Qualitative Research Assistant

Qualitative Research Assistant

The Qualitative Research Assistant supports qualitative and mixed-methods research projects conducted by the Inclusive Economy Lab. This role assists with study design, data collection, data management, qualitative analysis, and dissemination of research findings to support evidence-based policy and program evaluation. This position is not eligible for employer-sponsored employment authorization.

Responsibilities

• Conducts qualitative research activities, including participant interviews, focus groups, transcription, and qualitative coding.
• Conducts literature reviews to support research design and inform ongoing projects.
• Assists with the development of research protocols, interview guides, and other qualitative data collection materials.
• Analyzes qualitative data to identify themes and synthesize findings.
• Writes, formats, and edits research reports, technical documents, and presentation materials for internal and external audiences.
• Performs data entry, cleaning, organization, and quality assurance to support research projects.
• Assists with participant recruitment, scheduling, and research coordination.
• Maintains accurate research records and supports project documentation.
• Collaborates with research staff on project implementation and dissemination activities.
• Maintains technical and administrative support for a research project.
• Analyzes and maintains data and/or specimens. Conducts literature reviews. Assists with preparation of reports, manuscripts and other documents.
• Performs other related work as needed.

Minimum Qualifications

Education:

Minimum requirements include a college or university degree in related field.

Work Experience:

Minimum requirements include knowledge and skills developed through less than 2 years of work experience in a related job discipline.

Certifications:

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Preferred Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in sociology, education, public policy, or another relevant social science field.
• Background working with communities that have experienced segregation and disinvestment.

Technical Skills or Knowledge:

• University coursework or equivalent experience in qualitative research methods.
• Familiar with NVivo, ATLAS.ti, MaxQDA, Dedoose, or other qualitative analysis software.

• Engage thoughtfully with issues related to race, identity, and equity and to work across difference.
• Knowledge of research theory, methods, and literature.
• Work both independently and collaboratively, on internal teams and with external partners.
• Work discreetly with sensitive and confidential data.
• Bilingual skills.

Working Conditions

• This position is currently expected to work a minimum three days per week in the office.
• This is a part-time position of approximately 26 hours per week.

Application Documents

• Resume/CV (required)
• Cover Letter (required)

The University of Chicago uses AI-assisted tools to streamline and augment some recruitment processes; however, AI is not used to make hiring decisions.

When applying, the document(s) MUST be uploaded via the My Experience page, in the section titled Application Documents of the application.

Job Family

Research

Role Impact

Individual Contributor

Scheduled Weekly Hours

26

Pay Rate Type

Hourly

FLSA Status

Non-Exempt

Pay Range

$23.00 - $28.00

The included pay rate or range represents the University's good faith estimate of the possible compensation offer for this role at the time of posting.

Benefits Eligible

Yes

The University of Chicago offers a wide range of benefits programs and resources for eligible employees, including health, retirement, and paid time off. Information about the benefit offerings can be found in the Benefits Guidebook.

Posting Statement

The University of Chicago is an equal opportunity employer and does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender, gender identity, or expression, national or ethnic origin, shared ancestry, age, status as an individual with a disability, military or veteran status, genetic information, or other protected classes under the law. For additional information please see the University's Notice of Nondiscrimination.

Job seekers in need of a reasonable accommodation to complete the application process should call View phone number on click.appcast.io or submit a request via Applicant Inquiry Form.

All offers of employment are contingent upon a background check that includes a review of conviction history. A conviction does not automatically preclude University employment. Rather, the University considers conviction information on a case-by-case basis and assesses the nature of the offense, the circumstances surrounding it, the proximity in time of the conviction, and its relevance to the position.

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