Position Summary

The VCU School of Social Work is seeking an hourly Research Assistant to support faculty-led research focused on adolescent and family mental health and well-being. The Research Assistant will provide support for qualitative research activities, with an initial emphasis on qualitative data analysis and preparation of research findings for scholarly dissemination.

This position is well suited for an individual interested in gaining or further developing experience in qualitative research, adolescent and family research, mental health, and academic research dissemination.

Position Details

The position is hourly and part-time, with the anticipated number of hours determined based on project needs and the requirements of the appointment. Work will primarily be conducted remotely.

The initial priority will be supporting qualitative analysis and manuscript preparation for an ongoing adolescent and family mental health research project. The Research Assistant will work under the supervision and guidance of the faculty principal investigator.

Responsibilities

Responsibilities may include:

• Reviewing and organizing qualitative interview transcripts and other research materials.
• Conducting qualitative coding and data organization using Dedoose.
• Assisting with the development and refinement of codes, themes, and analytic categories.
• Preparing analytic summaries and research memos.
• Identifying, organizing, and verifying illustrative participant quotations.
• Conducting focused literature searches and summarizing relevant scholarly literature.
• Assisting with preparation and revision of manuscripts, abstracts, presentations, and other research products.
• Assisting with organization and preparation of research materials and data.
• As appropriate and following all required training and research approvals, assisting with qualitative interviews and related research activities.
• Communicating regularly with the faculty supervisor regarding progress, questions, and analytic decisions.
• Completing other research-related tasks as needed to support ongoing faculty research projects.

Qualifications

Required:

• Strong written and verbal communication skills.
• Ability to work independently while communicating effectively with a faculty supervisor.
• Strong organizational skills and attention to detail.
• Ability to manage research materials and complete assigned tasks reliably and accurately.
• Interest in qualitative research and/or social, behavioral, health, or related research.

 Preferred:

• Experience with qualitative research methods or qualitative data analysis.
• Experience with Dedoose.
• Experience conducting literature searches or preparing academic manuscripts.
• Coursework, training, or experience in social work, psychology, public health, sociology, education, or another related field.
• Experience working with interview or other qualitative research data.