Research Technician

Job Title

Research Technician

EHE | Teaching and Learning Administration-JM

Schoenbaum Family Center (0933)

Intermittent

0.2

First Shift

The College of Education and Human Ecology at The Ohio State University welcomes enthusiastic, dedicated individuals to become hourly interventionists with Dr. Piasta’s team in the Early Literacy and Learning Lab (EL3) at the Crane Center for Early Childhood Research and Policy. This is an opportunity to be part of a collaborative, mission‑driven group working on the NIH‑funded Optimizing Phonological Awareness Learning (OPAL) project.

If you’re enthusiastic about supporting children’s learning, curious about research, and excited to contribute to this impactful early literacy work, we’d love to welcome you to the team! This is a great opportunity for those seeking part‑time teaching or research experience. It is an in‑person position based at the EL3 in Columbus, Ohio.

Project OPAL is a multi‑university, longitudinal, randomized controlled trial of phonological sensitivity and/or phonemic awareness intervention for pre‑kindergarten and kindergarten students at risk for reading difficulties. Interventionists will conduct research activities with pre‑kindergarten and kindergarten students in Ohio elementary schools and early childhood education centers. They will assist the Principal Investigator, the project coordinator, the lead interventionist, and the research team in the long‑term and day‑to‑day progress towards project deliverables.

Responsibilities include implementing interventions with pre‑kindergarten and kindergarten students at schools/centers; conducting language and literacy assessments with students in pre‑kindergarten, kindergarten, and first grade at schools/centers and public locations; assisting with data processing and school/center communication activities; preparing and maintaining project documentation and materials; attending project/staff meetings, trainings, and workshops as needed; and otherwise assisting within‑lab and field‑based activities. As a member of the Early Literacy and Learning Lab, interventionists will contribute to a supportive, collaborative, and positive lab culture and maintain productive relationships with external partners.

• 1 year of relevant experience required.
• Prior experience working with children (4‑7 years of age).
• Prior experience working in a professional setting, ideally a school, early childhood center, clinic, research center, or child/youth program/nonprofit.
• Excellent communication (oral and written) and interpersonal skills.
• Strong organizational skills and attention to detail.
• Adaptable and flexible.
• Ability to work independently and collaboratively with a research team.
• Ability to interact effectively with people from diverse backgrounds.
• Familiarity with using iPads and Apple apps.
• Reliable means of transportation to/from the Crane Center, schools, and centers.
• Consistent daily availability Monday‑Friday during school hours.
• Must pass FBI/BCI background check.
• Second background check(s) through partnering schools.
• Ohio Dept. of Education orientation training.
• Medical form signed by a physician.
• First aid, CPR, child abuse and mandated reporting, communicable disease awareness and prevention.

Experience conducting social science research. Experience with psychological and/or educational assessments. Experience providing instruction or intervention in an education setting, particularly language and/or literacy instruction. Knowledge of literacy development and evidence‑based instruction. Experience with One Drive. Knowledge and experience with data confidentiality and security.

• 70% Conduct language and literacy interventions with students in pre‑kindergarten, kindergarten, and first grade at schools/centers and public locations. Follow OPAL curriculum to ensure fidelity among interventions across centers/schools. Collect lesson implementation data (video record each lesson, complete daily logs). Attend intervention trainings and…