Qualitative Student Research Assistant

Trustees of University of Pennsylvania; Market (NY); On-site; USD 10,000 - 34,000; Full time

Job summary

The University of Pennsylvania's Perelman School of Medicine seeks a Qualitative Student Research Assistant to support the Army-SPRING qualitative study. The role includes data collection via semi-structured interviews, qualitative data extraction, and quality data checks, with weekly analytic meetings.

This posting invites graduate students from other universities for a temporary co-op opportunity. Training begins late 2026 with a January 2027 start.

Qualifications

• Completion of graduate-level qualitative research methods course.
• Experience conducting qualitative semi-structured interviews.
• Proficiency in template analysis and analytic coding.
• Knowledge of implementation science and research ethics.

Responsibilities

• Assist the qualitative research team with data collection (semi-structured interviews and reflections).
• Perform qualitative data extraction and quality checks.
• Attend weekly qualitative team analytic meetings.

Skills

Graduate-level qualitative research

Qualitative semi-structured interviews

Template analysis

Analytic coding

Implementation science

Research ethics

Job description

University Overview

The University of Pennsylvania, the largest private employer in Philadelphia, is a world-renowned leader in education, research, and innovation. This historic, Ivy League school consistently ranks among the top 10 universities in the annual U.S. News & World Report survey. Penn has 12 highly-regarded schools that provide opportunities for undergraduate, graduate and continuing education, all influenced by Penn's distinctive interdisciplinary approach to scholarship and learning. As an employer Penn has been consistently ranked nationally on many occasions with the most recent award from Forbes who named Penn one of America's Best Large Employers.

Penn offers a unique working environment within the city of Philadelphia. The University is situated on a beautiful urban campus, with easy access to a range of educational, cultural, and recreational activities. With its historical significance and landmarks, lively cultural offerings, and wide variety of atmospheres, Philadelphia is the perfect place to call home for work and play.

Posted Job Title

Qualitative Student Research Assistant

Job Profile Title

Temporary Employee - Co-op Worker

Job Description Summary

This Qualitative Student Research Assistant will assist the Army-SPRING qualitative research team with data collection (semi-structured interviews, periodic reflections), qualitative data extraction, and quality data checking. The qualitative research assistant will attend regular qualitative team analytic meetings weekly. This is posting is for graduate students from universities other than the University of Pennsylvania.

Job Description

Study: The Army-Suicide Prevention Research on Implementation in the National Guard (Army-SPRING) is a study designed to strengthen the implementation of suicide prevention policies within the Connecticut Army National Guard (CTARNG). Army-SPRING tests an implementation package of supports for suicide intervention officers (SIOs), chaplains, and religious affairs specialists in collaboration with CTARNG. This Hybrid Type 3 cluster-randomized controlled trial evaluates the feasibility, acceptability, and preliminary effectiveness of this implementation package compared with a resilience-focused control group. The long-term goal of Army-SPRING is to inform scalable implementation strategies that can strengthen suicide prevention policy and military infrastructure, ultimately reducing suicide risk among National Guard service members nationwide.

Role : This Qualitative Student Research Assistant will assist the Army-SPRING qualitative research team with data collection (semi-structured interviews, periodic reflections), qualitative data extraction, and quality data checking. The qualitative research assistant will attend regular qualitative team analytic meetings weekly.

Preferred experience and skills

• Completion of graduate-level qualitative research methods course or equivalent
• experience conducting qualitative semi-structured interviews
• proficiency in methods such as template analysis and analytic coding
• knowledge of implementation science and research ethics

Timing and Time Expectation

Training will begin November or December 2026 with role to begin January 2027. Role requires between 10 and 20 hours a week, which will include qualitative team and research meetings. Minimum commitment through August 2027.

Job Location - City, State

Philadelphia, Pennsylvania

Department / School

Perelman School of Medicine

Pay Range

$7.25 - $25.00 Hourly Rate Salary offers are made based on the candidate's qualifications, experience, skills, and education as they directly relate to the requirements of the position, and in alignment with salary ranges based on external market data for the job's level. Internal organization and peer data at Penn are also considered.

Equal Opportunity Statement

The University of Pennsylvania is an equal opportunity employer. Candidates are considered for employment without regard to race, color, sex, sexual orientation, religion, creed, national origin (including shared ancestry or ethnic characteristics) , citizenship status, age, disability, veteran status or any class protected under applicable federal, state or local law .

Special Requirements

A background check may be required after a conditional job offer is made. Consideration of the background check will be tailored to the requirements of the job.

University Benefits

• Health and Life : Penn offers comprehensive medical, prescription, behavioral health, dental, vision, and life insurance benefits to protect you and your family's health and welfare.
• Retirement : Penn offers generous retirement plans to help you save for your future. Penn's Basic, Matching, and Supplemental retirement plans allow you to save for retirement on a pre-tax or Roth basis. Choose from a wide variety of investment options through TIAA and Vanguard.
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