University of Connecticut

JOB SUMMARY

The Institute for Collaboration on Health, Intervention, and Policy (InCHIP) is hiring a Research Assistant with experience in early childhood programs and development. The ideal candidate will have experience in child development, applied research, and speak conversational Spanish. This position offers an opportunity to obtain training and hands-on experience with applied research, interventions, data collection, and child and family well-being. The Research Assistant will work with the research team including a project director, postdoc, graduate students, and faculty. This position is an excellent opportunity for highly motivated individuals preparing for a graduate career in human development, psychology, public policy, or a related field. The successful incumbent will have opportunities to be involved in conference submissions and presentations as well as manuscript preparation. Work will take place at the Storrs campus of the University of Connecticut, as well as in Hartford and New Haven in community-based childcare settings, under the direct supervision of Drs. Rachel Chazan Cohen and Caitlin Lombardi in the Human Development and Family Sciences department.

DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES

• Recruiting and maintaining contact with infants/toddlers and their families.
• Collecting and processing questionnaires and direct assessment data.
• Assisting with data management efforts.
• Coordinating, training, and working with undergraduate research assistants.
• Conducting data collection in family homes, including travel to Hartford and New Haven, with flexibility for evening and weekend hours as necessary.
• Performing other duties as required.

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS

1. Communicates in conversational Spanish.
2. Bachelor's degree in human development, psychology, education, or a related field.
3. Research experience in a research lab focused on early childhood OR at least one (1) year of research data collection experience with documented experience working with young children.
4. Proven communication and interpersonal skills.
5. Demonstrated ability working independently and in team/group settings.
6. Experience utilizing strong organizational skills, demonstrating attention to detail and conscientiousness in work.
7. Documented actions or initiatives supporting inclusivity, equity, and diversity in a research lab or related environment.
8. Proven time-management skills as demonstrated by efficiently and effectively managing multiple tasks.
9. Experience using data entry systems, word processing software, or other related computer skills.

PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS

1. Experience collecting data with young children or families.
2. Experience working directly with young children and families in a research or professional setting.
3. Experience collecting or processing survey data.
4. Experience using REDCap (or similar project management software) and the Microsoft 365 (e.g., SharePoint, Excel).
5. Experience coding observational data.
6. Experience recruiting and communicating with research participants.
7. Demonstrated use of statistical software, such as SPSS, Stata, or R.
8. Experience communicating clearly and effectively in both oral and written formats.

APPOINTMENT TERMS

This is a full-time, end-dated position. Incumbents must be willing and able to travel between Storrs and community-based childcare settings in Hartford and New Haven, as well as work on evenings and weekends, as needed.

The University offers a competitive salary, and outstanding benefits, including spouse and dependent tuition waivers at UConn, and a highly desirable work environment. For additional information regarding benefits visit: https://hr.uconn.edu/health-benefits/.

Other rights, terms, and conditions of employment are contained in the collective bargaining agreement between the University of Connecticut and American Association of University Professors (AAUP) union.

TERMS AND CONDITIONS OF EMPLOYMENT

Employment of the successful candidate is contingent upon the successful completion of a pre-employment criminal background check.

TO APPLY

Please apply online at https://hr.uconn.edu/jobs, Faculty and Staff Positions, Search #499077 and submit the following application materials: resume, cover letter, and contact information for three (3) professional references.

This job posting is scheduled to be removed at 11:55 p.m. Eastern time on June 17, 2025.

All employees are subject to adherence to the State Code of Ethics which may be found at http://www.ct.gov/ethics/site/default.asp.

All members of the University of Connecticut are expected to exhibit appreciation of, and contribute to, an inclusive, respectful, and diverse environment for the University community.

The University of Connecticut aspires to create a community built on collaboration and belonging and has actively sought to create an inclusive culture within the workforce. The success of the University is dependent on the willingness of our diverse employee and student populations to share their rich perspectives and backgrounds in a respectful manner. This makes it essential for each member of our community to feel secure and welcomed and to thoroughly understand and believe that their ideas are respected by all. We strongly respect each individual employee’s unique experiences and perspectives and encourage all members of the community to do the same. All applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, gender, gender identity or expression, sexual orientation, national origin, genetics, disability, age, or veteran status.

The University of Connecticut is an AA/EEO Employer.