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MAPSCorps Research Instructor

Organization:

MAPSCorps is a 501(c)(3) non-profit organization based on the south side of Chicago. Born from the South Side Health and Vitality Studies at the University of Chicago, MAPSCorps uses an approach called asset-based community-engaged research to ensure that our science serves community priorities and needs.

MAPSCorps employs and delivers STEM and health-focused programming to local high school youth who map existing resources in a given area. Working in teams, MAPSCorps participants walk every block of our communities, observing, collecting, and analyzing data about all public-facing businesses and organizations. The teams of Research Instructors and Youth Researchers work from community-based organizations to research their community assignments. Throughout the program, each team prepares an extensive research project that has social determinants of health focus and presents it at the program’s culminating event, the Scientific Symposium. 

Position Description:

Research Instructors are MAPSCorps alumni, undergraduate or graduate students who ensure high-quality data collection in the field. Research Instructors are responsible for implementing the MAPSCorps STEM-based, positive youth development curriculum. Research Instructors are trained in data collection methods and are responsible for training Youth Researchers. Reporting to their Research Supervisors, Research Instructors take on a nuanced mentorship role in which they build trust and relationships with Youth Researchers; this mentorship is intended to enhance learning objectives, provide broad academic and professional guidance, and ensure a meaningful developmental experience for Youth Researchers.

Responsibilities include but are not limited to: 

• Mandatory attendance at Research Instructors' training and professional development sessions. 
• Collecting community survey and/or asset mapping data from community members and public-facing businesses & organizations. 
• Providing daily oversight, leadership, and instruction to a group of high school students 
• Mentoring Youth Researchers in broad academic and workforce development skills
• Collaborating daily with Research Supervisors, Data Interns, and other staff to guide youth mappers through the design, implementation, and presentation of a research project 
• Coaching Youth Researchers on presentation and public speaking skills 
• Providing feedback to youth on Chicago Youth Service Corps (CYSC) online curriculum 
• Additional duties outside of the time spent mapping with youth, including residential mapping, field checks, and optional Sunday church mapping 

Qualifications: 

• Between 18-24 years of age
• At least one year of college or successful completion of MAPSCorps summer programming 
• Experience or interest in STEM, education, humanities, social science research, public health, qualitative research, and/or community-based research or advocacy 
• Experience working with people from diverse backgrounds 
• Demonstrated leadership skills 
• Excellent communication skills, including the ability to manage conflicts with youth and adults in a mature and respectful manner 
• Strong attention to detail and accuracy 
• Responsible, reliable, and trustworthy 

Preferred but not required: 

• Daily access to a reliable vehicle, driving approx. 15 miles/day. 
• Experience working with adolescent youth, teaching, facilitating, or tutoring 
• Experience working, living, or volunteering in communities across Chicago 
• Experience or interest in teaching high schoolers
• Fluency in Spanish or Mandarin 

Dates: June 12th - August 4th

Time Commitment: 30 hours per week 

Compensation: $18 hour 

Locations: Douglas, Oakland, Grand Boulevard, Kenwood, Hyde Park, Fuller Park, Woodlawn, Washington Park, North Lawndale, West Lawn, South Shore, Greater Grand Crossing, Auburn Gresham, Avalon Park, Chatham, and Austin 

Application Instructions: To apply, please submit a résumé to https://mapscorps.applytojob.com. Please include your full name and “Research Instructor” in the subject. We will review applications and conduct interviews on a rolling basis.

MAPSCorps is an equal-opportunity employer. Members of underrepresented populations in technology and data spaces are encouraged to apply.

To learn more, visit mapscorps.org and watch our Scientific Symposium video. 

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