Research Assistant

About the role

Department Summary: Educational and Community Supports (ECS), a research unit within the University of Oregon’s College of Education, is a leader in conducting and disseminating research that addresses common education problems. The mission of ECS is to develop and implement practices that result in positive, durable and scientifically substantiated change in the lives of individuals with disabilities and their families. Our research process involves identifying challenges faced by educators and families, developing and testing practical solutions, and using the principles of implementation science for equitable and sustainable systems change. The research from ECS is currently being used in over 25,000 schools across the United States and in over 20 other countries across the world. We offer a flexible, supportive family-friendly work environment in a stimulating academic setting. At ECS, we value the contribution that diversity brings to our work and culture. Understanding and learning from our differences gives us unique opportunities to improve our research and technical assistance efforts.

Position Summary: The Research Assistant (RA) will support research activities by assisting faculty and staff with data collection, observational data coding, and communication with study participants, including teachers and school administrators. Responsibilities include coordinating participant recruitment, supporting graduate students involved in data coding, and performing data entry as needed. The RA may also assist with editing, uploading, and organizing digital media used for participant recruitment, teacher training, and dissemination of project materials. All digital content will be prepared under the direction of the project’s principal investigator. This position reports to Research Associate Professor Erin Chaparro and operates in accordance with the United Academics Collective Bargaining Agreement.

Responsibilities

• Assist faculty and staff with data collection, observational data coding, and communication with study participants (teachers, school administrators).
• Coordinate participant recruitment.
• Support graduate students involved in data coding.
• Perform data entry as needed.
• Assist with editing, uploading, and organizing digital media for participant recruitment, teacher training, and dissemination of project materials.

Requirements

• Bachelor’s degree in Education, Education Studies, Psychology, Special Education, or related fields.
• Two or more years of post‑bachelor’s experience in professional data collection, data management, and project management support.
• Six months of experience ensuring the quality and integrity of data collection and observation coding.
• Experience recruiting for research studies or project participation in a professional capacity (not for course credit or degree completion).

Skills

• Strong written and verbal communication skills.
• Ability to solve problems independently and in a collaborative team environment.
• Ability to communicate effectively with research and project staff and participants of diverse racial, cultural, linguistic, religious, and ethnic backgrounds.
• Ability to initiate and complete tasks independently according to timelines and follow through on completion of project objectives.
• Advanced proficiency with Microsoft Office applications (Word, PowerPoint, Outlook, Excel).
• Intermediate proficiency with video editing and graphic design applications (e.g., Adobe Premiere Pro, Illustrator, InDesign, iMovie).
• Intermediate proficiency with Qualtrics survey software.

Qualifications

• Preferred: Master’s degree in Education, Education Studies, Psychology, Special Education, or related fields.
• Preferred: Experience in application of research protocols (e.g., fidelity checklists, implementation of coaching, survey development).
• Preferred: Experience writing professional materials (e.g., training and resource guides).
• Preferred: Experience in data collection, observations, and management.

Benefits

The University of Oregon offers a robust benefits package to eligible employees, including health insurance, retirement plans, and paid time off. For more information about benefits, visit the university’s website.

Schedule

Full‑time, 12‑month position.