What are the responsibilities and job description for the Research Assistant - PEP position at University of Saint Mary?
The University of Saint Mary is conveniently located a short 30 minutes’ drive from Parkville, Shawnee, Basehor and Kansas City, Kansas. USM offer all full-time employees Medical, Dental, Vision, University Paid Basic Life & AD&D, Short and Long-Term Disability along with a generous Tuition Remission for the employee, spouse and dependents under the age of 24 years old.
THE HISTORY OF THE UNIVERSITY OF SAINT MARY:
The University of Saint Mary is a Roman Catholic, liberal arts university located in Leavenworth, Kansas, just 25 minutes away from Kansas City. For over 100 years, the University of Saint Mary has helped students find their way to meaningful lives and careers through an education that blends the liberal arts and a focus on critical thinking with the development of key professional skills. USM serves about 1,400 students at its main campus in Leavenworth, its satellite location in Overland Park, as well as online.
POSITION SUMMARY:
USM is seeking a dedicated and detail-oriented Research Assistant to support a grant-funded project aimed at assessing the needs of incarcerated students and enhancing program outcomes through data-driven interventions. This two-year, part-time position offers 20 hours per week, during the 9-month academic calendar, with a flexible, hybrid work environment. The Research Assistant will play a crucial role in collecting and inputting data from surveys conducted within five different male correctional facilities near Leavenworth, Kansas.
ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS:
Survey Administration, Management, and Data Collection
- Assist with administering a Likert scale survey
- Travel occasionally to local correctional facilities to conduct surveys and interact with program participants
- Ensure anonymity and confidentiality of survey responses, identifying students only by prison location
- Compile, input, and organize survey data for analysis
Reporting and Documentation
- Prepare clear and comprehensive reports summarizing key findings, challenges, and recommendations
- Document processes, methodologies, and insights to support broader applicability and adaptation of the resources across different higher education prison (HEP) programs
Collaboration and Communication
- Work closely with the project lead and prison education program staff
- Engage with prison staff and adhere to facility guidelines and protocols when working on-site
REQUIREMENTS:
- Bachelor’s degree in social sciences, psychology, education, or a related field (Graduate students are also encouraged to apply)
- Proficiency in Microsoft Office (Word, Excel, PowerPoint) and experience with database management
- Familiarity with statistical software such as JASP, SPSS, or R is preferred
- Strong interpersonal and communication skills, especially in sensitive environments
- Ability to work both independently and collaboratively in a team-oriented setting
- Must be comfortable with occasional travel to correctional facilities
- Respectful and adaptable to a correctional facility environment, adhering to all relevant protocols and requirements
POSITION DETAILS
- 20 hours per week, with flexible scheduling
- 2-year appointment, ending December 2026
- Hybrid work environment- remote and on-site work
TO APPLY:
Submit a cover letter, resume and contact information for at least three current professional references.
Saint Mary is an Equal Opportunity Employer.
Questions: email human resources at hr@stmary.edu
