Research Assistant

at  Research Foundation of The City University of New York

Job Description

GENERAL DESCRIPTION

Under the routine supervision the PIs and co-PI, performs simple to moderately complex on-site (Hostos Community College and John Jay College of Criminal Justice) research, investigation, or analytic activities as part of a research team or working individually; works under varying degrees of supervision depending on the scope and complexity of the project, the assignment, or the qualifications of the incumbent. Drafts interpretations. Assists in planning meetings, conferences, web-based communication etc. Recruits and interviews research participants/subjects. Maintains confidentiality as required by the project or as directed by supervisors.

The HSI Planning Project will research Spanish-English bilingual students and faculty, along with college stakeholders at two Hispanic-Serving Institutions (HSIs), John Jay College of Criminal Justice (JJC) and Hostos Community College (HCC), to understand the linguistic, socio-cultural and intersectional landscape to strengthen STEM education. The research goals are:

• To provide research on Latinx identity and belonging among Spanish-English bilingual STEM students at two HSIs;
• To provide research on language proficiency of Spanish-English bilingual STEM students at two HSIs; and
• To evaluate institutional capacity and identify best practices for creating a Bilingual STEM Transfer Pipeline at two HSIs.

Providing new knowledge about bilingual students will aid in understanding their skills and attitudes, as well as institutional preparedness for bilingual course development, ultimately improving transfer, retention and graduation rates and postgraduate outcomes for STEM students.

QUALIFICATIONS

• Intellectual curiosity about bilingualism and qualitative research—preferred research background OR research interest in either or both
• Ability to comprehend and act on assignments of varying complexity
• Ability to handle multiple assignments of moderate complexity
• Ability to communicate effectively with other researchers, with supervisors, and with any human subjects in the study
• Ability to use web-based technology, as needed
• Ability to make clear, accurate observations in writing and orally
• Knowledge of diverse sources for finding information in the field
• Ability to take direction and work as part of a team as well as independently
• Ability to work cooperatively
• Doctoral student

• Follows protocols and accurately documents research findings and progress
• Uses research equipment/technology appropriate to the project
• Assists in designing measures, sampling techniques, and instruments to measure results for routine projects
• Follows protocols for gathering qualitative and/or quantitative data, coding data or information, constructing databases using specified technology, analyzing data, maintaining data security, and archiving data as needed
• Keeps accurate, well-organized records
• Performs the duties of lower-level positions as needed; performs other duties as assigned