Position Details
Position Information
| Requisition Number |
S4359P |
| Home Org Name |
Agricultural Econ & Rural Sociol |
| Division Name |
College of Agriculture |
| Position Title |
Research Assistant/Associate |
| Job Class Code |
HA01/2 |
| Appointment Status |
Full-time |
| Part-time FTE |
|
| Limited Term |
Yes |
| Limited Term Length |
2 years |
| Job Summary |
The individual selected for this position will assist in social science research and the dissemination of social science research findings. The Research Assistant/Associate manages research projects and corresponds with the research team. The individual also participates in all facets of the research process-from project design to data collection to data analyzation to writing up of results and publications to publicly disseminating the research through research and Extension talks. This is a 2-year limited-term appointment and is funded from external sources. Continuation of employment is contingent upon availability of funds and skills required, as well as performance.
The University: Auburn was named by Forbes Magazine as one of the state of Alabama's best employers, with employees staying an average of ten years! Learn more about Auburn's impact, generous employee benefits, and thriving community by visiting aub.ie/working-for-auburn.
The Community: The Auburn/Opelika area is a page right out of Southern Living magazine with an idyllic small-town feel, perfecting a unique balance between a close-knit community and driving consistent growth and development. Paralleling the growth of Auburn University, the Auburn/Opelika area boasts services and amenities that cater to any interest. We're proud of our top school systems, city services, award-winning restaurants, and the infectious spirit of life in a college town. You can find us nestled halfway between the beach and the mountains in a lower-cost-of-living area, two hours outside of Atlanta or Birmingham. If you're new to Auburn, we'd love to introduce you. If you're already acquainted with Auburn, we'll keep it simple: it's time to come home! The City of Auburn website has information on the community and services that can be accessed at: https://www.auburnalabama.org/. |
| Essential Functions |
Specific responsibilities include the following:
- Manages research team projects using management software and keeps the team on task and on time through project oversight. Gives direction to team members, including postdoctoral fellows, graduate students, and undergraduate students. Trains research team members (graduate students, undergraduate students, and postdoctoral fellows) as needed for research activities.
- Schedules research team meetings and data collection activities, interacting with both internal individuals (faculty, research team members, and University staff) and external individuals (farmers, rural dwellers, business owners, etc.). Keeps impeccable records of all data collection activities for projects.
- Interviews individuals (farmers, business owners, community members, etc.) and conducts focus groups for qualitative data collection and writes extensive fieldnotes. Interviews will be conducted in off-site locations, including on farms, at businesses, and outdoors. Needs extensive knowledge of production agriculture to elicit quality interviews.
- Codes and analyzes data by conducting both quantitative data analysis using a statistical analysis software (SPSS, STATA, Python or R) and qualitative data analysis using a Qualitative Data Analysis Software (MAXQDA Analytics Pro).
- Designs new research projects, overseeing methodological decisions and applying for grants.
- Serves as a community liaison for community engagement efforts to bolster data collection and data dissemination efforts by interacting with individuals in positions of authority and power, such as elected officials, business owners, and farm organization presidents and Alabama citizens.
- Communicates research findings externally through community Extension presentations, Extension workshops, and research presentations, as well as internally to research team members through regular team updates and presentations.
- Writes research findings in journal articles and popular press publications.
- Writes Extension publications from research findings and existing data for public dissemination.
- Conducts all remaining data collection and analysis activities such as writing and completing IRB forms and overseeing that part of the project process, transcribing interviews and fieldnotes, cleansing uncoded quantitative data, etc.
|
Minimum Qualifications
| Minimum Qualifications |
Education and Experience:
Research Assistant I: Bachelor's degree in Sociology, Rural Sociology, or closely related agriculture field; no experience required.
Research Assistant II: Bachelor's degree in Sociology, Rural Sociology, or closely related agriculture field plus 2 years of experience working with qualitative and quantitative research (including data collection, management, and analysis).
Research Assistant III: Bachelor's degree in Sociology, Rural Sociology, or closely related agriculture field plus 4 years of experience working with qualitative and quantitative research (including data collection, management, and analysis).
Research Assistant IV: Bachelor's degree in Sociology, Rural Sociology, or closely related agriculture field plus 6 years of experience working with qualitative and quantitative research (including data collection, management, and analysis).
Research Associate I: Master's degree in Sociology, Rural Sociology, or closely related agriculture field; no experience required.
Research Associate II: Master's degree in Sociology, Rural Sociology, or closely related agriculture field plus 2 years of experience working with qualitative and quantitative research (including data collection, management, and analysis).
Research Associate III: Master's degree in Sociology, Rural Sociology, or closely related agriculture field plus 4 years of experience working with qualitative and quantitative research (including data collection, management, and analysis).
Research Associate IV: Master's degree in Sociology, Rural Sociology, or closely related agriculture field plus 6 years of experience working with qualitative and quantitative research (including data collection, management, and analysis). |
Minimum Skills, License, and Certifications
| Minimum Skills and Abilities |
Knowledge/experience with agricultural communications; experience working with teams; experience managing projects. |
| Minimum Technology Skills |
Must have strong quantitative and spreadsheet skills; Proficiency with MS Word and MS Excel. |
| Minimum License and Certifications |
A valid driver's license or the ability to obtain one prior to selection is required. |
Desired Qualifications
| Desired Qualifications |
Strong technical and academic writing skills; Proficiency in
MAXQDA Data Analysis Pro; Proficiency in
STATA; Technical knowledge of production agriculture. |
Posting Detail Information
| Salary Range |
$34,610 - $96,230 |
| Job Category |
Research |
| Working Hours if Non-Traditional |
|
| City position is located in: |
Auburn |
| State position is located: |
Alabama |
| List any hazardous conditions or physical demands required by this position |
|
| Posting Date |
03/27/2025 |
| Closing Date |
|
| Equal Opportunity Compliance Statement |
It is our policy to provide equal employment and education opportunities for all individuals without regard to race, color, national origin, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, gender expression, pregnancy, age, disability, protected veteran status, genetic information, or any other classification protected by applicable law. The Office of Equal Opportunity Compliance (
EOC) strives to ensure an inclusive and equitable working, living, and learning environment for members of the Auburn University community. Please visit their
website to learn more. |
| Special Instructions to Applicants |
Please utilize the attachment feature and attach a cover letter and resume. Only complete application materials will be accepted for review. |
| Quick Link for Internal Postings |
https://www.auemployment.com/postings/52058 |
|
Auburn
$34,610 - $96,230
Mar 27, 2025