Research Assistant - Term

Please note: This is a full-time, term position.

The Exploration and Learning Lab at Vanderbilt is seeking a full-time Research Assistant (RA) to begin in June of 2024. The lab investigates how infants and young children learn through exploratory behavior. The RA will participate in all aspects of the research process and is responsible for ensuring the smooth day-to-day functioning of research activities in the lab. This position is ideal for those interested in gaining more research experience before pursuing a Ph.D. in psychology, cognitive science, or education. The RA will report directly to Dr. Justine Hoch, the Director of the Exploration and Learning Laband faculty member in the Department of Psychology and Human Development at Vanderbilt University. Women, LGBTQ, and underrepresented minority applicants are strongly encouraged to apply.

The RA will manage ongoing research. Responsibilities include, but are not limited to, research participant recruitment and testing, undergraduate Research Assistant recruitment and training, monitoring issues related to video coding and reliability, data entry, data management, data analysis, and dissemination of findings. Data collection efforts will take place in our research lab on campus, in participants’ homes in the Nashville area, and in children’s museums, daycares, and primary schools.

About the Work Unit

The Exploration and Learning Lab is housed in the Department of Psychology and Human Development at Peabody College. We are committed to creating and maintaining a productive, collaborative, and congenial research community in which we support each other, uphold diversity, and recognize and embrace the differences that each member of our research team brings to the lab. We contribute to the educational mission of the Department of Psychology and Human Development by training undergraduate, graduate, and postdoctoral students in their intellectual development.

NOTE: A Term position is a staff position that exists for a period longer than six months but is not expected to last beyond one year. Although a position may exist for a specified or indefinite period, staff who accept term positions are not guaranteed employment for the entire period; they are employed for indefinite periods within the limit of the appointment. There are no guarantees of continued employment, either within the term or when the term ends.

Duties and Responsibilities

• Conduct research studies with parents, infants, and children.
• Recruit, schedule, and/or call participants for appointments.
• Train and supervise an undergraduate research team, coordinate with graduate students, postdoctoral researchers, and other faculty.
• Maintain IRB approval and monitor human subjects (CITI training) and Protection of Minors training for undergraduate RAs.
• Securely maintain and files and documents, including consent forms and video data.
• Annotate, edit, and organize data.
• Verify accuracy of database information and make corrections according to specific guidelines.
• Maintain lab websites.
• Process participant compensation and assist with post-study activities as needed.
• Establish working relationships with hospitals, museums, daycares, and primary schools.
• Ensure lab is prepared for studies (maintain inventories, maintain sterile conditions as required).

Supervisory Relationships

This position has supervisory responsibilities: the RA will supervise the work of undergraduates and Research Assistants. This position reports administratively and functionally to Dr. Justine Hoch

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in Psychology, Cognitive Science, Education, or a related field is necessary .
• Interest in developmental science is necessary.
• Strong time-management and organizational skills are necessary .
• Excellent communication skills (written, in person, by phone) are necessary .
• Experience with data entry and data coding is necessary .
• General computer skills (e.g., Microsoft, Keynote/PowerPoint) and enthusiasm for learning new programs and technologies are necessary .
• Experience working with infants and/or children in a research setting is strongly preferred .
• Experience using video coding software (e.g., Datavyu) is strongly preferred .
• Experience with SPSS or R is preferred (but not necessary) .
Willingness to conduct research studies on some nights and weekends is necessary .

Commitment to Equity, Diversity, and Inclusion

At Vanderbilt University, we are intentional about and assume accountability for fostering advancement and respect for equity, diversity, and inclusion for all students, faculty, and staff. Our commitment to diversity makes us who we are. We have created a community that celebrates differences and lets individuality thrive. As part of this commitment, we actively value diversity in our workplace and learning environments as we seek to take advantage of the rich backgrounds and abilities of everyone. The diverse voices of Vanderbilt represent an invaluable resource for the University in its efforts to fulfill its mission and strive to be an example of excellence in higher education.

Vanderbilt University is an equal opportunity, affirmative action employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, or status as a protected veteran, or any other characteristic protected by law.

Please note, all candidates selected for an offer of employment are subject to pre-employment background checks, which may include but are not limited to, based on the role for which they have been selected: criminal history, education verification, social media review, motor vehicle records, credit history, and professional license verification.

At Vanderbilt University , our work - regardless of title or role - is in service to an important and noble mission in which every member of our community serves in advancing knowledge and transforming lives on a daily basis. Located in Nashville , Tennessee, on a 330+ acre campus and arboretum dating back to 1873, Vanderbilt is proud to have been named as one of “America’s Best Large Employers” as well as a top employer in Tennessee and the Nashville metropolitan area by Forbes for several years running. We welcome those who are interested in learning and growing professionally with an employer that strives to create, foster and sustain opportunities as an employer of choice through:

• Working and growing together as a community of communities... we are One Vanderbilt .
• Providing a work environment where every staff and faculty member can be their authentic and best self , while providing the resources and opportunities to learn and grow.
• Encouraging development, collaboration, and partnership both internally and externally while fostering the value that every member of the Vanderbilt community can lead and grow regardless of title or position.

We understand you have a choice when choosing where to work and pursue a career. We understand you are unique and have a story. We want to hear it. We encourage you to apply today so that you might become a part of our story.

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