Non-Student Short-Term Casual

Position Summary

The Department of Pediatrics at the Vagelos College of Physicians & Surgeons of Columbia University is a world leader in providing care for children. Our mission areas include Healthcare, Education and Research. The Department of Pediatrics is committed to innovation and excellence in clinical medicine, education, research, community health, global health, and the development of our faculty and staff. The Center for Early Relational Health (CERH) at Columbia University Irving Medical Center is dedicated to advancing science, practice, and policy that support the earliest relationships between infants, young children, and their caregivers. Through research, national initiatives, and collaborative partnerships, CERH works to promote healthy development and lifelong well-being.

The Short-Term Casual will provide short-term, project-based support to CERH’s research and programmatic initiatives by assisting with data organization, data quality checks, and routine reporting tasks. Under the guidance of faculty and senior research staff, this role will support the maintenance of secure databases, help monitor data collection workflows, and assist in preparing basic summaries, reports, and visualizations.

This position is well suited for an individual with strong attention to detail, organizational skills, and an interest in research related to child development, early relational health, or public health. The role offers hands-on exposure to applied research and data processes in a collaborative academic environment.

Responsibilities

• Maintain strict confidentiality and follow research ethics / HIPAA-compliant lab practices.
• Complete a structured SSP training course (~30 hours) with support from lab staff.
• Attend periodic check-ins to review progress, maintain coding quality, and resolve discrepancies.
• Learn and apply Ainsworth attachment coding principles to SSP video sessions.
• Code SSP videos independently and accurately (in-person + remote formats.CODING)
• Participate in reliability coding and ongoing calibration with trained staff.
• Performs related duties & responsibilities as assigned/requested.

Minimum Qualifications

• High School Graduate or Equivalency required.

Preferred Qualifications

• Prior research experience (psychology lab, clinical research, coding/behavioral observation, etc.
• Experience working with infants/children (babysitting, clinical, educational, volunteer work, etc.).
• Interest in attachment theory, early relationships, parenting, stress, or developmental outcomes.
• Strong organizational skills and comfort working with video-based tasks.
• Spanish-speaking encouraged to apply.

Other Requirements:

• Employment is contingent upon successful completion of pre-offer and post-offer background checks in accordance with NYC’s Fair Chance Act. Depending on the position, a drug screening and other verifications may be required.
• Must successfully complete applicable compliance and systems training requirements.
  + - HIPAA Privacy and Security Essentials Training