Part-Time Research Assistants and Research Associates

Apply now Job no: 498411
Work type: Staff Part-Time
Location: Denver, CO
Categories: Research
Division: Morgridge College of Education

About the Marsico Institute 

The Marsico Institute for Early Learning, housed within the Morgridge College of Education at the University of Denver, is dedicated to improving learning environments and outcomes for children from birth to age 8. The Institute identifies the best in early learning research, practice, and policy, and delivers that information to those who can create meaningful change—educators, researchers, parents, and policymakers. The quality of relationships and learning opportunities that young children experience can set the stage for what they can accomplish throughout their lives. 

Position Summary

The Marsico Institute for Early Learning seeks part-time Research Assistants and Research Associates to support multiple ongoing research projects related to early childhood education. These positions assist with data collection and entry, classroom-based testing and observations, translation of materials, video editing, and website content uploads. 

Work may include supporting consent procedures, organizing and cleaning data, assisting with classroom assessments and interviews, preparing research materials, and contributing to project dissemination activities. The roles require accuracy, professionalism, and an ability to work collaboratively in early learning environments. 

These are non-benefited, part-time positions not to exceed 1,000 hours in a calendar year. Employment is grant-funded and expected to end on June 30, 2026, with continuation contingent upon available funding and performance. 

Essential Functions

Research and Data Support 

  • Conduct classroom-based observations and assessments following study protocols. 
  • Support data entry, coding, and cleaning to ensure completeness and accuracy. 
  • Track participant consents and maintain secure, confidential data across platforms. 
  • Translate study materials and communication documents, as needed. 
  • Assist with literature searches and organization of research documentation. 
  • Assist in classroom testing of activities 

 Technology and Media Support 

  • Capture and edit classroom and interview videos for research or training purposes. 
  • Upload research products and digital materials (e.g., videos, reports, translations) to project websites or learning platforms. 
  • Provide basic technical assistance during trainings or classroom data collection sessions.

Team and Project Collaboration 

  • Participate in project meetings and coordinate with team members and school partners. 
  • Support preparation and refinement of training or research materials. 
  • Assist with logistics, supply management, and documentation for data collection or training sessions. 

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities

  • Knowledge of early childhood education or development. 
  • Must be able to develop and maintain a good rapport with young children and school personnel. 
  • Capable of successfully working independently and as part of a team. 
  • Proven excellent written and verbal communication skills. 
  • Adaptability to shifting priorities based on grant-driven requirements. 
  • Excellent time management and organizational skills. 
  • Close attention to detail. 
  • Facility with MS Office Suite/O365 programs, videotaping equipment, and basic features of virtual collaboration software. 
  • Experience using Qualtrics, SPSS, or other data collection and analysis software.

Required Qualifications

Research Assistant 

  • Bachelor’s degree in Education, Early Childhood, Psychology, Social Science, or related field. 
  • Experience working with young children or in a classroom setting. 
  • English language fluency. 
  • Related content knowledge and experience. 

Research Associate 

  • Master’s degree in Education, Early Childhood, Psychology, Social Science, or related field. 
  • Experience working with young children or in a classroom setting. 
  • English language fluency. 
  • Related content knowledge and experience. 

 Preferred Qualifications

  • Experience as a research assistant or associate in education or psychology, instructional coach and/or classroom teacher, or other related experience working with young children. 
  • Experience in education research or social science research. 
  • Experience in early childhood education. 
  • Spanish language fluency. 
  • Ability to travel locally and out-of-state as needed to support research work. 

Work Schedule

  • Varies, Monday – Friday, between 8:30 a.m. and 4:30 p.m. 

  • Part-time, up to 1,000 hours per calendar year. 

  • Occasional evenings, weekends, or travel may be required based on project needs. 

Working Environment 

  • Standard office and classroom environment. 

  • Unexpected interruptions occur often; stress level is moderate to high. 

  • Noise level is quiet to moderate. 

 Physical Activities 

  • Ability to sit in front of a computer for an extended period of time. 

  • Occasionally required to move about the office/campus with the capability of transporting objects up to 20 lbs. 

Application Deadline
For consideration, please submit your application materials by 4:00 p.m. (MST) November 12, 2025.

Special Instructions
Candidates must apply online through jobs.du.edu to be considered. Only applications submitted online will be accepted.

Hourly Range:

  • Research Assistant: $24.00 – $30.00/hour, commensurate with experience and education level. 

  • Research Associate: $31.00 – $42.00/hour, commensurate with experience and education level. 

The University of Denver has provided a compensation range that represents its good faith estimate of what the University may pay for the position at the time of posting. The University may ultimately pay more or less than the posted compensation range. The salary offered to the selected candidate will be determined based on factors such as the qualifications of the selected candidate, departmental budget availability, internal salary equity considerations, and available market information, but not based on a candidate’s sex or any other protected status.

Benefits:
The University of Denver offers some benefits for non-benefited employees. The University of Denver is a private institution that empowers students who want to make a difference. Learn more about the University of Denver.

Please include the following documents with your application:
1. Resume
2. Cover Letter

The University of Denver is an equal opportunity employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex (including sex stereotypes, sex characteristics, sexual orientation, gender identity, and gender expression), marital, family, or parental status, pregnancy or related conditions, national origin, disability, or status as a protected veteran. The University of Denver does not discriminate and prohibits discrimination on the basis of race, color, national origin, ancestry, age, religion, creed, disability, sex (including sex stereotypes, sex characteristics, sexual orientation, gender identity, and gender expression), marital family, and parental status, pregnancy, genetic information, military enlistment, or veteran status, and any other class of individuals protected from discrimination under federal, state, or local law, regulation, or ordinance in any of the University’s educational programs and activities, and in the employment (including application for employment) and admissions (including application for admission) context, as required by Title IX of the Education Amendments of 1972; the Americans with Disabilities Act; Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973; Title VI and VII of the Civil Rights Act of 1964; the Age Discrimination Act of 1975; the Age Discrimination in Employment Act of 1967; the Equal Pay Act; the Colorado Equal Pay for Equal Work Act; the Colorado Protecting Opportunities and Worker's Rights ("POWR") Act; and any other federal, state, and local laws, regulations, or ordinances that prohibit discrimination, harassment, and/or retaliation. For more information, please see the University of Denver's Non‑Discrimination‑Statement.

All offers of employment are contingent upon satisfactory completion of a criminal history and Motor Vehicle Record background check.

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