Research Assistant Non-Exempt Temporary or Casual

Position Overview

This is a .25 FTE temporary appointment at 10 hours per week with an expected end date of May 31, 2025. This appointment may be extended based on the availability of funds.

This position will provide assistance with research project design and implementation for a study of social workers in Minnesota. Primary duties include study participant recruitment, data analysis, preparing reports and presentations, and writing scholarly manuscripts for publication.

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. Please note that 100% remote work requires approval prior to offer.

Job Responsibilities

Research Design and Implementation (10%)

• Facilitate study participant recruitment efforts.
• Design and/or update instrumentation.
• Planning of study implementation.
• Complete and submit IRB proposals/updates.

Data Collection (35%)

• Conduct individual interviews and focus groups.
• Collection of other data, as needed.
• Support Principal Investigator's efforts in data collection.

Data Cleaning and Analysis (25%)

• Prepare data for analysis.
• Use qualitative software program for data management and coding.
• Use statistical software program for analysis of quantitative data.

Presentation of Findings (20%)

• Write technical reports.
• Write scholarly publications/manuscripts.
• Prepare and delivery presentations to key stakeholders.

Attendance at Project Meetings (10%)

• Attend weekly project meeting with Principal Investigator.
• Attend other project-related meetings, as needed.

Qualifications

Required Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree with minimum of one year of research training.
• Experience with Institutional Review Boards and human subjects protocols.
• Advanced knowledge of and experience with Microsoft Word and PowerPoint.
• Knowledge of online survey software (e.g., Qualtrics).
• Knowledge of qualitative data analysis computer software (e.g., NVivo).
• Knowledge of quantitative data analysis software (e.g., SPSS).
• Strong oral and written communication skills (technical and scholarly).
• Strong organizational and time management skills.
• Ability to translate research findings into reports and presentations.
• Ability to collaborate effectively with people from a variety of communities, backgrounds, and identities.

Preferred Qualifications

• Graduate degree in social work or public health.
• Strong project development and management skills.
• Experience with mixed methods research designs.
• Understanding of health care delivery systems in Minnesota.
• Strong critical thinking and problem-solving skills.

About the Department

Department Overview

Founded in 1917 on Dakota homeland, the School of Social Work at the University of Minnesota - Twin Cities is part of a public, research-intensive university and one of seven administrative units in the College of Education and Human Development (CEHD). The School offers several graduate and undergraduate educational programs including: a PhD in Social Work; a Master of Social Work; a Master of Education in Youth Development Leadership; a Bachelor of Science in Youth Studies, and undergraduate minors in Family Violence Prevention, Social Justice, and Youth Studies. Underlying all these multidisciplinary programs is a social justice value base and a commitment to the most vulnerable and marginalized populations in our society. The curricula of our educational programs, and faculty research and engagement, intentionally seek to emphasize and expand anti-racist perspectives, social, economic and racial justice, and decolonization. The School is the home to a variety of labs and centers that actively involve our students, staff, faculty, and community partners, e.g., the Youth Work Learning Lab, the Center for Advanced Studies in Child Welfare, the Center for Practice Transformation, and the Minnesota Child Welfare Training Academy, an innovative partnership with the Minnesota Department of Human Services that is funded by the state legislature to further develop equitable child welfare practices.

College Overview

The College of Education and Human Development (CEHD), the third largest college and the University, contributes to a just and sustainable future through engagement with the local and global communities to enhance human learning and development at all stages of the life span. We know diversity is necessary to do our best work and foster our humanity. That's why the CEHD community is collectively dedicated to cultivating an inclusive and equitable environment, embracing and celebrating all identities of our students, staff, and faculty. These values are also a moral imperative requiring continuous proactive measures and a firm stance against prejudice, discrimination, and systemic injustice. https://cehd.umn.edu

How To Apply

Applications must be submitted online. Please click the Apply button and follow the instructions. You will be given the opportunity to complete an online application for the position and attach a cover letter and resume.

To be considered for this position, submit the following documents:

• CV / resume
• Cover letter

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 the U of M

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 nation's 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 the Star Tribune as a Top Workplace for 2021, as well as by Forbes as Best Employers for Women and one of America’s Best Employers (2015, 2018, 2019, 2023), Best Employer for Diversity (2019, 2020), Best Employer for New Grads (2018, 2019), and Best Employer by State (2019, 2022).