Research Associate

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Job Title:

Research Associate

Department:

Arts and Sciences | School of Communication

The School of Communication seeks a Senior Research Technician to coordinate the day-to-day operations of a grant-funded research project examining the role of educational media in the development of STEM interests during early childhood. This position manages participant recruitment, onboarding, scheduling, engagement, and retention activities; serves as the primary contact for participating families; and provides support for data collection, data management, and project administration.

The Senior Research Technician maintains participant records, oversees data quality and organization, coordinates participant incentives, and ensures compliance with study protocols and sponsor requirements. Working with a high degree of independence, the incumbent monitors project progress, maintains research documentation, and provides training and guidance to undergraduate research assistants and other project staff.

Responsibilities (Duties)

Project Coordination & Study Implementation

• Coordinate day-to-day research project operations and field activities.
• Recruit, onboard, schedule, and retain study participants and families.
• Serve as the primary contact for participants, responding to inquiries and resolving study-related issues.
• Support survey programming, testing, and data collection activities.
• Maintain participant records, research documentation, and project timelines.
• Coordinate participant incentives and monitor compliance with grant and institutional requirements.

Data Management & Reporting

• Organize, maintain, and quality-check research data and databases.
• Assist with data cleaning, coding, variable creation, and reporting using statistical software.
• Prepare project updates, reports, and documentation for investigators and sponsors.
• Monitor project budgets and track undergraduate employee timesheets.

Staff Training & Supervision

• Train, supervise, and provide guidance to undergraduate research assistants and interviewers.
• Develop training materials and standard operating procedures.
• Conduct quality assurance reviews to ensure adherence to study protocols and data integrity.

Participant Engagement & Retention

• Develop and implement participant engagement and retention strategies.
• Communicate with participants through approved channels, including email, phone, and text messaging.
• Maintain positive relationships with participants and families throughout the study.

Minimum Education Required

Required:

Bachelor's degree in Communication, Psychology, Education, Social Sciences, or a related field, or an equivalent combination of education and experience.

Desired:

Experience supporting research projects involving participant recruitment, data collection, data management, or project coordination.

Additional Information:

Preferred Qualifications

• Relevant experience as demonstrated by one of the following:
  • Bachelor’s degree and up to one (1) year relevant research experience
  • Two (2) to four (4) years of relevant research experience with an Associate’s degree
• Broad knowledge of standard research processes, tools, and methodologies, typically gained through on-the-job experience, training, certification, or a degree.
• Ability to independently complete routine research tasks.
• Ability to anticipate, recognize, and resolve routine research-related issues using established procedures and precedent, with guidance from a supervisor when needed.
• Ability to assist with basic data analysis, research documentation, and preparation of reports or manuscripts.

Location:

Journalism Building (0046)

Position Type:

Term (Fixed Term)

Scheduled Hours:

40

Shift:

First Shift

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The university is an equal opportunity employer, including veterans and disability.

At Ohio State, you’ll find work that inspires you. We offer roles and growth opportunities in countless fields and specialties — including a job that’s right for you.

Starting day one: Comprehensive benefits.

Ohio State benefits give you options to take care of what matters most to you — and opportunities to make adjustments as your life and needs change, including:

• Medical, dental and vision coverage, with Ohio State paying a significant portion of the cost.

• Paid time off, including sick and vacation time and 11 holidays.

• State retirement plan or an alternative retirement plan, both with generous employer contributions.

Why work at Ohio State?

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Working at Ohio State means you’re part of a team with a strong sense of community and an unwavering commitment to excellence — and, of course, incomparable Buckeye spirit. We bring out the best in people, help each other succeed and learn together.

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