Research Coordinator, Connecticut Project

$51,000 - $61,000/Yr

University of Chicago - Hartford, CT

Full-time - Entry Level

Hartford, CT

Educational Services

About the position

The Research Coordinator for the Connecticut Project at The University of Chicago will play a pivotal role in supporting the TMW Center's mission to enhance the cognitive and social-emotional development of very young children, particularly those living in poverty. This position is based in Connecticut and involves extensive fieldwork across the state, primarily in infant and toddler childcare settings. The Research Coordinator will be responsible for the on-the-ground coordination and implementation of research activities, working closely with childcare providers, teachers, families, and the Connecticut Office of Early Childhood (OEC). The role requires the Research Coordinator to engage in participant outreach and recruitment, ensuring that study participants are well-informed and supported throughout the research process. This includes maintaining regular communication with participants, conducting targeted recruitment efforts, and obtaining necessary consents in accordance with ethical research standards. The Coordinator will also provide implementation support, coaching, and training to ensure that study activities are executed with fidelity. In addition to participant support, the Research Coordinator will be involved in data collection and research support, gathering user feedback to inform program refinement and ensuring adherence to best practices in data collection. Building and nurturing relationships with childcare centers and other stakeholders is crucial for the success of the research partnership. The Coordinator will also provide technical, administrative, and logistical support to the project team, participating in meetings to share insights and updates on implementation progress. This position demands a significant amount of fieldwork, with up to 90% of the time spent visiting childcare providers and study participants. The working hours may vary, requiring flexibility to accommodate site visits and participant consent sessions, which may occur during evenings or weekends. Overall, the Research Coordinator will be instrumental in facilitating a successful research partnership that aims to improve language interactions between teachers and children, enhance job satisfaction among educators, and ultimately drive positive outcomes for young children in Connecticut.

Responsibilities

• Serve as a primary point of contact for current and future research study participants.
• Maintain regular contact with study participants, updating them on study progress and ensuring that their contact information is current.
• Conduct targeted outreach and recruitment to study participants, including child care sites, educators, and parents.
• Organize and coordinate recruitment activities, partnering with TMW Center staff and stakeholders to ensure adequate participant numbers.
• Obtain and maintain consents for all program participants in accordance with IRB protocol and TMW research standards.
• Provide implementation support, coaching, and training to study participants to ensure fidelity in study activities.
• Visit study sites across Connecticut for routine and as-needed in-person observation activities and support.
• Provide technical assistance and troubleshooting support to study participants.
• Track data related to implementation processes and other aspects of the study.
• Engage with study participants to collect data and gather user feedback for program refinement.
• Implement data collection at the direction of TMW Center staff, ensuring quality and adherence to best practices.
• Facilitate classroom-based research activities, including video recording.
• Issue payments and incentives to study participants, ensuring compliance with University and funder obligations.
• Distribute technology and assist with inventory management for materials provided to study sites.
• Build and nurture relationships with childcare centers, teachers, families, and OEC staff to ensure effective communication and collaboration.
• Identify additional childcare providers or organizations for future research partnerships.
• Provide technical, administrative, and logistical support to the research project team.
• Participate in meetings to share implementation observations and provide updates.

Requirements

• Minimum of a college or university degree in a related field.
• Knowledge and skills developed through relevant work experience.

Nice-to-haves

• Experience working with Connecticut OEC State-funded programs.
• Prior teaching or administrative experience in early childhood settings.
• Experience in early childhood research or early education.
• Experience in a research lab or setting.
• Valid driver's license.

Benefits

• Health insurance coverage
• Paid holidays
• Professional development opportunities
• Flexible scheduling options