Research Assistant, PT

OVERVIEW:

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. 

REPORTS TO:       Research and Evaluation Associate

ESSENTIAL RESPONSIBILITIES:

1. Follows detailed instructions to collect data for evaluation studies, including, but not limited to, naturalistic observations, informal interviews, and survey administration.
2. Develops simple instruments for use in studies, including observation forms and surveys.
3. Sets up and uses existing technologies for data collection and analysis. Codes and enters data and keeps databases current and accurate.
4. Calculates descriptive statistics and, when appropriate, calculates inferential statistics on datasets.
5. 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.     
6. Performs other clerical duties as assigned.
7. Carries out inclusive evaluation studies with the goal of applying knowledge or lived experience of marginalized communities.

REQUIREMENTS:

1. High school diploma or equivalent (i.e., GED).
2. Must have at least one (1) year of experience within social science research, preferably including naturalistic observations. Academic experience will suffice including coursework.
3. Experience working in formal or informal learning environments preferred.
4. Demands strong analytical skills to record appropriate data and perform analyses (experience with SPSS, R, or Stata a plus).
5. Must have a basic working knowledge of data management programs (e.g., Excel).
6. Requires the ability to multi-task and attend to multiple parallel tasks.
7. Work with a critical eye toward increasing equity and accessibility for a wide range of constituents (both external and internal).
8. Must be friendly and warm with museum visitors and be comfortable approaching visitors to engage them in impromptu conversations.
9. Demonstrated strong communications skills, both verbal and written, to prepare and present data summaries and concise reports.
10. Special consideration given to qualified applicants who speak fluent Spanish.
11. Excellent attention to detail with a high degree of accuracy.
12. 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:

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