CMC-Young Postbaccalaureate Researcher

The University of Georgia; Athens (GA); On-site; USD 23,000 - 28,000; Part time

Job summary

The University of Georgia is seeking a part-time CMC-Young Postbaccalaureate Researcher to support NSF-funded work on assessment item formats in introductory physics. The candidate will assist in data collection and analysis, collaborate with physics instructors, and help develop instructional materials and scientific outputs such as publications and presentations.

Strong attention to data integrity, ethics in human subjects research, and effective communication with study teams is essential for

Qualifications

• Knowledge of undergraduate physics concepts.
• Proficiency in data analysis using Python and/or R.
• Awareness of ethics and policies around human subjects research.
• Strong scientific writing abilities.

Responsibilities

• Coordinate and implement data collection across introductory physics courses, including participant consent procedures.
• Conduct qualitative and quantitative data analysis of study data, including learning gains and assessment reliability.
• Collaborate to develop instructional and assessment materials incorporating CMC approaches.
• Maintain project documentation, coordinate meetings, and contribute to publications and presentations.

Skills

Knowledge of undergraduate Physics

Data analysis (Python/R)

Data entry and processing

Human subject research ethics

Scientific writing

Education

High school diploma or equivalent

Tools

MaxQDA

Nvivo

Job description

Posting Number

S15715P

Working Title

CMC-Young Postbaccalaureate Researcher

Department

VPR-Owens Inst Behavioral Rsch

About the University of Georgia

Chartered by the state of Georgia in 1785, the University of Georgia is the birthplace of public higher education in America and is the state’s flagship university https://www.uga.edu/. The proof is in our more than 240 years of academic and professional achievements and our continual commitment to higher education. UGA is currently ranked among the top 20 public universities in U.S. News & World Report. The University’s main campus is located in Athens, approximately 65 miles northeast of Atlanta, with extended campuses in Atlanta, Griffin, Gwinnett, and Tifton. UGA employs approximately 3,100 faculty and more than 7,700 full-time staff. The University’s enrollment exceeds 41,000 students including over 31,000 undergraduates and over 10,000 graduate and professional students. Academic programs reside in 19 schools and colleges, including our newly established School of Medicine.

Posting Type

Internal (PEP)

Retirement Plan

GDCP

Employment Type

Employee

Benefits Eligibility

Non-Benefits Eligible

Full/Part time

Part Time

Additional Schedule Information

Monday-Friday 9-5

Advertised Salary

17.25/hour

Posting Date

09/08/2026

Open until filled

Yes

Proposed Starting Date

09/14/2026

Location of Vacancy

Athens Area

EEO Policy Statement

The University of Georgia is an Equal Opportunity employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to age, color, disability, genetic information, national origin, race, religion, sex, or veteran status or other protected status. Persons needing accommodations or assistance with the accessibility of materials related to this search are encouraged to contact Central HR [e-mail].

USG Core Values Statement

The University System of Georgia is comprised of our 25 institutions of higher education and learning, as well the System Office. Our USG Statement of Core Values are Integrity, Excellence, Accountability, and Respect. These values serve as the foundation for all that we do as an organization, and each USG community member is responsible for demonstrating and upholding these standards. More details on the USG Statement of Core Values and Code of Conduct are available in USG Board Policy 08.02.18.01.02. Additionally, USG supports Freedom of Expression as stated in Board Policy 06.05 Freedom of Expression and Academic Freedom.

Classification Title

Res Tech-Social Science I

FLSA

Non-Exempt

FTE

0.475

Minimum Qualifications

High school diploma or equivalent

Position Summary

This position will support research on an NSF grant investigating how assessment item format influences student problem solving abilities. The candidate will assist in data collection and data analysis, including potentially both qualitative and quantitative analysis. The candidate may also need to work with physics instructors at UGA to collect such data and haveoccasional interactions with currently enrolled students, including to obtain consent to participate in the study. The candidate will also assist with creating instructional materials for use in classrooms at UGA as needed. The candidate is also expected to contribute to scientific outputs such as peer reviewed publications and presentations as appropriate.

Knowledge, Skills, Abilities and/or Competencies

• Knowledge of undergraduate Physics
• Quantitative and qualitative data analysis skills, including familiarity with relevant software such as Python, R, MaxQDA, Nvivo, etc.
• Data entry and processing skills
• Knowledge of policies and ethics around human subject’s research
• Knowledge of scientific writing

Physical Demands

• Lift research equipment, no more than 10 pounds.
• Sit at computer as needed.

Is driving a responsibility of this position?

No

Is this a Position of Trust?

No

Does this position have operation, access, or control of financial resources?

No

Does this position require a P-Card?

No

Is having a P-Card an essential function of this position?

No

Does this position have direct interaction or care of children under the age of 18 or direct patient care?

No

Does this position have Security Access (e.g., public safety, IT security, personnel records, patient records, or access to chemicals and medications)

No

Credit and P-Card policy

Be advised a credit check will be required for all positions with financial responsibilities. For additional information about the credit check criteria, visit UGA Credit Background Check website.

Background Investigation Policy

Offers of employment are contingent upon completion of a background investigation including, a criminal background check demonstrating your eligibility for employment with the University of Georgia; confirmation of the credentials and employment history reflected in your application materials (including reference checks) as they relate to the job-based requirements of the position applied for; and, if applicable, a satisfactory credit check. You may also be subject to a pre-employment drug test for positions with high-risk responsibilities, if applicable. Please visit UGA Background Check website.

Duties/Responsibilities

Research Coordination and Data Collection

• Coordinate and implement data collection activities across participating introductory physics courses, including administration of study assessments and surveys.
• Assist with participant recruitment, informed consent procedures, and participant tracking for grant-supported research activities.
• Collaborate with UGA physics faculty and instructional staff to schedule and coordinate classroom-based data collection.
• Maintain organized and accurate research records and study data in accordance with established project protocols.

Percentage of time: 50

Duties/Responsibilities

Data Analysis and Research Outputs

• Assist with qualitative and quantitative analysis of study data, including examination of student performance, conceptual understanding, misconceptions, learning gains, and assessment reliability.
• Conduct analyses comparing Complex Multiple-Choice (CMC) question formats with traditional assessment approaches.
• Prepare data summaries, tables, figures, and other materials to support interpretation and reporting of research findings.
• Contribute to scientific outputs, including peer-reviewed publications, presentations, and grant-related reports, as appropriate.

Percentage of time: 25

Duties/Responsibilities

Instructional Material Development

• Collaborate with the Principal Investigator and research team to develop and refine instructional and assessment materials incorporating Complex Multiple-Choice (CMC) approaches into introductory physics courses.
• Create learning activities, assignments, practice exercises, assessment materials, and supporting resources aligned with project goals.
• Assist with developing implementation protocols and resources for instructors participating in project activities.

Percentage of time: 15

Duties/Responsibilities

Project Coordination, Documentation, and Dissemination

• Support the development of training materials and documentation for instructors participating in project implementation and field testing.
• Participate in regular project team meetings to review research progress, coordinate data collection and instructional activities, and discuss project priorities.
• Maintain project documentation, track assigned activities and deliverables, and assist with meeting materials and follow-up.
• Contribute to presentations, educational materials, graphical materials, and online resources used to communicate project findings and practices.

Percentage of time: 10

Contact Details

For questions concerning this position or recruitment progression, please refer to the Recruitment Contact listed below.

Recruitment Contact Name

Nicholas Bork Young

Recruitment Contact Email

[e-mail]