CMC-Young Postbaccalaureate Researcher

University of Georgia; Athens (GA); On-site; USD 2,066,000 - 2,755,000; Part time

Job summary

The University of Georgia, located in Athens, GA, is seeking a CMC-Young Postbaccalaureate Researcher to support NSF-funded work on how assessment item formats influence student problem solving. The role involves collecting and analyzing data, coordinating with physics instructors, and producing scholarly outputs.

Responsibilities include data collection across courses, data analysis (qualitative and quantitative), and development of instructional materials.

Qualifications

• Knowledge of undergraduate Physics.
• Quantitative and qualitative data analysis using software like Python, R, MaxQDA, Nvivo.
• Data entry and processing skills.
• Knowledge of policies and ethics around human subjects research.
• Knowledge of scientific writing.

Responsibilities

• Coordinate and implement data collection across introductory physics courses and administer study assessments.
• Assist with participant recruitment, informed consent, and tracking of participants.
• Collaborate with UGA physics faculty to schedule classroom data collection.
• Maintain organized research records and study data per project protocols.
• Conduct qualitative and quantitative data analyses and compare CMC formats with traditional assessments.
• Prepare data summaries, tables, figures, and reporting materials.
• Contribute to scientific outputs, including peer‑reviewed publications and presentations.
• Develop instructional and assessment materials incorporating CMC approaches.
• Create learning activities and assignments aligned with project goals.
• Assist with developing implementation protocols and resources for instructors participating in the project.
• Support training materials and documentation for project implementation.
• Participate in regular project meetings and track deliverables.

Skills

Undergraduate Physics

Data analysis

Data entry/processing

Human subjects ethics

Scientific writing

Education

High school diploma or equivalent

Tools

Python

R

MaxQDA

Nvivo

Job description

Posting Details

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

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.

Position Information

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 have occasional 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.

Driving Responsibility: No

Position of Trust: No

Operation, access, or control of financial resources: No

Require a P-Card: No

Having a P-Card an essential function: No

Direct interaction or care of children under the age of 18 or direct patient care: No

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 the 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 the UGA Background Check website.

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

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

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

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