Part-Time Student Research Assistant, Qualitative Research

Department

THE ONEILL SCHOOL - BL SPEA (BL-SPEA-IUBLA)

Department Information

The ONeill School of Public and Environmental Affairs works to build a better world by stewarding the development of welcoming societies, democratic governance, and a healthy, sustainable environment. With partners across the public, private, and nonprofit sectors, we pursue education, scholarship, and civic engagement at the crossroads of policy, science, and management. We give our students the knowledge and skills to have a significant impact around the globe.

Our Values

• Excellence - Aiming to be the best in all that we do and developing the professional and personal capabilities necessary to improve the world through our work.
• Meaning and impact - Pursuing careers and service that add purpose and meaning to our lives, encouraging others to do so, and improving quality of life for individuals and societies.
• Ongoing learning - Continuously developing the skills, knowledge, experience, and sound judgment necessary for wise and informed decision-making.
• Well-being - Emphasizing the well-being and safety of individuals and the health of our natural environment as essential for thriving communities and well-functioning, just societies.

Job Summary

The Research Assistant will support a research project examining peoples experiences with mobile money and digital financial technologies. The primary responsibility of this position is qualitative data analysis, including coding interview data, identifying and documenting emerging themes, and contributing to the organization and synthesis of qualitative findings.

Department Specific Responsibilities

• Works under the direction of the Principal Investigator (PI) and participates in regular discussions to develop and refine the projects coding framework and interpretation of findings.
• Analyzes interview data and qualitative research data using inductive and thematic coding methods to identify patterns, themes, and emerging insights that support project objectives.
• Utilizes established codebooks and coding protocols while contributing to the ongoing refinement of coding frameworks as new themes and findings emerge.
• Prepares and maintains analytic memos, coding records, codebook updates, and other documentation to ensure methodological rigor, transparency, and consistency throughout the research process.
• Participates in regular research meetings to discuss findings, align coding approaches, resolve analytical questions, and contribute to interpretation of qualitative data.
• Summarizes qualitative findings and supporting evidence for research reports, presentations, manuscripts, and other scholarly or professional dissemination activities.
• Manages qualitative data using research software and secures data systems while adhering to human subjects research requirements and institutional compliance standards.
• May contribute to the preparation of research outputs, including scholarly manuscripts and presentations.

Qualifications

Combinations of related education and experience may be considered. Education beyond the minimum required may be substituted for work experience. Work experience beyond the minimum required may be substituted for education.

EDUCATION

Required

• Currently enrolled as a graduate student pursuing a degree in Human-Computer Interaction, Information Science, Communication, Sociology, Anthropology, Public Health, Development Studies, or another social science or related field.

WORK EXPERIENCE

Required

• 2 years experience conducting qualitative research or qualitative data analysis.
• Experience working as part of a research team on a qualitative or mixed-methods research project.

SKILLS

Required

• Proficient communication skills.
• Experience conducting qualitative analysis and can apply established qualitative coding practices with limited methodological training.
• Ability to code and analyze qualitative data, particularly interview or focus group data.
• Ability to conducting inductive or thematic qualitative analysis.
• Ability to analyze research concerning technology use, financial technologies, digital platforms, or related social and technological topics.

Working Conditions / Demands

This role requires the ability to effectively communicate and to operate a computer and other standard office productivity equipment. The position involves sedentary work as well as periods of time moving around an office environment and the campus. The person in this role must be able to perform the essential functions with or without an accommodation.

Must be able to complete required human subjects research training (CITI) and any other required research compliance training before accessing study data.

Additional Information

This is a limited-term position. The anticipated duration of the appointment is approximately 3 months from the start date.

Work Location

ONeill School of Public and Environmental Affairs

Indiana University (IU) Bloomington Campus

Advertised Salary

$16.00 per hour

Benefits Overview

For full-time staff employees, Indiana University offers a wide array of benefits including:

• Comprehensive medical and dental insurance
• Health savings account with generous IU contributions
• Healthcare and dependent care flexible spending accounts
• Basic group life insurance paid by IU
• Voluntary supplemental life, long-term disability, critical illness, and supplemental accidental death & dismemberment insurance
• Base retirement plan with generous IU contributions, subject to vesting
• Voluntary supplemental retirement plan options
• Tuition subsidy for employees and family members taking IU courses
• 10 paid holidays plus a paid winter break each year
• Generous paid time off plans
• Paid leave for new parents and IU-sponsored volunteer events
• Employee assistance program (EAP)

Learn more about our benefits by reviewing the IU Benefit Programs Brochure.

Job Classification

Career Level: Part Time Employee

FLSA: Nonexempt

Job Function: Part Time Employee

Job Family: Part Time Student Employee

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Posting Disclaimer

This posting is scheduled to close at 11:59 pm EST on the advertised Close Date. This posting may be closed at any time at the discretion of the University, but will remain open for a minimum of 5 business days. To guarantee full consideration, please submit your application within 5 business days of the Posted Date.

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Equal Employment Opportunity

Indiana University is an equal opportunity employer and provider of ADA services and prohibits discrimination in hiring. See Indiana University Notice of Non-Discrimination here which includes contact information.

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