Research Assistant I - Term

Position Summary:

The Research Assistant is part of the Stress and Coping Laboratory in the Department of

Psychology and Human Development, Peabody College at Vanderbilt University and is a key

coordinator position responsible for overseeing and conducting research studies supported by

grants from the National Institutes of Health and the CHDI foundation. This position involves

managing the day-to-day functions of the research lab; recruitment and conducting research

study visits with families; and data coding, processing, and management. This position also

assists in managing laboratory funds, general laboratory organization, and in supervising

undergraduate research assistants in ongoing study tasks. Reporting will be directly to Dr. Bruce

Compas, Principal Investigator of the Stress and Coping Lab and Professor of Psychology and

Human Development.

About the Work Unit:

With a genealogy dating to a one-room Nashville schoolhouse in 1785, Peabody College today

is a world-class college of education and human development. Our mission is to enhance the

human condition, with a particular focus on children’s learning and development. We do this as

we always have, through the preparation of teachers and leaders; through cycles of research,

implementation, and refinement; through service to families, schools, and communities; and

through external engagement with professionals, leaders, and policy-makers. Peabody’s focus

on learning differences has helped to define the college, as has a reputation for empirical rigor

in educational neuroscience; child, family, and community development; special education; the

learning sciences; and educational leadership and policy. Peabody is devoted to creating

opportunity in an increasingly diverse society and to solving large societal problems.

Key Functions and Expected Performance:

 The purpose of this position is to work closely with the Principal Investigator and other

key lab personnel to ensure overall efficient functioning of the laboratory and research

studies being conducted as part of the lab.

 Following training, the Research Assistant will independently perform laboratory

procedures necessary for the current research studies including psychological testing,

scheduling and coordinating lab visits with families, applying behavioral coding systems,

and following all laboratory/ University safety protocols

 The Research Assistant is responsible for data collection and management including

statistical analyses

Job responsibilities listed herein are intended to be a thorough representation of the duties, responsibilities, expectations, and qualifications for this specific

role at the time of hire but should not be considered all-encompassing as actual responsibilities may evolve to include additional duties as assigned based on

organizational and operational needs.

1 of 5Position Description

 The Research Assistant maintains organization which includes keeping inventory stocked

and all lab equipment operational

 The Research Assistant coordinates with the Principal Investigator routinely to maintain

laboratory budgets

Supervisory Relationships:

This position does have supervisory responsibility of undergraduate research assistants in

ongoing study tasks; this position reports administratively and functionally to the Principal

Investigator (Dr. Compas).

Education and Certifications

 Bachelors (BA or BS) degree in a relevant field is required

 Post baccalaureate research experience is required

 Master’s degree is strongly preferred

Experience and Skills:

 At least one year of research experience is preferred

 Some experience or familiarity with families facing medical adversities is strongly

preferred

Key Characteristics of a Successful Team Member in th