Project Assistant – Office of Postdoctoral Affairs – Two positions

The Washington University Office of Postdoctoral Affairs (OPA) serves 830+ postdoctoral appointees on both the Danforth Campus and the Medical Campus. Under the purview of the Office of the Vice Chancellor for Research, the OPA works to ensure that postdoctoral appointees have the support they need to grow as scholars and make meaningful contributions to the university environment and beyond. We help postdoctoral appointees reach their career and professional development goals, advocate for postdoctoral issues, strive to create a lively postdoctoral community, and act as a resource for information regarding postdoctoral life and work.

Position Summary

We are seeking two Project Assistants, who will work with the OPA Director and Program Manager to execute a policy review project, including data collection and analysis. The Project Assistants are current graduate students at Washington University with experience in qualitative research methods. They design research instruments, collect and review data, synthesize external documentation for benchmarking purposes, and write a comprehensive report of the study findings.

This is a temporary position, from March through June 2023. It requires a commitment of 4 hours per week from each Project Assistant.

Primary Responsibilities

  • Design relevant research instruments (e.g., focus group protocols)
  • Compile comprehensive notes and observations for each focus group
  • Code and summarize notes from each focus group using qualitative methods
  • Compare internal and external policy, and identify key policy practices and gaps
  • Create a report of focus group results and quality assurance
  • Perform other essential research-related duties as needed

Minimum Requirements

  • Current graduate student at Washington University in Sociology, Political Science, Psychology, Educational Policy, Public Health, or related fields
  • Completion of qualitative research methods coursework or equivalent
  • Completion of human subjects protection coursework or equivalent, with social and behavioral focus
  • Experience designing and conducting focus groups

Preferred Qualifications

  • Ability to work as part of a diverse team and to cultivate a climate of inclusivity
  • Organizational, analytical, and data management skills
  • Effective verbal, written, and interpersonal communications skills

Compensation

$2,000 stipend for the duration of the project

How to apply

We especially encourage applications by those from underrepresented groups, including international students.

APPLY HERE