Research Assistant, PT

The-Children; Indianapolis (IN); Hybrid; USD 21,000 - 30,000; Part time

Job summary

The Children’s Museum of Indianapolis invites applications for a part-time Research Assistant to support the Experience Development and Family Learning research program. You will collect data from museum visitors, analyze datasets, and prepare data summaries and reports under the guidance of the Research and Evaluation Associate.

Responsibilities emphasize inclusive evaluation practices, data visualization, and clear written communication.

Qualifications

• High school diploma or GED.
• At least 1 year of experience in social science research; coursework counts.
• Experience in formal or informal learning environments preferred.
• Strong analytical skills; SPSS/R/Stata a plus.
• Basic working knowledge of data management programs (e.g., Excel).
• Ability to multi-task and handle parallel tasks.
• Commitment to equity and accessibility for diverse constituents.
• Friendly, warm with museum visitors; able to engage in conversations.
• Strong written and verbal communication skills.
• Fluent Spanish is a plus.
• Attention to detail; high accuracy.
• Flexible in fast-paced, research setting.

Responsibilities

• Follows instructions to collect data for evaluation studies (observations, interviews, surveys).
• Develops simple instruments for studies (forms, surveys).
• Sets up and uses data collection technologies; codes and enters data; keeps databases current.
• Calculates descriptive statistics and, when appropriate, inferential statistics.
• Prepares precise data summaries and visualizations for memos and reports, following writing guidelines.
• Performs other clerical duties as assigned.
• Carries out inclusive evaluation studies with a focus on marginalized communities.

Education

High school diploma or GED

Tools

SPSS

R

Stata

Excel

Job description

The part-time Research Assistant at The Children’s Museum of Indianapolis supports the museum’s Experience Development and Family Learning research program to understand audience preferences, the effectiveness of exhibits, and the success of educational programs. The incumbent works under the direction of the Research and Evaluation Associate and within collaborative teams to collect data from museum visitors, analyze data sets, and prepare data summaries and reports.

The Children’s Museum is fiercely devoted to our Diversity, Equity, Accessibility, and Inclusion (DEAI) efforts. Together we are building and sustaining an inclusive culture that encourages, supports, and celebrates differences.

ESSENTIAL RESPONSIBILITIES:

• Follows detailed instructions to collect data for evaluation studies, including, but not limited to, naturalistic observations, informal interviews, and survey administration.
• Develops simple instruments for use in studies, including observation forms and surveys.
• Sets up and uses existing technologies for data collection and analysis. Codes and enters data and keeps databases current and accurate.
• Calculates descriptive statistics and, when appropriate, calculates inferential statistics on datasets.
• Prepares precise summaries of data and evaluation findings, including data visualizations, for memos, reports, and presentations. Follows departmental guidelines for professional writing, including report style, tone, and formatting.
• Performs other clerical duties as assigned.
• Carries out inclusive evaluation studies with the goal of applying knowledge or lived experience of marginalized communities.

REQUIREMENTS:

• High school diploma or equivalent (i.e., GED).
• Must have at least one (1) year of experience within social science research, preferably including naturalistic observations. Academic experience will suffice including coursework.
• Experience working in formal or informal learning environments preferred.
• Demands strong analytical skills to record appropriate data and perform analyses (experience with SPSS, R, or Stata a plus).
• Must have a basic working knowledge of data management programs (e.g., Excel).
• Requires the ability to multi-task and attend to multiple parallel tasks.
• Work with a critical eye toward increasing equity and accessibility for a wide range of constituents (both external and internal).
• Must be friendly and warm with museum visitors and be comfortable approaching visitors to engage them in impromptu conversations.
• Demonstrated strong communications skills, both verbal and written, to prepare and present data summaries and concise reports.
• Special consideration given to qualified applicants who speak fluent Spanish.
• Excellent attention to detail with a high degree of accuracy.
• Must be flexible and willing to work in a fast-paced, intellectually challenging setting, shifting between an office environment and the museum exhibits.

ADA REQUIREMENTS:

• Must be able to input detailed data entries and view computer monitor.
• Must be able to stand/sit for at least an hour at a time and concurrently take detailed notes.
• Must be able to listen to and transcribe recorded verbal field notes.
• Must be able to communicate effectively with museum visitors and observe interactions and conversations.

Equal Opportunity Employer/Protected Veterans/Individuals with Disabilities
This employer is required to notify all applicants of their rights pursuant to federal employment laws.For further information, please review the Know Your Rights notice from the Department of Labor.