STEM Education Research Assistant
Research Assistant, STEM Education Research
Position type: Part-time, paid (undergraduate or graduate students)
Hours: 5-10 hours per week
Term: Fall 2026, with the possibility of renewal
Location: Remote and some in-person events
Pay: $17.50 per hour
ABOUT THE POSITION
Our lab studies STEM teaching and learning using a mix of qualitative and quantitative methods. We are hiring a research assistant to help with qualitative coding: reading text closely (interview transcripts, open-ended survey responses, classroom artifacts, and similar materials) and applying a coding scheme carefully and consistently.
Much of this work comes down to noticing small differences that turn out to matter, such as two responses that look similar on a first pass but belong in different categories. If you find that kind of careful reading satisfying rather than tedious, you will probably enjoy this position. No prior research experience is required. We will train you on the coding scheme and the tools.
WHAT YOU WILL DO
- Read and code text data using an established coding scheme, with training and ongoing feedback
- Meet weekly with the research team to discuss coding decisions and resolve ambiguous cases
- Write short memos documenting patterns, edge cases, and questions that come up while coding
- Help with related tasks such as organizing data, checking coding reliability, and preparing summaries
- Depending on interest and fit, contribute to conference presentations or manuscripts
WHAT WE ARE LOOKING FOR
- Attention to detail. Qualitative coding rewards close reading. The core skill is detecting small but meaningful differences between pieces of text and applying the same standard consistently across hundreds of cases.
- Clear, timely communication. Ambiguous cases are normal and expected. We would much rather you ask a question the day it comes up than sit on it. Asking early keeps the work moving and usually improves the coding scheme itself.
- Dependability. Weekly team meetings are the backbone of this work. We ask that you attend consistently, and email at least 24 hours ahead if you need to reschedule.
- Independence. After training, you will manage your own hours and complete coding batches on an agreed-upon schedule without day-to-day supervision.
PREFERRED, BUT NOT REQUIRED
- Prior experience with research of any kind, or with qualitative analysis specifically
- Coursework or background in education, psychology, a STEM field, sociology, linguistics, or a related area
- Interest in STEM education, teaching, or how people learn
HOW TO APPLY
Submit a resume and a brief cover letter telling us:
- Why this work interests you.
- Your career goals (briefly)
- An example of a time you had to be careful and consistent with detailed work. This does not need to be research; coursework, a job, or a personal project all count.
This shouldn't be long. Three paragraphs is fine.
Please do not use AI to write your cover letter. Thanks for your attention to this!
Applications reviewed on a rolling basis, with a start date as early as September 1 or sooner depending on how quickly hiring paperwork can be processed!