Research Assistant - Psychology

SSD Psychology: Staff and Temporary Employees - Khan
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.
The job provides technical support activities related to scientific research projects. Ensures compliance of research activities with institutional, state, and federal regulatory policies, procedures, directives and mandates. Assists in drafting presentations on research findings.

The Research Assistant will participate in projects concerning the early mathematical development of young children. Research will occur in child care and preschool environments, 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 graduate studies in psychology or education.

• Collects, enters, and assists in analyzing data.
• Recruits and schedules research subjects.
• Assists with development of data collection tools and manage data files.
• Transcribes and codes data.
• Assists with the preparation of reports and manuscripts.
• Maintains and orders supplies.
• Provides general administrative support.
• Provides technical and administrative support for a research project.
• Assists with the installation, sets up and performs experiments; interacting with students and other laboratory staff under the direction of the principal investigator.
• Performs other related work as needed.

Minimum requirements include vocational training, apprenticeships or the equivalent experience in related field (not typically required to have a four-year degree). Minimum requirements include knowledge and skills developed through 2-5 years of work experience in a related job discipline.

• High school diploma or equivalent.
• Bi-lingual, native speaker of Spanish.
• Bachelor's degree in the social sciences with a concentration in psychology.

• Relevant research experience.
• Prior experience working with children and in collecting experimental data.

• Knowledge of Microsoft Office.
• Analytical skills.
• Oral and written communication skills.

• 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.

• Resume (required)
• Cover letter (required)
• References (required)

Research
Individual Contributor
Non-Exempt
Biweekly
37.5
Yes
No
No
No