MSW Research Assistant (RA) Position

JOB DESCRIPTION

MSW Research Assistant (RA) Position

Hourly Pay Rate: $18.00 - 25.00 experience dependent

Project Title: Climate Perceptions, Literacy, and Youth Mental Health in New Orleans

Position Overview

We are seeking motivated Master of Social Work (MSW) students to serve as Research Assistants (RAs) on a community-engaged research project examining how children and youth (ages 12-18) in the Greater New Orleans area understand and make meaning of climate-related information and experiences.

This project aims to map youth beliefs, analyze climate-related discourse, and inform the development of evidence-informed communication strategies to strengthen climate literacy and reduce climate-related distress. RAs will gain hands-on experience in qualitative and mixed-methods research, community-based participatory approaches, and climate and mental health scholarship.

Key Responsibilities

Research Assistants will support multiple aspects of the project, including:

Community-Based Data Collection

• Assist with recruitment of youth participants through community organizations, schools, and social networks
• Support implementation of Photovoice methodology, including participant guidance and communication
• Conduct or assist with semi-structured qualitative interviews
• Maintain ethical standards, including informed consent/assent and confidentiality

Qualitative Research & Analysis

• Transcribe and organize interview and Photovoice data
• Assist with coding and thematic analysis of qualitative data
• Participate in team-based interpretation of findings

Literature Review & Mixed Methods Research

• Contribute to scoping and systematic reviews on climate, heat exposure, and youth mental health
• Screen and extract data from peer-reviewed articles
• Assist with synthesis of findings across qualitative and quantitative sources

Knowledge Translation & Dissemination

• Support development of research summaries, reports, and presentations
• Contribute to materials for a "trusted messenger" climate communication toolkit
• Assist with community-facing dissemination of findings

Learning Objectives / Benefits

MSW RAs will:

• Gain experience in community-based participatory research (CBPR)
• Develop skills in qualitative interviewing, coding, and thematic analysis
• Learn systematic and scoping review methodologies
• Build knowledge at the intersection of climate change, mental health, and social inequities
• Strengthen competencies in trauma-informed and youth-centered research practices

Required Qualifications

• Current MSW student in good academic standing
• Interest in climate change, mental health, and/or social justice
• Strong organizational and communication skills
• Ability to work collaboratively and maintain confidentiality

Preferred Qualifications

• Experience with qualitative research methods (e.g., interviews, coding)
• Familiarity with literature reviews or academic databases
• Experience working with youth or community-based organizations
• Interest in climate communication, health equity, or policy

Time Commitment & Compensation

• Estimated: 5 hours/week (flexible based on student availability)
• Duration: June - December
• Compensation: $18-25 experience dependent.

Location

• Based in the Greater New Orleans area
• Combination of in-person (community engagement/interviews) and remote work

How to Apply

Please submit:

• Resume/CV
• Brief statement of interest (1 page max) describing relevant experience and interest in the project

Tulane University is an equal opportunity educator and employer committed to providing an education and employment environment free of unlawful discrimination, harassment, and retaliation. Legally protected demographic classifications (such as a person's race, color, religion, age, sex, national origin, shared ancestry, disability, genetics, veteran status, or any other characteristic protected by federal, state, or local laws) are not relied upon as an eligibility, selection or participation criteria for Tulane's employment or educational programs or activities.

Tulane University is responsible for providing reasonable accommodations to individuals with disabilities throughout the applicant screening process. If you need assistance in completing an application or during any phase of the interview process, please contact the Office of Human Resources by phone at 504-865-4748 or by email at hr@tulane.edu.