Research Staff Assistant

Research Staff Assistant

• 558732
• New York
• Psychology
• Full Time
• Opening on: Jul 29 2026
• Grade R6

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• Job Type: Support Staff - Non-Union
• Bargaining Unit:
• Regular/Temporary: Regular
• End Date if Temporary:
• Hours Per Week: 35
• Salary Range: $67,500-$67,500

The salary of the finalist selected for this role will be set based on a variety of factors, including but not limited to departmental budgets, qualifications, experience, education, licenses, specialty, and training. The above hiring range represents the University''s good faith and reasonable estimate of the range of possible compensation at the time of posting.

Position Summary

The Center for Justice is committed to ending mass incarceration and criminalization and advancing alternative approaches to justice and safety through education, research, and policy change. Its mission is to help transform the approaches to justice from being driven by punishment and retribution to being centered on prevention and healing. The Center is interdisciplinary and works in partnership with schools, departments, centers, and institutes across Columbia, other universities, government agencies, community organizations, advocates and those directly affected by the criminal justice system.

Under the supervision of the Director of the Center for Justice, the Research Staff Assistant will assist the facilitation of programming that supports the healthy development of young people. This facilitation involves assisting with monitoring and research projects that involve partner organizations and city agencies throughout the city serving people who participate in educational opportunities at Columbia and elsewhere, and who have been impacted by the criminal justice system, as well as designing research-informed sessions and modules for these programs. This work and associated research studies will involve program participants, instructors, mentors, volunteers, and community members.

This role is subject to grant funding, with a duration of up to two years.

Responsibilities

• Create and prepare study and protocol materials that are relevant to the population involved - 30%
• Design research-informed sessions and modules for program participants - 20%
• Conduct in-person and online data collection (surveys, interviews, focus groups, and session observations) and desktop research on programs and community-led interventions that promote well-being in populations living in neighborhoods affected by poverty and mass incarceration - 20%
• Serve as a liaison between participants and partner organizations, mentors, Columbia students, and faculty volunteers - 15%
• Participate in Center meetings and events and performs administrative duties related to the monitoring of the projects (e.g., support preparation of project reports) - 10%
• Perform related duties & responsibilities as requested - 5%

Minimum Qualifications

• Bachelor's Degree required in a scientific discipline.
• Two years of experience in a research environment.

Preferred Qualifications

• Master's Degree.
• At least one year of experience working with community-based organizations.
• Experience working in fast-paced environments that involve various partners, including community-based organizations.
• Comfort travelling to various parts of the city.
• Lived experience that overlaps with the issues that community-based organizations seek to address is an asset for this position.
• Experience working with populations affected by incarceration.
• Experience running programs that support the healthy development of youth.

Other Requirements

• Excellent written, verbal, and interpersonal communication skills.
• Ability to maintain high confidentiality and professionalism with a client focus.
• Strong multi-tasking, prioritization, and organization skills.
• Attention to detail, research, critical thinking, analytical, and problem-solving skills.
• Self-starter, a fast learner who can work independently under limited supervision.
• Work well in an interactive team environment.

Equal Opportunity Employer / Disability / Veteran

Columbia University is committed to the hiring of qualified local residents.