Student Employment Positions
Student Research Assistant – Office of Inclusive Excellence
Through this position, the student will gain experience in qualitative and participatory research methods, research ethics, literature reviews, data organization and analysis, and scholarly communication. The student will also have opportunities to learn how research findings inform institutional practice, policy development, and external grant proposals.
The Student Research Assistant is expected to maintain confidentiality, communicate reliably with the research team, meet agreed-upon deadlines, and approach participants and research materials with care, respect, and cultural humility. All research activities involving human participants must follow applicable institutional review board (IRB) requirements and approved study protocols.
Duties and Responsibilities
Key Responsibilities
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Assist with research planning and coordination for the photovoice study.
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Support participant recruitment and outreach to Black undergraduate students, following approved research protocols.
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Assist with preparing research materials, including recruitment flyers, participant instructions, consent documents, and workshop materials.
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Support the coordination of photovoice sessions, focus groups, interviews, or other data collection activities, as assigned.
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Assist with organizing, documenting, and managing research data in accordance with confidentiality requirements and approved research procedures.
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Support the review and organization of participant-generated photographs, reflections, and narratives.
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Assist with identifying emerging themes and patterns in the data under the guidance of the faculty research team.
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Contribute to literature reviews, annotated bibliographies, and summaries of research on anti-Black racism, campus climate, belonging, student well-being, and servingness at HSIs and PWIs.
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Assist with preparing research summaries, presentations, reports, and materials for scholarly dissemination and external grant applications.
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Participate in research team meetings and contribute to discussions about ethical, culturally responsive, and student-centered research practices.
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Perform other research-related duties as assigned.
Minimum Qualifications
Required Qualifications
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Current enrollment as an undergraduate or graduate student at Salem State University.
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Strong written and verbal communication skills.
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Demonstrated organizational skills and attention to detail.
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Ability to handle confidential information responsibly and follow research protocols.
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Interest in social justice, racial equity, higher education, student success, or community-engaged research.
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Ability to work collaboratively with students, faculty, and other members of the research team.
Preferred Qualifications
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Interest in or familiarity with Black student experiences, anti-Black racism, belonging, and campus climate.
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Experience or interest in qualitative research, participatory action research, photovoice, or community-based research.
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Experience with literature reviews, transcription, qualitative data organization, or thematic analysis.
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Familiarity with Microsoft Office, Google Workspace, or other digital tools used for research coordination.
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Experience with photography, visual storytelling, creative expression, or digital media.
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Commitment to ethical, asset-based, and culturally responsive approaches to research.
Wages
$16.00/hr