"ECEI Full-Time Research Associate - BILINGUAL"

Early Childhood Education Institute

Situated on the campus of The University of Oklahoma at Tulsa, the Early Childhood Education Institute (ECEI) is an applied research center focused on understanding and advancing access and opportunity for young children and families. Our team of researchers engages in research-practice partnerships, bringing expertise in early care and education, early childhood workforce, and cutting-edge approaches to leveraging longitudinal data to examine practices and policies that lead to thriving children, families, and communities. We partner with community agencies and researchers from affiliated fields to infuse multiple and interdisciplinary perspectives.

POSITION INFORMATION:

We are searching for a full-time Bilingual Research Associate to work on our Educare Implementation Study and other research projects. The Educational Research Associate will work closely with Educare staff, children and families to evaluate children's development and classroom practice. Duties include conducting child assessments, classroom observations, collecting staff and family surveys and interviews, and assisting the PI and project director with all other project related duties.

ESSENTIAL DUTIES:

• Assists Project Director with project implementation and ensures adherence to research protocols.
• Administers and scores standardized child assessments and classroom observations; maintain certification and reliability on all required tools.
• Conducts field-based research including site visits, interviews, focus groups, and classroom observations with children, families, educators, and administrators.
• Collects, enters, verifies, and manages quantitative and qualitative data following approved protocols; assists with maintaining well-organized and accurate data systems across digital and physical platforms.
• Prepares and supports dissemination of project materials, including summary reports, descriptive and analytical reports, literature reviews, presentations, and other deliverables.
• Builds and maintains effective working relationships with project staff, department staff and faculty, early childhood professionals, and community partners; actively participates in meetings and contribute to communication with stakeholders.
• Stays current on early childhood education research and child development literature; synthesizes and share relevant findings with project and department.
• Supports overall project success by assisting with operational and administrative tasks.
• Performs other duties as assigned.

Job Requirements

Qualifications

Required Education: Bachelor's degree in Early Childhood Education, Human Development, Child and Family Studies, Psychology, Education, or a related field required.

Required Experience: At least 24 months of documented experience in research, early childhood education, or social services required, which may include direct work with children, program evaluation, data collection, or support roles in academic or community-based research settings.

Knowledge, Skills, & Abilities:

• Clear and professional written and verbal communication, including presenting research to diverse audiences.
• Understanding of basic research methods, including collecting and analyzing quantitative and qualitative data.
• Strong computer skills in Microsoft Excel, Access, Qualtrics, and other research data management programs.
• Proficient with virtual meeting and collaboration platforms (e.g., Zoom, Teams).
• Strong attention to detail in all aspects of data collection, entry, and reporting.
• Willingness and ability to travel, including occasional overnight trips.
• Strong interpersonal skills, especially when working with young children, families, program staff, and community members.
• Ability to protect sensitive data and follow research ethics, especially with children and families.
• Flexible and well-organized, able to adapt to changes and manage multiple tasks and deadlines.
• Analytical thinking and problem-solving skills.
• Ability to work independently as well as collaborate with others.
• Fluency in Spanish preferred.

Working Conditions:

• Work takes place in a campus office, early childhood program setting, or other community sites (indoor and outdoor).
• Regular travel to schools, community centers, and partner sites across the state, as needed by project.
• Occasional overnight travel may be necessary.
• Must be able to sit, stand, and move for extended periods during assessment and observations.
• Handles sensitive and confidential data, following strict privacy protocols.
• Requires flexibility in scheduling to accommodate assessments and team meetings.
• Work may involve periods of fast-paced or high-pressure environments.

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