Research Analyst

Department

SSD Psychology: Staff and Temporary Employees - Khan

About the Department

The Cognitive Development Lab in the Department of Psychology at the University
of Chicago, under the direction of Dr. Susan Levine focuses on mathematical and language development in young children, and on variations in children’s learning trajectories that relate to their experiences at home and at school. We are interested in how learning is shaped by variations in the amount and quality of early experiences. Our research ranges from naturalistic studies of parent-child and teacher-child interactions to laboratory studies examining how particular kinds of instruction impact children’s learning. Much of our research focuses on children’s mathematical and spatial learning, and examines cognitive as well as affective factors relating to achievement in these domains.

Job Summary

The job performs routine assignments related to scientific research projects. Ensures compliance of research activities with institutional, state, and federal regulatory policies, procedures, directives and mandates. Analyzes possible solutions using standard procedures. Writes articles, reports and manuscripts. Assists in drafting presentations on research findings.

The Research Analyst will participate in projects concerning the early mathematical development of young children. Research may occur in child care and preschool locations, public schools, as well as in a laboratory environment. Primary responsibilities are recruitment and scheduling of subjects, data collection, transcription and coding, and preliminary data analysis. This position is especially appropriate for candidates who are interested in pursuing advanced graduate studies in psychology or education.

Responsibilities

• Data Collection and analysis: Working alongside others, the RA will collect data from children in lab, school, or home settings administering formal assessments and collecting observational data.
• Scheduling: Research Analyst will be responsible for initiating contact and liaising with families, teachers, and schools to schedule a target number of participants per week. Coordinating schedules with team members, and managing research participant incentives.
• Undergraduate RA Management: Research Analyst will be responsible for scheduling data collection shifts for undergraduate RAs, providing feedback to undergraduate RAs regarding child and parent communication, and serving as a liaison between undergraduate RAs, graduate students, and post docs.
• Data Analysis and Management: Research Analyst will be responsible for transcription and coding of data as well as managing the data files.
• IRB Maintenance: Research Analyst will be responsible for maintaining all Institutional Review.
• Board (IRB) permissions and submitting IRB amendments for relevant projects.
• Assist with report, manuscript, and conference preparation.
• General administrative support as needed.
• Maintains technical and administrative support for a research project.
• Analyzes and maintains data and/or specimens. Conducts literature reviews. Assists with preparation of reports, manuscripts and other documents.
• Performs other related work as needed.

Minimum Qualifications

Education:

Minimum requirements include a college or university degree in related field.

Work Experience:

Minimum requirements include knowledge and skills developed through < 2 years of work experience in a related job discipline.

Certifications:

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Preferred Qualifications

Education:

• Bachelor's degree or higher required in education, psychology, cognitive science, data science, statistics, applied mathematics, or a related field.

Experience:

• Prior experience working with children and in collecting experimental data.
• Bi-lingual, native speaker of Spanish.
• One year of relevant research experience.

Technical Knowledge and Skills:

• Knowledge of Microsoft Office.
• Analytical skills.
• Experience with administering standardized tests.
• Oral and written communication skills.

Preferred Competencies

• Basic knowledge in relevant scientific field.
• Problem-solving skills.
• Attention to detail.
• Organizational skills.
• Ability to learn new research techniques or methods.
• Ability to work independently and as part of a team.

Working Conditions

• Home environment: Must be able to travel to local childcare providers, preschool, or public school locations.
• School environment: Must be able to pass school background check and health screening.

Application Documents

• Resume (required)
• Cover Letter (required)
• References (required)

Job Family

Research

Role Impact

Individual Contributor

Scheduled Weekly Hours

37.5

Drug Test Required

No

Health Screen Required

No

Motor Vehicle Record Inquiry Required

No

Pay Rate Type

Hourly

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FLSA Status

Non-Exempt

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Pay Range

$24.43 - $31.61

The included pay rate or range represents the University’s good faith estimate of the possible compensation offer for this role at the time of posting.

Benefits Eligible

Yes

The University of Chicago offers a wide range of benefits programs and resources for eligible employees, including health, retirement, and paid time off. Information about the benefit offerings can be found in the Benefits Guidebook.

Posting Statement

The University of Chicago is an equal opportunity employer and does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender, gender identity, or expression, national or ethnic origin, shared ancestry, age, status as an individual with a disability, military or veteran status, genetic information, or other protected classes under the law. For additional information please see the University's Notice of Nondiscrimination.

 

Job seekers in need of a reasonable accommodation to complete the application process should call 773-702-5800 or submit a request via Applicant Inquiry Form.

 

All offers of employment are contingent upon a background check that includes a review of conviction history.  A conviction does not automatically preclude University employment.  Rather, the University considers conviction information on a case-by-case basis and assesses the nature of the offense, the circumstances surrounding it, the proximity in time of the conviction, and its relevance to the position.

 

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