Research Assistant

About the Job

Position Overview

The Center for Applied Research and Educational Improvement (CAREI), in the College of Education and Human Development (CEHD), is expanding our research support team with the addition of several Assessment Technician data collection staff. These positions are part-time hourly appointments with variable hours based on the data collection and research support needs across various projects, including some evening and weekend work to accommodate study participants. We are seeking multiple Assessment Technicians to support research and evaluation projects that focus on social and behavioral sciences, education, and the wellbeing of children and families.

All Assessment Technicians receive training in conducting human participant research, as well as project-specific protocol training related to recruitment and informed consent, data collection, fidelity procedures, data entry, coding and cleaning, etc. The primary responsibility of Assessment Technicians is to conduct data collection with study participants including parents, youth, teachers and/or other providers. Data collection may take place both virtually and in-person at various locations including the CAREI office on the St. Paul campus, through home visits, as well as at partnering schools and/or community agencies. Data collection activities may include administration of surveys, behavior- and performance-based tasks, facilitating interaction tasks, focus groups/interviews, and classroom observations.

The ideal candidates will have prior educational, social/behavioral or clinical research experience, as well as experience working with children, teens and/or families. Must have reliable transportation to travel to research sites and ability to work variable hours including during school hours, evenings and weekends.

Job Responsibilities

Data Collection (60%)

• Travel to sites (e.g. homes, schools, etc.) to collect data with youth and/or parents

• Develop rapport with study participants to ensure a positive research experience

• Administer standardized assessments (including surveys and other tasks) both virtually and in-person with research participants

• Provide assistance with focus groups and interviews

• Conduct fidelity of implementation observations and other fidelity monitor tasks

• Follow project protocols to organize, complete and maintain all study-related materials, ensuring data quality control

• Maintain equipment used for assessments (i.e. computers, iPads, video/audio equipment, etc.)

Participant Recruitment (20%)

• Facilitate study recruitment activities by developing rapport and answering participant questions about research studies

• Conduct consent meetings and collect participant consent/assent via informed consent procedures

• Assist with participant retention activities

Data Management (10%)

• Adhere to data security and privacy practices

• Assist with data entry, cleaning and archiving tasks

• Support data analysis tasks as needed

• Transcribe focus group and interview data

• Collaborate on data coding tasks

Other Research Support and Administrative Duties (10%)

• Participate in training of assigned project protocols, interventions, and data collection instruments

• Attend project research meetings

• Provide co-facilitation support for intervention groups including supporting planning for group sessions and leading group activities utilizing a manualized curriculum

• Assist intervention facilitators with research tasks including reporting requirements, overseeing video/audio recordings and uploads, etc.

• Other research duties as assigned

Qualifications

Required Qualifications

• High School degree or equivalent

• Prior experience working with families including parents, children and/or adolescents

• Excellent interpersonal skills and ability to collaborate effectively with people from a variety of communities, backgrounds, and identities

• Proficient with standard computer resources and software including email, Microsoft Office, database systems, survey software (e.g. REDCap, Qualtrics), PDF files, Zoom, and other web-based platforms such as search engines, google docs/sheets, etc.

• Reliable transportation to travel to research sites (i.e. participants home, schools, etc.)

Preferred Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree (or pursuing degree) in social sciences or related field (e.g. psychology, education, family social science, public health, social work, etc.)

• Prior experience conducting research activities such as quantitative and qualitative data collection

• Spanish language fluency

• Self-directed and detail oriented with strong communication skills

• Strong collaboration skills and ability to work as a member of a team

• Knowledge of IRB regulations and processes

About the Department

The University of Minnesota encourages a healthy work life balance for employees. CEHD is committed to an excellent employee experience, offering a flexible work environment that meets the needs of students, staff, faculty, and the communities we serve. Flexible work arrangements may include flexibility in schedule and/or work location, as approved by managers. Please note that 100% remote work requires approval prior to offer.

Pay and Benefits

Pay Range: $18.00-$21.00 per hour; depending on education/qualifications/experience.

Retirement plan options are available for Civil Service, Faculty, Labor-Represented, Professional & Administrative, and Temp Casual classifications. Learn more about retirement plans.

How To Apply

Applications must be submitted online. To be considered for this position, please click the Apply button and follow the instructions. You will have the opportunity to complete an online application for the position and attach a resume.

Additional documents may be attached after application by accessing your "My Job Applications" page and uploading documents in the "My Cover Letters and Attachments" section.

To request an accommodation during the application process, please e-mail employ@umn.edu or call (612) 624-8647.

Diversity

The University recognizes and values the importance of diversity and inclusion in enriching the employment experience of its employees and in supporting the academic mission. The University is committed to attracting and retaining employees with varying identities and backgrounds.

The University of Minnesota provides equal access to and opportunity in its programs, facilities, and employment without regard to race, color, creed, religion, national origin, gender, age, marital status, disability, public assistance status, veteran status, sexual orientation, gender identity, or gender expression. To learn more about diversity at the U: http://diversity.umn.edu

Employment Requirements

Any offer of employment is contingent upon the successful completion of a background check. Our presumption is that prospective employees are eligible to work here. Criminal convictions do not automatically disqualify finalists from employment.

About University of Minnesota

The University of Minnesota, Twin Cities (UMTC)

The University of Minnesota, Twin Cities (UMTC), is among the largest public research universities in the country, offering undergraduate, graduate, and professional students a multitude of opportunities for study and research. Located at the heart of one of the nations most vibrant, diverse metropolitan communities, students on the campuses in Minneapolis and St. Paul benefit from extensive partnerships with world-renowned health centers, international corporations, government agencies, and arts, nonprofit, and public service organizations.

At the University of Minnesota, we are proud to be recognized by Forbes as a Best Employer for Company Culture (2026), Best Employer for Women (2023), and Best Employer by State (2022-2026). In 2026, we also received Culture Excellence & Industry Awards recognition for employee appreciation and work-life flexibility.