Graduate Research Assistant

Graduate Research Assistant

Deaf and Hard of Hearing Child Resilience Center (DHHCRC)

Position Overview

The Deaf and Hard of Hearing Child Resilience Center (DHHCRC) at Gallaudet University is seeking a motivated, organized, and detail-oriented Graduate Research Assistant to contribute to grant-funded research initiatives focused on advancing behavioral health research, trauma-informed care, and accessible assessment and intervention for deaf and hard of hearing (DHH) children and families.

The Graduate Research Assistant will work collaboratively with faculty, research staff, and project partners across multiple ongoing studies, making meaningful contributions to research implementation, data collection, data management and analysis, interpretation of findings, and the development of scholarly products, including conference presentations, research reports, and manuscripts.

The ideal candidate will have a strong foundation in research methodology, excellent organizational skills, and the ability to manage multiple research assignments while maintaining accuracy, meeting deadlines, communicating proactively, and seeking guidance when appropriate. This position requires a balance of independent initiative, intellectual curiosity, and collaborative teamwork.

Key Responsibilities

Research Implementation and Coordination

Contribute to the implementation of research studies, including development and refinement of study procedures, participant recruitment, data collection, and ongoing study coordination.

Assist with developing, reviewing, and implementing research protocols, assessment instruments, surveys, and other study materials.

Monitor study progress, recruitment targets, data collection milestones, and research deliverables.

Collaborate with research team members to identify implementation challenges and support effective solutions.

Data Collection, Management, and Analysis

Participate in collecting quantitative and qualitative research data through surveys, assessments, interviews, observations, and other approved research procedures.

Organize, clean, code, and manage research datasets, ensuring accuracy, completeness, and consistency.

Contribute to quantitative and/or qualitative data analysis using appropriate research methods and software.

Assist with interpreting research findings, identifying patterns, and considering implications for research and practice.

Maintain secure and organized research records in accordance with institutional policies, confidentiality requirements, and approved research protocols.

Scholarly Research and Dissemination

Conduct literature searches, critically review scholarly publications, and synthesize findings to inform ongoing research.

Contribute to the preparation of scholarly products, including conference abstracts, posters, presentations, research reports, and peer-reviewed manuscripts.

Assist in preparing tables, figures, research summaries, and other materials used to communicate study findings.

Participate in research team discussions regarding study findings, methodological considerations, and directions for future research.

Support dissemination of research findings to academic, professional, and community audiences through accessible ASL and written English materials.

Project Organization and Collaboration

Manage assigned responsibilities across multiple concurrent research projects, prioritizing work based on deadlines, project goals, and supervisory guidance.

Maintain organized systems for tracking assignments, documenting progress, and meeting project deadlines.

Communicate proactively with supervisors regarding progress, competing priorities, challenges, and anticipated delays.

Demonstrate initiative and independent problem-solving while recognizing when clarification, collaboration, or additional guidance is needed.

Participate actively in research meetings, contribute ideas, and respond constructively to feedback.

Required Qualifications

Current enrollment in a graduate degree program in psychology, education, public health, social work, or a related field.

Successful completion of coursework in research design and methodology.

Fluency in American Sign Language (ASL) and proficiency in written English, including academic and professional communication.

Foundational understanding of quantitative and/or qualitative research methods.

Strong organizational skills, attention to detail, and commitment to producing accurate, high-quality work.

Ability to manage multiple research assignments, establish priorities, and meet deadlines.

Strong critical thinking, problem-solving, and analytical skills.

Ability to work independently while maintaining effective communication and collaboration with research supervisors and team members.

Willingness to seek feedback, ask questions, and request assistance when appropriate.

Demonstrated professionalism, reliability, and commitment to research ethics and confidentiality.

Preferred Qualifications

Prior experience conducting or contributing to academic or community-based research.

Graduate coursework in statistics, quantitative data analysis, or qualitative research methods.

Experience with research data analysis software (e.g., SPSS, JASP, R, or ATLAS.ti).

Experience using research data collection platforms (e.g., Qualtrics or REDCap).

Experience contributing to scholarly writing, conference presentations, research posters, or manuscripts.

Familiarity with APA-style scholarly writing and citation practices.

Knowledge of Deaf culture and linguistic and cultural considerations in research with DHH populations.

Interest in child and adolescent mental health, psychological assessment, trauma, or evidence-based interventions.

Professional Expectations

The Graduate Research Assistant is expected to be an engaged and contributing member of the research team, demonstrating both intellectual curiosity and accountability for assigned work. Responsibilities will extend beyond routine administrative assistance to include active participation in research implementation, data analysis, and scholarly activities. Successful candidates will demonstrate initiative, thoughtful problem-solving, careful attention to detail, and the ability to balance multiple responsibilities.