Graduate Research Assistant - Music Education

Graduate research assistants will provide support for research projects related to attention, decision-making, and the development of expertise in music teachers. Research projects will use eye-tracking technology to study gaze behavior of teachers of varied experience. Training for research support will be provided upon hire.

• Maintain a positive, growth-oriented mindset when facing challenges.
• Actively listen and respond respectfully in meetings and conversations.
• Identify when additional information is needed before making a decision.
• Learn new software or digital platforms as needed for your role.
• Stay aware of basic cybersecurity and data privacy practices.

• Research assistants will provide support in the following ways:
  • Data coding
  • Coding gaze behaviors from eye-tracking videos
  • Coding teaching behaviors and verbalizations from teaching videos
  • Data analysis
  • Statistical analysis

• Knowledge and functional use of Excel
• Ability to organize resources and establish priorities
• Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships
• Promptness in written communication (email)
• Ability/Skill to engage in watching video footage with attention to detail
• Ability to provide statistical analysis is preferred but not required

• Time Commitment
• Research assistants will be contracted for 10 hours of work per week each semester. Most work will be done asynchronously within provided deadlines, but an initial meeting and training session(s) will be required to learn data coding and analysis procedures. Occasional meetings in person/online with Dr. Hicken will be scheduled based on schedule availability.
• Work and payment will begin during Fall 2026 semester (projected mid-November) and will continue through Spring Semester 2027. Option for work over breaks (December, spring break, etc.) and continuation through Summer 2027.