The Children’s Learning Project in the Psychology Department of the University of Texas at El Paso (UTEP), directed by Dr. Christine Potter, is seeking a part-time research assistant to join our research team. The position is ideal for a recent college graduate who would like to gain additional research experience before applying to graduate school.

The research assistant will participate in all aspects of projects on learning and communication in young children. Primary responsibilities will include:

• Setting up and maintaining lab operations including general administrative duties
• Coordinating participant recruitment and connecting with local organizations serving children and families
• Testing young children using various research methods, such as eye tracking, recordings of parent-child interactions, and infant looking time procedures
• Training and mentoring undergraduate students
• Developing stimuli for experiments
• Coding video and audio recordings of parents and children in different communities

To perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to perform each essential duty satisfactorily. The requirements listed below are representative of the knowledge, skill, and/or ability required. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

Bachelor's degree

No minimum experience required. Knowledge of statistical concepts and methods and their application to research analysis, of measurement, testing, and evaluation, and of research methods, principles, techniques, and philosophies. Skilled in conducting qualitative and quantitative research and in using computers, software, and statistical tools and programs. Ability to plan, organize, and oversee research projects, evaluate research data, ensure the development of measuring instruments with respect to reliability, relevance, and validity, interpret and publish research findings, and communicate effectively

Bachelor's degree in psychology, neuroscience, linguistics, communication sciences and disorders, or related cognitive science fields

Ability to work creatively, independently, and efficiently

Interest in language learning and developmental research

General fluency with computer software

Positive attitude and enthusiasm for team-oriented research

Conversational proficiency in both Spanish and English

Experience working with children and families

Experience with research methods in developmental science

Experience statistical software (e.g., R) and/or programming languages (e.g., Python, Matlab)

The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

While performing the duties of this job, the employee is frequently required to sit, talk, or hear. The employee must occasionally lift and move up to 10 pounds.

The work environment characteristics described here are representative of those an employee encounters while performing the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

While performing the duties of this job, the employee is occasionally exposed to fumes, airborne particles, toxic or caustic chemicals, risk of electrical shock, or risk of radiation. The noise level in the work environment is usually moderate.

In keeping with its Access and Excellence mission, The University of Texas at El Paso is committed to an open, diverse, and inclusive learning and working environment that honors the talents, respects the differences, and nurtures the growth and development of all. We seek to attract faculty and staff who share our commitment.

The University of Texas at El Paso is an Equal Opportunity / Affirmative Action Employer. The University does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, national origin, sex, religion, age, disability, genetic information, veteran status, or sexual orientation and gender in employment or the provision of services in accordance with state and federal law. Discrimination on the basis of sex includes an employee’s or prospective employee’s right to be free from sexual harassment under Title IX of the Higher Education Amendments of 1972.

For accommodation information for employees and applicants with disabilities, please contact UTEP's Equal Opportunity Office at eoaa@utep.edu.