The Joan Ganz Cooney Center at Sesame Workshop is seeking a Spanish-speaking Research Associate to help conduct ethnographic fieldwork in the NY-NJ-PA region. The position is part-time—12-15 hours per week—for a period of nine months, from January 2014 through September 2014. The position is ideal for recent graduates of master’s or doctoral programs in Communication, Child Development, Psychology, the Learning Sciences, Education (Educational Technology, Anthropology), Sociology, or related fields. We will also consider currently enrolled students with substantial research experience.
Duties
Field Research
Data collection tasks will include:
• Scheduling interviews/observations
• Managing permission slips/consent forms
• Operating video and audio recording equipment
• Conducting interviews and observations
• Interpreting/translating Spanish-English for study participants and researchers
• Taking field notes
• Data logging video tapes
• Processing and inventorying paper and electronic data (compressing, labeling, storing)
Data analysis tasks include:
• Transcribing interviews
• Translating interviews
• Coding data (video, transcripts, field notes)
• Interaction analysis
• Drafting analytic memos
• Using qualitative data analysis software (e.g., Dedoose)
Writing and Editorial
• Conducting background research and drafting text for literature reviews
• Using reference management software (e.g., EndNote)
• Writing up findings
• Copyediting
Qualifications
Required
• Fluent in Spanish
• Master’s (or near) degree in Communications, Education, Psychology, Child Development, Learning Sciences, Sociology, or related field
• Experience using ethnographic research methods, including interviews, observations, and taking field notes
• Experience with administrative aspects of conducting research, including participant recruitment, processing and managing data, organizing/managing consent forms, etc.
• Interest in and awareness of key issues in digital media and learning
• Fluent with Microsoft Word, Excel, PowerPoint, and Google Docs
• Excellent writing skills; experience proofreading and copy-editing
• Three years professional work experience
• Attentive to details!
• Able to function independently, work in a team environment, manage multiple priorities, and meet deadlines
• Sense of humor and diplomatic skills
Desired
• PhD (or near) in Communications, Education, Psychology, Child Development, Learning Sciences, Sociology, or related field;
• Experience leading/managing research projects
• Experience conducting video analysis, interaction analysis
• Interest in and awareness of key issues in any of the following: language and literacy, digital equity, family studies, Hispanic families, children’s geographies
• Experience using iMovie, Final Cut Pro or other video editing software; EndNote or other reference management software; Dedoose or other qualitative data analysis software; GIS and mapping technologies
Hours and Pay
For 12 to 15 hours per week, flexible. Position begins in early January 2014 and runs through September 2014 with the possibility of renewal based upon performance. Rate is negotiable, based on experience. When not in the field collecting data, RA would be expected to attend meetings at our Manhattan offices near Lincoln Center.
To Apply
If you wish to apply for the position, please email a cover letter and resume or CV to jgcc.research@sesame.org with “Spanish-speaking Research Associate” in the subject line.
