Research Study Assistant (Temporary) at University of Washington Seattle, WA

University of Washington; Seattle (WA); Hybrid; USD 29,315 - 32,938; Part time

Job summary

The University of Washington is seeking a Research Study Assistant for the School of Social Work from January to August 2026 to conduct surveys for the Best Starts for Kids Health Survey.

This temporary role involves engaging parents of children ages 0-11 via phone, text, and email. Bilingual interviewers are preferred, and the position allows for up to 35 hours per week. The compensation is between $21.28 and $23.91 per hour.

Qualifications

• Fluent in English and one other language.
• Exceptional oral and written communication skills.
• Experience in customer service is a plus.

Responsibilities

• Conduct scripted surveys via phone, text, and email.
• Maintain high response rates through effective communication.
• Assist with data collection and clerical tasks as needed.

Skills

Fluent in English and another language (Chinese, Russian, Vietnamese)

Excellent oral and written communication skills

Strong interpersonal skills

Organizational skills and attention to detail

Comfortable with MS Office and data-collection software

Education

Two years of college-level coursework

Tools

MS Office

CAPI/CATI software

Job description

About the Position

Research Study Assistant (Temporary) at the University of Washington School of Social Work. Position dates January to August 2026.

Role involves conducting telephone, text, and email brief surveys with parents of children ages 0‑11 for the Best Starts for Kids Health Survey. Bilingual interviewers are required; interviewers may also conduct interviews in English up to 35 hours per week.

Basic Function

This is not a medical or laboratory position. Call participants, encourage completion, conduct scripted phone interviews, use data‑collection software, maintain confidentiality, and keep detailed records. When not contacting participants, may do data entry, filing, preparing mailings, or assist team members. Training and meetings are held in‑person; participants are contacted remotely after training. Call hours are Monday–Sunday 8 a.m.–8 p.m. Bilingual interviewers are scheduled 15 hours per week, or up to 35 hours if conducting English interviews.

Responsibilities

• Contact respondents via phone, text, and/or email.
• Motivate respondents to finish surveys promptly; implement refusal‑prevention techniques; maintain high response rates.
• Conduct scripted phone interviews using data‑collection software and encourage online survey completion.
• Adhere to project protocol, maintain confidentiality, use project tools properly, and keep detailed accurate records.
• Participate in weekly staff meetings, provide ongoing feedback on survey administration and procedures, and assist in problem‑solving.
• Assist with other data collection and clerical tasks as needed.

Requirements

• Two years of college‑level coursework in a relevant academic area and one year of appropriate experience, or equivalent education/experience.

Qualifications

• Fluent in English and in one of the following languages: Chinese (Traditional reading, Mandarin speaking), Russian, or Vietnamese.
• Ability to build rapport easily over the phone.
• Excellent oral and written communication skills.
• Strong interpersonal skills.
• Demonstrated organizational skills and attention to detail.
• Ability to work as a member of a cooperative team.
• Flexible schedule, available for nights and weekends.
• Comfortable learning new technology and working with multiple electronic systems (MS Office, Teams, CAPI/CATI software).

Desired Qualifications

• Previous customer service experience.
• Understanding of data‑collection process.
• Experience working with diverse communities, particularly African American and American Indian/Alaska Native communities locally.

Compensation and Benefits

• Pay range: $21.28–$23.91 per hour.
• Temporary position; FTE 0.00%.
• Union/Bargaining Unit: SEIU Local 925 Nonsupervisory.
• First Shift (United States of America).
• Benefits: (Benefits information available on UW website). Note: visit link omitted.

EEO Statement

University of Washington is an equal opportunity employer. We consider applicants without regard to race, color, creed, religion, national origin, citizenship, sex, pregnancy, age, marital status, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, genetic information, disability, or veteran status in accordance with UW Executive Order No. 81 and Washington state law. Disability accommodation requests may be submitted to the Disability Services Office at 206‑543‑6450 or [e-mail]. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to sex, age, protected veteran or disabled status, or genetic information.