Research Assistant

Monday-Friday, 8am-5pm, although a flexible work schedule may be considered.

To learn more about the pay band for this branch and role, please see the Career Banding rates spreadsheet.

A global higher education leader in innovative teaching, research and public service, the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill consistently ranks as one of the nation's top public universities. Known for its beautiful campus, world-class medical care, commitment to the arts and top athletic programs, Carolina is an ideal place to teach, work and learn.

One of the best college towns and best places to live in the United States, Chapel Hill has diverse social, cultural, recreation and professional opportunities that span the campus and community.

University employees can choose from a wide range of professional training opportunities for career growth, skill development and lifelong learning and enjoy exclusive perks for numerous retail, restaurant and performing arts discounts, savings on local child care centers and special rates on select campus events. UNC-Chapel Hill offers full-time employees a comprehensive benefits package, paid leave, and a variety of health, life and retirement plans and additional programs that support a healthy work/life balance.

The UNC Frank Porter Graham Child Development Institute ( FPG) is one of the nation's oldest and largest multidisciplinary centers devoted to the study of children and their families. As one of the nation's leading child development research centers, we generate scientific evidence, inform policies, and support practices to promote positive developmental and educational outcomes for children of all backgrounds and abilities from infancy to adolescence.

FPG has a particular focus on the study of vulnerable populations and those who have special needs. In addition, FPG is committed to creating a place where everyone is welcome, supported, and has the resources they need to grow and thrive regardless of identity, origin, or difference in circumstances as well as engaging in work that addresses critical issues related to educational inequality and barriers to inclusion that impact children's wellbeing.

Approximately 280 researchers, implementation and technical assistance specialists, staff, and students work on more than 75 projects related to developmental disabilities; physical, social, and emotional health; early care and education; early intervention and special education, prevention science, and more to address important issues facing all children and families. Our work spans across disciplines from education and psychology to social work and public health.

We collaborate with researchers across campus and throughout the nation. At FPG, transdisciplinary collaboration is a way to leverage collective expertise for comprehensive and relevant research and outreach, and is embodied in our motto: Advancing knowledge to transform children's lives.

This position may be eligible for a hybrid work arrangement that may include a partially remote work location, consistent with System Office policy. UNC Chapel Hill employees are generally required to reside within a reasonable commuting distance of their assigned duty station.

The Research Assistant will perform research related tasks on Pre-K Evaluation studies, a series of projects that evaluate state-run pre-k or early childhood programs. The Research Assistant will assist the Project Manager, Investigator, and Principal Investigator to accomplish all aspects of the projects including recruitment of participants; preparation and support of data collection; extensive excel database design and use; preparation and management of online surveys; tracking of participant information; data preparation including cleaning, identifying, tracking and coding data; data entry review including error correction and verification; basic analysis and summaries of recruitment data and survey responses; dissemination preparation; active participation in planning activities and data management; and general project support.

Bachelor's degree; or equivalent combination of training and experience. All degrees must be received from appropriately accredited institutions.

Candidate must have:
* Access to reliable internet access.
* Knowledge of research and evaluation methods in education or related social science, both qualitative and quantitative.
* Demonstrated proficiency in extensive excel database design and use.
* Previous research experience should include data management, including creating error checks and verifying data.
* Effective written and oral communications skills.
* Excellent organizational and time-management abilities.
* Excellent attention to detail.
* Ability to maintain confidentiality and data security.
* Understanding research privacy requirements.
* Strong interpersonal skills, including the ability to communicate well with people from different backgrounds, with professionalism.
* Ability to work well independently and as a team member.
* Demonstrated proficiency with Microsoft Office, especially Outlook, Teams, PowerPoint, Excel and Word, as well as Qualtrics.
* Ability to train temporary employees to utilize existing data management protocols.
* Access to reliable transportation needed for visiting data collection sites.
* The ability to travel to training, events, and data collection sites with occasional overnight stays.

* Education or training in psychology, education, human development, or related fields.
* Knowledge/experience related to early childhood care and education settings.
* Knowledge of standardized child assessment and classroom observation measures data collection methods.
* Experience in working on research projects, especially large-scale projects involving young children and a volume of data.
* Knowledge of statewide Pre-K programs.

Not Applicable.

If you experience any problems accessing the system or have questions about the application process, please contact the Office of Human Resources at (919) 843-2300 or send an email to employment@unc.edu

Please note: The Office of Human Resources will not be able to provide specific updates regarding position or application status.

The University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill is an equal opportunity and affirmative action employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to age, color, disability, gender, gender expression, gender identity, genetic information, race, national origin, religion, sex, sexual orientation, or status as a protected veteran.