Department

SSD Psychology: Staff and Temporary Employees - Khan

About the Department

The Cognitive Development Lab in the Department of Psychology at the University of Chicago, under the direction of Dr. Susan Levine focuses on mathematical and language development in young children, and on variations in children’s learning trajectories that relate to their experiences at home and at school. We are interested in how learning is shaped by variations in the amount and quality of early experiences. Our research ranges from naturalistic studies of parent-child and teacher-child interactions to laboratory studies examining how particular kinds of instruction impact children’s learning. Much of our research focuses on children’s mathematical and spatial learning, and examines cognitive as well as affective factors relating to achievement in these domains.

Job Summary

The job performs routine assignments related to scientific research projects. Ensures compliance of research activities with institutional, state, and federal regulatory policies, procedures, directives and mandates. Analyzes possible solutions using standard procedures. Writes articles, reports and manuscripts. Assists in drafting presentations on research findings.

The Research Analyst will participate in projects concerning the early mathematical development of young children. Research will occur in child care, preschool, and public school environments, as well as in a laboratory environment. Primary responsibilities are recruitment and scheduling of subjects, data collection, transcription and coding, and preliminary data analysis. This position is especially appropriate for candidates who are interested in pursuing advanced graduate studies in psychology or education.

Responsibilities

• Data Collection and analysis: Working alongside others, the Research, Analyst will collect data from children in lab, school, or home settings administering formal assessments and collecting naturalistic data.

• Scheduling: Research, Analyst will be responsible for initiating contact and liaising with families and/or schools to schedule a target number of participants per week. Coordinating schedules with team members, and managing research participant incentives.

• Undergraduate RA Management: Research, Analyst will be responsible for scheduling data collection shifts for undergraduate RAs, providing feedback to undergraduate RAs regarding child and parent communication, and serving as a liaison between undergraduate RAs, graduate students, and post docs.

• Data Analysis and Management: Research, Analyst will be responsible for transcription and coding of data as well as managing the data files.

• IRB Maintenance: Research, Analyst will be responsible for maintaining all Institutional Review Board (IRB) permissions and submitting IRB amendments for relevant projects.

• Assist with report, manuscript, and conference preparation.

• General administrative support as needed.

• Maintains technical and administrative support for a research project.

• Maintains recruiting and scheduling research subjects; assisting with developing or amending study protocols; assisting with developing data collection tools; assisting with building databases; and providing general administrative support. Has general awareness in research techniques or methods, regulatory policies and procedures, and relevant scientific field.

• Performs other related work as needed.

Minimum Qualifications

Education:

Minimum requirements include a college or university degree in related field.

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Work Experience:

Minimum requirements include knowledge and skills developed through < 2 years of work experience in a related job discipline.

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Certifications:

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Preferred Qualifications

Education:

• Bachelor's degree or higher required in education, psychology, cognitive science, data science, statistics, applied mathematics, or a related field.

Experience:

• Prior experience working with children and in collecting experimental data.

• Bi-lingual, native speaker of Spanish.

• One year of relevant research experience.

Technical Skills or Knowledge:

• Knowledge of Microsoft Office.

Preferred Competencies

• Analytical skills.

• Experience with administering standardized tests.

• Oral and written communication skills.

• Basic knowledge in relevant scientific field.

• Problem-solving skills.

• Attention to detail.

• Organizational skills.

• Ability to learn new research techniques or methods.

• Ability to work independently and as part of a team.

Working Conditions

• Home environment: Must be able to travel to local families’ homes.

• School environment: Must be able to pass school background check and health screening

Application Documents

• Resume (required)

• Cover letter (preferrred)

• References (required)

Job Family

Research

Role Impact

Individual Contributor

FLSA Status

Non-Exempt

Pay Frequency

Biweekly

Scheduled Weekly Hours

37.5

Benefits Eligible

Yes

Drug Test Required

No

Health Screen Required

No

Motor Vehicle Record Inquiry Required

No

Posting Statement

The University of Chicago is an Affirmative Action/Equal Opportunity/Disabled/Veterans Employer and does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national or ethnic origin, age, status as an individual with a disability, protected veteran status, genetic information, or other protected classes under the law. For additional information please see the University's Notice of Nondiscrimination.

Staff Job seekers in need of a reasonable accommodation to complete the application process should call 773-702-5800 or submit a request via Applicant Inquiry Form.

We seek a diverse pool of applicants who wish to join an academic community that places the highest value on rigorous inquiry and encourages a diversity of perspectives, experiences, groups of individuals, and ideas to inform and stimulate intellectual challenge, engagement, and exchange.

All offers of employment are contingent upon a background check that includes a review of conviction history. A conviction does not automatically preclude University employment. Rather, the University considers conviction information on a case-by-case basis and assesses the nature of the offense, the circumstances surrounding it, the proximity in time of the conviction, and its relevance to the position.

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