Summary of Role

foundry10 is an education research organization with a philanthropic focus on expanding ideas about learning and creating direct value for youth. Our Research Team collaborates with educators, industry professionals, young people, and other researchers to conduct research to advance understanding of the learning process, support practitioners, and empower learning communities to create value for youth. We are currently seeking one part-time Undergraduate Research Assistant to support our Career-Connected Learning and Life Skills interest area team. 

The Undergraduate Research Assistant will work on projects that investigate youth career exploration methods and knowledge acquisition, workforce readiness including soft skills and expertise development, and life skills development.

The Research Assistant will provide hands-on support to one or more of our research projects, including assisting with research study design, data collection, data analysis, and other research related tasks such as preparing findings for publication. Exact responsibilities will vary by project. The Research Assistant will support the research projects of Career-Connected Learning and Life Skills interest area team under the direction of one of our Associate Researchers.

This is a part-time, temporary position of up to 15 hours per week from June through September 2024, with the possibility of extending into the fall depending on the needs of the team. This position offers a rate of $28/hour and opportunities for professional development through hands-on research in an educational research lab. 

The person in this role may work remotely but must live in Washington State, be available to attend in-person orientation at the foundry10 office which is located in the University District of Seattle, and potentially be available for in-person research activities and meetings with advanced notice. Not all hours for the position will require in-person attendance. 

We are not able to sponsor visa applications and to be considered for this position, you must be eligible to work in the United States. 

To protect our staff, partners, and the youth we serve, we require all foundry10 employees be fully vaccinated against COVID-19, unless they have an approved medical or religious accommodation.

Responsibilities

Specific responsibilities will vary based on the project, but may include the following:

• Provide support through the conception and implementation of research projects, including:
  • Research background and literature review
  • Design of survey and other research tools
  • Participant recruitment, including contacting families and schools
  • Data collection, often in applied settings such as schools or youth programs (through interviews, observation, running tests, and/or survey administration)
• Assist with focus group data collection (can be completed remotely)
• Provide support throughout the analysis portion of a research process, including:
  • Data management and preparation (e.g., data entry, data cleaning)
  • Data analysis (e.g., descriptive statistical analysis, qualitative coding)
  • Sharing results through written reports and other relevant mediums
• Participate in project team meetings
• Use project management software to track project-related tasks and schedules

Education and Experience

Required experience

• Currently enrolled as a student in a related undergraduate program (i.e., major related to education or the social sciences) or have graduated from an undergraduate program during the 2023-24 academic year
• Overall familiarity with the research process
• Experience participating in the research process in some form (e.g., curriculum related project, working in a faculty member’s lab)
• Experience with data collection
• Experience with qualitative analysis methods (e.g., coding) and tools (e.g., MAXQDA, Dedoose, NVivo)
• Competence with Google Suite
• Ability to troubleshoot and set up computers and equipment for research projects
• Ability to organize and prioritize competing tasks and projects
• Communication skills to collaborate with team members in a fast-paced environment
• Strong attention to detail
• Ability to work independently and in a hybrid team environment

Preferred experience

• Experience with high school and/or college students
• Experience with qualitative analysis methods and tools
• Experience conducting focus groups (especially as a notetaker or co-facilitator) or qualitative interviews

Other requirements

• Ability to maintain a consistent work schedule of 7-10 hours per week during foundry10’s working hours (Monday-Thursday, 9am-5pm). Some flexibility is possible, but it is preferable for the Research Assistant to have a relatively stable schedule.
• Candidates may work remotely but must be located in Washington State and have the ability to attend in-person orientation in Seattle, WA.
• This position may be asked or invited to participate in other in-person activities, but those will be communicated well in advance.

To be considered for this position, submit your resume or CV along with a cover letter. 

In your cover letter, please include the following: 

• How this role would support your current educational or professional goals. 
• Your experience with qualitative research.

Applications will not be reviewed without a cover letter.

The hiring team will begin reviewing applications the week of April 29, and will continue to accept and review applications on a rolling basis until the position is filled. 

foundry10 is committed to creating a diverse environment where everyone can bring their full selves to work. Employment decisions are based on merit and business needs. The organization strives to provide a work environment free from discrimination and harassment because of a protected characteristic. foundry10 does not discriminate against employees or applicants based on race, color, creed, citizenship, status, national origin, ancestry, gender, genetic information, sexual orientation, gender expression or identity, age, religion, pregnancy or pregnancy-related condition, physical or mental disability, marital status, parental status, veteran status, political affiliation, or any other characteristic protected by law. 

We are committed to providing reasonable accommodations to assist individuals with disabilities with the application and interviewing process as well as essential job functions.