"Research Associate"

Research Associate

Company: Auburn University

Job Location: Auburn University, 36849-5207

Category: Laboratory and Research

Type: Full-Time

Requisition Number: S4735P

Home Org Name: Human Devlmnt Family Science

Division Name: College of Human Sciences

Job Class Code: HA02A

Appointment Status: Full-time

Limited Term: Yes

Limited Term Length: one year

Job Summary

The Department of Human Development and Family Science (HDFS), through a partnership with the US Department of Defense (DoD) and the US Department of Agriculture - National Institute of Food and Agriculture (USDA/NIFA), is seeking candidates for a Research Associate I/II/III to support the work of Military REACH. Military REACH provides high-quality resources to the DoD's Office of Military Community and Family Policy in the form of research reports and professional development tools across the spectrum of family support, readiness, and resilience. Specifically, the team translates military family science into accessible products (e.g., research summaries, comprehensive reports) for our target audiences (i.e., policy makers, military leadership, helping professionals, military families).

In collaboration with the research team, this individual will contribute to the creation of research reports by conducting literature reviews and assist in the coordination of research products through the various stages of development. Additionally, they will be actively engaged in promoting access to military family research through our online library, social media, and other outlets (e.g., monthly newsletter). They will also work with our website development team to ensure our online library is up to date and create engaging social media content that conveys scientific findings in everyday language. They will also complete other general team and administrative tasks as needed.

Since September 2017, Military REACH has been housed at Auburn University and there has been continuous funding. All positions on our team, including the one currently posted, are one-year term appointments; continuation of employment is contingent upon availability of funding and job performance.

Essential Functions

• Assist in the development of research reports by conducting comprehensive literature reviews. This includes searching for empirical studies, identifying relevant research, and accurately interpreting and synthesizing findings. This requires a high level of research literacy in both qualitative and quantitative methodologies.
• Identify and compile recently published research pertaining to the well-being of military families. This includes utilizing tools to identify new research (e.g., Google scholar, EBSCOhost), managing databases to store the research, teaching others how to utilize these databases, keeping clear records of identified research (e.g., Excel), and coordinating with the website development team to ensure our database is up to date.
• Assist in the finalization of reports to ensure they are ready for publication. This includes formatting products and citations in line with APA 7th, reviewing formatted reports for accuracy, and coordinating with our copy editors and graphic designers to prepare reports for distribution.
• Develop engaging outreach content by translating research findings into practical tools and accessible information for key stakeholders, designed for use across multiple platforms (e.g., monthly newsletter, social media).
• Complete general team and administrative tasks as needed.

Why Work at Auburn?

• Life-Changing Impact: Our work changes lives through research, instruction, and outreach, making a lasting impact on our students, our communities, and the world.
• Culture of Excellence: We are committed to leveraging our strengths, resources, collaboration, and innovation as a top employer in higher education.
• We're Here for You: Auburn offers generous benefits, educational opportunities, and a culture of support and work/life balance.
• Sweet Home Alabama: The Auburn/Opelika area offers southern charm, vibrant downtown scenes, top-ranked schools, and easy access to Atlanta, Birmingham, and the Gulf of Mexico beaches.
• A Place for Everyone: Auburn is committed to fostering an environment where all faculty, staff, and students are welcomed, valued, respected, and engaged.

Minimum Qualifications

Level I: Master's degree in Human Development and Family Science, Psychology, Social Work, Sociology, or related discipline. 0 years of experience in research practices and protocols.

Level II: Master's degree in Human Development and Family Science, Psychology, Social Work, Sociology, or related discipline. 2 years of experience in research practices and protocols.

Level III: Master's degree in Human Development and Family Science, Psychology, Social Work, Sociology, or related discipline. 4 years of experience in research practices and protocols.

Minimum Skills and Abilities

Strong candidates will understand how to read, interpret, and synthesize human development and family science-related research. Additionally, they will be highly organized and detail oriented, and be able to quickly shift their focus to align with the immediate needs of the team.

• Familiarity with reading, interpreting, and synthesizing human development and family science-related research.
• Excellent written, verbal, and interpersonal communication skills.
• The capacity to maintain focus on tasks while remaining responsive to team needs.
• Exceptional organizational, time management, and efficiency skills.
• Meticulous attention to detail and a diligent work ethic.

Minimum Technology Skills

• Skills desired in data visualization for content creation (e.g., social media, report infographics)
• Proficiency in Microsoft Word and Excel

Salary Range: $40,200-$83,680

Job Category: Research

City position is located in: Auburn

State position is located: AL

Equal Opportunity Compliance Statement: It is our policy to provide equal employment and education opportunities for all individuals without regard to race, color, national origin, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, gender expression, pregnancy, age, disability, protected veteran status, genetic information, or any other classification protected by applicable law. Please visit their website to learn more.

Special Instructions to Applicants: Applicants should apply via the online system at the following link: https://www.auemployment.com/postings/55794. Please provide a letter of interest/cover letter, resume, the names and email addresses of three individuals to serve as professional references, and one writing sample, preferably from a course assignment or professional correspondence. Examples could be a portion of a Master's thesis, technical report, manuscript, course assignment or professional correspondence. Only complete application materials will be considered. Review of applications will begin on September 25, 2025 and will continue until the position is filled. Start date is negotiable.