The College of Education and Human Ecology at The Ohio State University is seeking a Research Technician to join Dr. Piasta’s team in the Early Literacy and Learning Lab (EL3) at the Crane Center for Early Childhood Research and Policy! The Research Technician will contribute to the NIH-funded project Optimizing Phonological Awareness Learning (OPAL). Minimum weekly hours will range depending on the phase of the project, with additional hours available depending on project needs and employee availability. The phases are segmented as follows: an initial 2-4 week training phase with a minimum of 4 hours/week, a 6-8 week autumn intervention phase with a minimum of 11 hours/week, and a 6-8 week spring intervention phase with a minimum of 12 hours/week.
Project OPAL is a multi-university, longitudinal, randomized controlled trial of phonological sensitivity and/or phonemic awareness intervention for prekindergarten and kindergarten students at risk for reading difficulties. The Research Technician will conduct research activities with prekindergarten and kindergarten students at central Ohio elementary schools and early childhood education centers. They will assist the Principal Investigator, the project coordinator, the Research Lead Technician, and the research team in the long-term and day-to-day progress towards project deliverables. This includes implementing intervention with prekindergarten and kindergarten students at schools/centers; potentially conducting language and literacy assessments with students in prekindergarten, kindergarten, and first grade at schools/centers and public locations; assisting with data processing and school/center communication activities; preparing and maintaining project documentation and materials; attending project/staff meetings, trainings, and workshops as needed; and otherwise assisting with in-lab and field-based activities. As a member of the Early Literacy and Learning Lab, the Research Technician will contribute to a supportive, collaborative, and positive lab culture and maintain productive relationships with external partners. Other duties as requested.
This position will require regular travel to/from schools/centers and the research lab and consistent availability during school hours. The position also requires satisfactory completion of a background check and paperwork required for working with students in schools.
The position may be renewable through May, 2029, contingent upon successful performance and available funding. Additional weekly hours may be available in project years 2-3.

The following links provide a sense of the research conducted by Dr. Piasta and within the EL3:

• FSU news story about OPAL
• READ podcast, E44 https://www.thewindwardschool.org/the-windward-institute/media/read/shayne-piasta-phd
• See Speak Hear podcast, E43 http://www.seehearspeakpodcast.com/episode-43
• Teaching Literacy podcast, E37
• Dr. Piasta’s Google Scholar profile

While applying to this position in Workday, interested candidates should attach a cover letter detailing their interest in the position and how they meet the required and desired qualifications, along with an updated resume or curriculum vitae. Incomplete applications will not be reviewed.

REQUIRED EXPERIENCE:

High School diploma or GED. 1 year of relevant experience required. Prior experience working with children (4-7 years of age). Prior experience working in a professional setting, ideally a school, early childhood center, clinic, research center, or child/youth program/nonprofit. Excellent communication (oral and written) and interpersonal skills. Strong organizational skills and attention to detail. Adaptable and flexible. Ability to work independently and collaboratively with a research team. Ability to interact effectively with people from diverse backgrounds. Familiarity with using iPads and Apple apps. Reliable means of transportation to/from the Crane Center, schools, and centers. Consistent daily availability Monday-Friday during school hours. Willingness to complete a background check, fingerprinting, and other requirements to be able to work with children in schools/centers.

DESIRED EXPERIENCE:

Experience conducting social science research. Experience with psychological and/or educational assessments. Experience providing instruction or intervention in an education setting, particularly language and/or literacy instruction. Knowledge about literacy development and evidence-based instruction. Experience with OneDrive. Knowledge and experience with data confidentiality and security.
70%
Conduct language and literacy interventions with students in prekindergarten, kindergarten, and first grade at schools/centers and public locations. Follow OPAL curriculum to ensure fidelity among interventions across centers/schools. Collect lesson implementation data (video records each lesson, completes daily logs).
15%
Assist Dr. Piasta and research staff in the long-term and day-to-day progress towards project deliverables; help with student retention/tracking activities; attend project/staff meetings, additional trainings, and workshops as needed; and otherwise assists with field-based activities. Maintain communication with centers/schools. Monitor data collection and intervention progress. Practice lessons and prepare activities prior to going into the field for interventions.
15%
Potentially conduct language and literacy assessments with students in prekindergarten, kindergarten, and first grade at schools/centers and public locations. Follow assessment parameters to ensure fidelity among assessments across centers/schools. Collect assessment data (video/audio records of each assessment, complete assessment protocols). Assessments will consist of phonological sensitivity and phonemic awareness and will be administered to a small group of students per center/school.

Please refer the Job description for details