The temporary research assistant, working within the department of Leadership, Policy, and Organizations at the Peabody College of Education and Human Development, Vanderbilt University, is a key individual contributor responsible for qualitative analysis of interview data. This position involves working with qualitative data in our research project using NVivo to produce summative memos for research products. Reporting directly to the Daphne Penn, the research assistant will work 10-15 hours per week to provide qualitative analysis support to generate data and findings for the research products.
The research assistant will work with qualitative analysis software and the other qualitative research team staff in analyzing interview data collected from school districts and healthcare provider partners. The data analysis will be used to identify themes and data excerpts and to create tables and other summary depictions for integration into a research paper and presentation for Fall 2026. The analysis will be supervised by Dr. Daphne Penn in coordination with Dr. Carolyn Heinrich.
This position is hybrid and the individual should expect to be in the office for in-person meetings as needed during the course of the research.
This position will not require travel over the course of the temporary assignment.
This is a temporary position expected to start on 06/01/2026 and end on 08/14/2026.
About the Work Unit
The Department of Leadership, Policy and Organizations increases understanding and guides improvements in human learning and outcomes, in the political, economic, organizational, social, legal and regulatory contexts in which human development occurs. Trained in the fields of sociology, economics, education, history, political science, public policy, psychology, organizational behavior, and more, faculty apply multidisciplinary and collaborative approaches to research, teaching and public service. We purposefully cultivate an inclusive environment for faculty, lecturers, students and staff to excel intellectually and engage socially in the department. This is reflected in our exceptionally strong portfolio of research projects, external funding and highly active research centers, as well as in our top-notch interactive teaching.
With a genealogy dating to a one‐room Nashville schoolhouse in 1785, Peabody College today is a world‐ class college of education and human development. Our mission is to enhance the human condition, with a particular focus on children’s learning and development. We do this as we always have, through the preparation of teachers and leaders; through cycles of research, implementation, and refinement; through service to families, schools, and communities; and through external engagement with professionals, leaders, and policymakers. Peabody’s focus on learning differences has helped to define the college, as has a reputation for empirical rigor in educational neuroscience; child, family, and community development; special education; the learning sciences; and educational leadership and policy. Peabody is devoted to creating opportunity in an increasingly diverse society and to solving large societal problems.
Duties and Responsibilities
The research assistant will use NVivo to analyze interview data collected from school districts and healthcare provider partners and stored on SharePoint for the research project. The research assistant will identify themes and data excerpts and create tables and other summary depictions of research data for integration into a research paper and presentation for Fall 2026.
Supervisory Relationships
This position does not have supervisory responsibility; this position reports administratively and functionally to the project PI, Carolyn Heinrich.
Qualifications
Specific experience or education is necessary. This position requires training and clearance to use the project-specific data and prior experience working with the project team. Relevant experience can be substituted on a year for year basis for the required education.
Commitment to Equity, Diversity, and Inclusion
At Vanderbilt University, we are intentional about and assume accountability for fostering advancement and respect for equity, diversity, and inclusion for all students, faculty, and staff. Our commitment to diversity makes us who we are. We have created a community that celebrates differences and lets individuality thrive. As part of this commitment, we actively value diversity in our workplace and learning environments as we seek to take advantage of the rich backgrounds and abilities of everyone. The diverse voices of Vanderbilt represent an invaluable resource for the University in its efforts to fulfill its mission and strive to be an example of excellence in higher education.
Vanderbilt University is an equal opportunity, affirmative action employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, or status as a protected veteran, or any other characteristic protected by law.
Please note, all candidates selected for an offer of employment are subject to pre-employment background checks, which may include but are not limited to, based on the role for which they have been selected: criminal history, education verification, social media review, motor vehicle records, credit history, and professional license verification.
At Vanderbilt University , our work - regardless of title or role - is in service to an important and noble mission in which every member of our community serves in advancing knowledge and transforming lives on a daily basis. Located in Nashville, Tennessee, on a 330+ acre campus and arboretum dating back to 1873, Vanderbilt is proud to have been named as one of “America’s Best Large Employers” as well as a top employer in Tennessee and the Nashville metropolitan area by Forbes for several years running. We welcome those who are interested in learning and growing professionally with an employer that strives to create, foster and sustain opportunities as an employer of choice.
We understand you have a choice when choosing where to work and pursue a career. We understand you are unique and have a story. We want to hear it. We encourage you to apply today so that you might become a part of our story.
Vanderbilt University is an equal-opportunity employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, or status as a protected veteran, or any other characteristic protected by law.
