Research Assistant/Project Coordinator

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, social, and educational sciences.

The Understanding Development in Diverse Contexts Lab is seeking a Project Coordinator to join its research team. The Project Coordinator will help support the research program of faculty in the Department of Psychology and in the Learning Research & Development Center whose work focuses substantively on the behavioral, academic, and physical health of children and adolescents of color. The Project Coordinator's key responsibilities will include providing technical and administrative support for multiple research studies. Specifically, the candidate will assist with data collection via surveys, health assessments, focus groups, and interviews; help prepare, submit, and modify Institutional Review Board (IRB) protocols; support participant recruitment efforts, including screening and obtaining consent/assent from study participants; and other assigned duties that support the labs' research and training endeavors. The coordinator will also assist with efforts to establish and maintain partnerships with community-based partners and organizations and help update and disseminate lab communications across multiple platforms (e.g., social media, lab website).

Candidates should possess the following qualifications: Bachelor's degree (or possess skills and work experience commensurate with a BA/BS) in psychology, human development, education, sociology, social work, or other social science; research experience in the fields of psychology, child and adolescent development, or pre-K through grade 12 education; interest in and commitment to conducting community-engaged research centered on promoting the health and well-being of ethnically, racially, and socioeconomically diverse children and families; advanced computer and technology skills, including proficiency with basic office productivity tools (e.g., Word, Excel, PowerPoint; Google Drive, Docs, Sheets, and Slides); superior problem-solving skills and a willingness to take initiative; ability to work independently as well as to seek support when necessary, prioritize competing projects and duties, and work collaboratively in a team environment; excellent oral and written communication skills; strong organizational and interpersonal skills and meticulous attention to detail. Experience using statistical software (e.g., SPSS, Stata, R) and/or qualitative data analysis software (e.g., NVivo) is desirable, but not required. This role is a 12-month position with the opportunity for renewal contingent upon performance and funding.

The successful candidate will be required to obtain Pennsylvania Child Protection Clearances.

Executes protocol-related research procedures, activities, outreach, and education. Manages a complex program or study or multiple programs and studies. Collects and analyzes data and complies with all policies and regulations. Recommends improvements to policy and procedure.

Data collection, coordination, and input, community stakeholder and participant contact and recruitment, train undergraduate student workers

This position is primarily sedentary and involves significant periods of sitting (or standing based on the incumbent's preferences) while using a computer, audiovisual, telephone, and other office equipment. The role involves some movement between lab spaces, offices, and conference rooms within the (wheelchair-accessible) workplace as well as some on-campus and off-campus (i.e., within the community at large) travel for recruitment, data collection, meetings, and other purposes. The incumbent may have to transport and carry recruitment and study materials and documents to different on-campus and off-campus locations, but no heavy lifting is required.

The University of Pittsburgh is committed to championing all aspects of diversity, equity, inclusion, and accessibility within our community. This commitment is a fundamental value of the University and is crucial in helping us advance our mission, which includes attracting and retaining diverse workforces. We will continue to create and maintain an environment that allows individuals to discover, belong, contribute, and grow, while honoring the experiences, perspectives, and unique identities of all.

The University of Pittsburgh is an Affirmative Action/Equal Opportunity Employer and values equality of opportunity, human dignity and diversity. EOE, including disability/vets.