Research Assistant

About the job

Be a Tar Heel!

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 that include numerous retail and restaurant discounts, savings on local child care centers and special rates for performing arts events.

Primary Purpose of Organizational Unit

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 addressing the critical issues of equity, diversity, and inclusion as well as the ways that educational inequality and barriers to inclusion 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.

Position Summary

This position will involve research assistant activities as part of a PreK STEM playgroup research study. It will be primarily remote. Responsibilities will include organizing and cleaning data, running quantitative data analyses from checklists, likert scales, and observational scale scores. The work will also include checking qualitative interview transcripts for accuracy and coding those transcripts with a research team and coding videos collected as part of the study for STEM playing and learning between caregiver and child dyads. The role will include regular virtual meetings with a data analysis team on the project. 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.

Minimum Education and Experience Requirements

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

Management Preferences

• Experience working with young children with and without disabilities and their families
• Experience with data organization or analysis related to both qualitative and quantitative data
• Collaborative attitude and willingness to work as a partner/team member on the project

Office of Human Resources Contact Information

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.