Graduate Research Assistant - CARE Framework Project

The University of North Georgia; Dahlonega (GA); On-site; USD 17,000 - 28,000; Part time

Job summary

The University of North Georgia is seeking a Graduate Research Assistant to support the CARE Framework Project. This role involves coordinating focus groups, data transcription, and qualitative analysis across UNG campuses, with attention to IRB protocols and data confidentiality.

Ideal candidates will have graduate coursework in qualitative methods, strong communication skills, and experience with diverse student populations. This is a part-time, in-person position based at UNG campuses.

Qualifications

• Enrollment in a graduate degree program at UNG (minimum 3.0 GPA).
• Graduate coursework or experience in qualitative research methods, social sciences, communication, psychology, education, or related field.
• Experience with focus group facilitation, interviewing, or community-based research; familiarity with qualitative analysis software.
• Experience interacting with diverse student populations (first-gen, adult learners, military-affiliated).

Responsibilities

• Support focus groups across UNG campuses: logistics, facilitation, and consent handling.
• Coordinate transcription, anonymize transcripts per IRB protocols, and manage data files.
• Assist with qualitative thematic analysis alongside Co-Investigators.
• Contribute to literature reviews, framework documents, and stakeholder materials.
• Assist in final CARE Framework report preparation and dissemination webinar logistics.

Education

Graduate coursework in qualitative research, social sciences, psychology, education, or related field

GPA ≥ 3.0

Focus group facilitation

Interviews

Qualitative analysis software

Strong written and verbal communication

Ability to travel to UNG campuses

Tools

Microsoft Office Suite

Google Workspace

Job description

Job Title: Graduate Research Assistant - CARE Framework Project

Location: UNG - Gainesville

Regular/Temporary: Temporary

Full/Part Time: Part-Time

Job ID: 303705

About Us

Located in the fastest-growing region of the state, the University of North Georgia is a multi-campus university with an enrollment of over 20,000 students, making it one of the largest institutions in the University System of Georgia. UNG is focused on a mission of educational excellence, leadership development and community engagement opportunities that develop students into leaders for a diverse and global society. Through a variety of educational pathways that provide access and range from certificates and associate degrees to a professional doctoral program, UNG is responsive to regional education and economic development needs. Federally designated as a senior military college, one of the university's signature leadership programs is its 800-member Corps of Cadets on UNG's Dahlonega Campus.

Job Summary

The University of North Georgia is accepting applications for a Graduate Research Assistant- CARE Framework Project. The College of Arts and Letters at the University of North Georgia has received a grant from the Educating Character Initiative (ECI) to develop the CARE Framework ¿ a research-informed character development model centered on Compassion, Acceptance, Respect, and Empathy. The project spans all five UNG campuses and involves focus groups with diverse student populations (Hispanic/Latinx, first-generation, honors, adult learner, and military-affiliated students), institutional analysis, and community-wide dissemination.
This Graduate Research Assistant position is a funded, hands-on research opportunity for a graduate student interested in applied qualitative research, character education, and higher education program development. The RA will work closely with the PI and two faculty Co-Investigators throughout all phases of the project.

Responsibilities

• Focus Group Support & Facilitation
• Assist PI and co-investigators in co-facilitating semi-structured focus groups with student participants across all five UNG campuses
• Help manage session logistics: room setup, consent form collection, audio/video recording equipment, participant check-in, note-taking, and so on
• Data Management & Transcription
• Coordinate or conduct transcription of focus group recordings; review auto-generated transcriptions for accuracy
• Anonymize all transcripts according to IRB protocols (replace participant names/identifiers with participant codes)
• Maintain organized file structure and naming conventions across all project data folders
• Analysis Support
• Support Co-Investigators with qualitative thematic analysis tasks as directed
• Assist with literature searches, document reviews, and background research as needed
• Support preparation of analysis summaries, framework documents, and stakeholder presentation materials
• Dissemination & Closeout Support
• Assist in preparing the final CARE Framework summary report and webinar materials
• Support logistics for the university-wide dissemination webinar (registration, promotion, day-of coordination)
• Assist with final project archiving and file organization at project close

Knowledge, Skills, & Abilities

• Proficiency with Microsoft Office Suite and Google Workspace.
• Strong written and verbal communication skills with faculty and students.
• Demonstrated ability to manage multiple tasks, meet deadlines, and work independently.
• Ability to maintain strict confidentiality with sensitive participant data.
• Availability to travel to multiple UNG campuses as needed (mileage reimbursed per UNG policy).

Required Qualifications

• Currently enrolled in a graduate degree program at the University of North Georgia. Minimum 3.0 GPA
• Graduate coursework or experience in qualitative research methods, social sciences, communication, psychology, education, or a closely related field
• Should have prior experience with focus group facilitation, interviewing, or community-based research, as well as familiar with qualitative analysis software.
• Should have experience interacting with diverse student populations, including first-generation, adult learners, or military-affiliated students.

Required Documents to Attach

• Resume
• Cover Letter
• Unofficial Transcripts
• Contact Information for Three Professional References

USG Core Values

The University System of Georgia is comprised of our 25 institutions of higher education and learning as well as 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 8.2.18.1.2 and can be found on-line at https://www.usg.edu/policymanual/section8/C224/#p8.2.18_personnel_conduct.

Additionally, USG supports Freedom of Expression as stated in Board Policy 6.5 Freedom of Expression and Academic Freedom found on-line at https://www.usg.edu/policymanual/section6/C2653.

Institutional Values

The University of North Georgia, a regional multi-campus institution and premier senior military college, provides a culture of academic excellence in a student-focused environment that includes quality education, service, research, and creativity. This is accomplished through broad access to comprehensive academic and co-curricular programs that develop students into leaders for a diverse and global society. The University of North Georgia is a University System of Georgia leadership institution and is The Military College of Georgia. More details on the UNG Mission, Values, Vision, and Culture can be found at https://ung.edu/about/mission-vision-values.php.

Conditions of Employment

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 North Georgia, as determined by University of North Georgia in its sole discretion, confirmation of the credentials and employment history reflected in your application materials and, if applicable, a satisfactory credit check. Applicants may be subject to a pre-employment drug test.

Equal Employment Opportunity

The University of North Georgia, a unit of the University System of Georgia, is an Affidative Action/Equal Opportunity employer and does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, gender, sex or national origin, age, disability, religion, genetics or veteran status. Georgia is an open records state. Also, UNG is a federal contractor and desires priority referrals of protected veterans.

Other Information

• This is not a supervisory position.
• This position does not have any financial responsibilities.
• This position will be required to drive.
• This role is not considered a position of trust.
• This position does not require a purchasing card (P-Card).
• This position may travel 1% - 24% of the time
• This position does not require security clearance.

Please note: the University of North Georgia career board updates daily, positions are subject to be removed without prior notice or before the posting expires.

Background Check

• Standard Enhanced + Education