position with variable hours of 10-15 per week, for approximately 32 weeks, with an anticipated start date of October 13, 2026. Pay is $48/hr. Applicants must live in the state of Washington to apply.

This is a hybrid position that requires in-person work and travel within the Seattle metropolitan area.

We are not able to sponsor visa applications and candidates must be eligible to work in the United States.

To protect our staff, partners, and the youth we serve, we require all foundry10 employees to adhere to our masking and COVID testing policies when working in person.

Responsibilities

• Assist in the development and execution of research projects for the YESEL Lab
• Work with Senior Researchers and Junior Researchers on developing/executing all stages of the research process, with an emphasis on qualitative coding and writing, including:
  • Searching for, reviewing, and synthesizing relevant literature
  • Preparing IRB approval forms
  • Leading and supporting online and in-person recruitment efforts
  • Supporting survey design (e.g., pulling appropriate survey measures, testing and suggesting changes on surveys)
  • Leading and supporting data collection (e.g., logistical and administrative support for in-person and virtual focus groups, leading interviews, completing memos, monitoring responses, organizing data files, facilitating participant compensation)
    • There may be opportunities for the graduate student researcher to travel for data collection, depending on project need and timing
  • Preparing and analyzing data (e.g., data entry, data cleaning, qualitative coding, content analysis)
  • Contributing to written reports and other relevant mediums to share research (e.g., journal articles, presentations, blog posts, video summaries)
  • Contributing to research-informed resources for educators
• Independently carry out data collection, analysis, and research communication with guidance and mentorship from Senior Researchers
• Conduct background research and contribute to the writing of literature reviews
• Assist in writing specific sections of peer-reviewed publications and/or present at a professional conference
• Analyze data from research and translate it into other mediums for worthwhile sharing (e.g., reports, conference papers, research briefs)
• Communicate actionable insights to various learning and research communities/fields as well as with lay-people in the community
• Support the development of the YESEL knowledge base through exploratory research initiatives and literature reviews

Education and Experience

Required experience

• Working towards a doctoral graduate degree (PhD) in Education, Social Work, or related social science field (e.g., Human Development, Psychology, Sociology)
• Advanced training in qualitative (e.g., conducting interviews/focus groups, analyzing data) methods
• Experience with participatory/applied methods (e.g., participatory action research, human-centered design, member checking, cognitive interviewing)
• Competence in MAXQDA, Qualtrics, Canva, Google Suite, or similar research and data analysis software and platforms
• Ability to organize and prioritize competing tasks and projects
• Communication skills to collaborate with team members in a fast-paced environment
• Strong attention to detail
• Ability to work independently and in a hybrid environment
• Experience writing for academic audiences
• Experience supporting research in an academic, professional, or applied setting (e.g., faculty research lab, independent research project, research internship)
• Experience conducting literature searches and reviewing and summarizing research literature
• Experience supporting qualitative data collection and analysis (e.g., surveys, interviews, focus groups, qualitative coding, data entry or cleaning)
• Experience recruiting or communicating with research participants or community partners

Preferred experience

• Experience with children, youth, educators, and/or other education professionals
• Familiarity with project topics
• Experience communicating professionally with diverse audiences through email, virtual meetings, phone, or in-person interactions

Other Requirements

Must be available to travel within WA state for in-person site visits and data collection. Outside of required travel for site visits and data collection, candidates may work remotely.

Ability to maintain a consistent work schedule of 10-15 hours per week from Monday through Thursday, with specific hours to be determined. Some flexibility is possible, but it is preferable for Graduate Student Researchers to have a relatively stable schedule.

To be considered for this position, please submit your CV/resume and a 3-5 page writing sample. Applications without a writing sample will not be considered. A cover letter is optional.

Writing Sample:

• The writing sample should be an example of prior work of which you are the sole author.
• Samples should be no more than 5 pages and may include a literature review conducted for a college course, research proposal, conference proposal, a research thesis, report or draft of your research findings, or a popular press piece that synthesizes research findings. Samples can be excerpts of any of the above.
• If the sample is more than 5 pages, we will only read the first 5.

The hiring team will begin reviewing applications on September 16, 2026, and will continue to accept and review applications on a rolling basis until the position is filled.

Employment decisions are based on merit and business needs. foundry10 strives to provide a work environment free from discrimination and harassment because of a protected characteristic. The organization does not discriminate against employees or applicants based on race, color, creed, citizenship, status, national origin, ancestry, gender, genetic information, sexual orientation, gender expression or identity, age, religion, pregnancy or pregnancy-related condition, physical or mental disability, marital status, veteran status, political affiliation, or any other characteristic protected by law.

We are committed to providing reasonable accommodations to assist individuals with disabilities with the application and interviewing process as well as essential job functions.