Research Assistant Position@ The University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh PA

This position is at the Learning Research and Development Center (LRDC), a multi-disciplinary center for research to advance the science of learning by bringing together leading researchers in the cognitive, social, and educational sciences. The Research Lab Coordinator position at the Learning Research and Development Center (LRDC) involves active participation in a groundbreaking research project focused on understanding the role of wealth and wealth deprivation in driving adolescent problem behaviors. This pioneering study addresses a critical gap in existing literature by examining the impact of wealth, beyond income, on adolescent development. 

The role requires close collaboration within a socioeconomically and racially diverse sample of youth aged 13-15 and their caregivers. The project has three primary aims: first, to longitudinally measure family wealth across different socioeconomic, racial, and ethnic groups; second, to explore the interplay between wealth, family income, and income volatility in relation to problem behaviors; and third, to investigate multiple pathways through which wealth may influence adolescent behavior. This includes examining investments of time and money, caregiver and adolescent stress, expectations for the future, and perceptions of social class. 

The Research Lab Coordinator will play a crucial role in collecting and analyzing data, contributing to the project's goal of informing prevention and intervention efforts to reduce problem behaviors and promote psychosocial functioning among adolescents in families experiencing wealth deprivation.

Qualifications include: 

• Proficiency at interacting in a professional manner through e-mail and phone.
• Strong organizational skills. Strong proficiency in working with data.
• Proficiency with Windows, MacOS operating systems.
• Ability to troubleshoot problems caused by operating system changes, software upgrades and hardware changes.
• Strong understanding of statistical procedures; Familiarity with SPSS, R, or SAS; Proficiency with coding in these programs and/or willingness to learn. 
• Capacity to contribute to conceptual experimental design discussions. A solid grasp of scientific theories and lab methods is essential.  Must be able to identify, read and understand primary scientific literature.  Rapid learning of new computer software. Strong writing skills.

Minimum Education Level Required

• Bachelor's degree in a relevant field such as psychology, sociology, public health, social work, economics, or statistics.

Minimum Related Experience Level Required

• 1-3 years of experience assisting with academic or applied research studies involving data collection, management, and analysis.
• Significant relevant experience may be substituted for advanced degree requirements.

Job Summary

• Executes protocol-related research procedures, activities, outreach, and education. 
• Manages a complex program or study or multiple programs and studies. Collects and analyzes data and complies with all policies and regulations. Recommends improvements to policy and procedure.

Essential Functions 

• Core duties involve conducting data collection, cleaning and analyzing complex datasets, performing literature reviews, providing lab/administrative support, and upholding research ethics, integrity and confidentiality. The ability to execute these hands-on research tasks independently with sound judgment is essential.

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