Research Assistant School of Computer Science HCII

Carnegie Mellon University is a private global research university that stands among the worlds most renowned education institutions. With ground-breaking brain science path-breaking performances creative start-ups big data big ambitions hands-on learning and a whole lot of robots CMU doesnt imagine the future we invent it. If youre passionate about joining a community that challenges the curious to deliver work that matters your journey starts here!

The Human-Computer Interaction Institute (HCII) is a living laboratory where we investigate the relationship between computer technology human activity and society. Founded in 1993 the HCII is a place where we work to understand and create technology that harmonizes with and improves human capabilities goals and social environments through interdisciplinary research and education in design computer science and behavioral and social sciences. We research how people work play and communicate within groups organizations and social structures then we design create and evaluate technologies and tools to support human and social activities.

We are seeking a Research Assistant to support design-based research and qualitative data analysis for a new project creating classroom goal tools within CMU PLUS. This role is focused on designing low- and mid-fidelity prototypes for co-design with middle school teachers including conducting design interviews and collecting analyzing and organizing interview data to support classroom goal setting and student engagement in K-12 math classrooms.

Core Responsibilities:

• Support early-stage co-design with middle school teachers focused on goal-setting routines and classroom use of i-Ready data.
• Create low- and mid-fidelity prototypes (e.g. mockups flow diagrams sample routines teacher-facing materials) to facilitate co-design sessions.
• Conduct and document design interviews and co-design meetings with teachers (with guidance from the PI).
• Collect organize and manage qualitative data including interview notes transcripts artifacts and classroom feedback.
• Code and analyze qualitative data (e.g. thematic analysis) to identify design requirements breakdowns and opportunities for refinement.
• Synthesize findings into design memos summaries and actionable recommendations to inform iterative revisions of goal-support routines and analytics.
• Coordinate closely with the PI and project team to ensure design insights inform subsequent implementation and research phases.

Adaptability excellence and passion are vital qualities within Carnegie Mellon University. We are in search of a team member who can effectively interact with a varied population of internal and external partners at a high level of integrity. We are looking for someone who shares our values and who will support the mission of the university through their work.

Qualifications:

• High School Diploma or GED required.
• Experience with qualitative research methods including interviews observations or design-based research strongly preferred.
• Experience organizing coding and synthesizing qualitative data (e.g. interview notes transcripts design artifacts).
• Strong organizational skills attention to detail and reliabilitythis role supports time-sensitive co-design and research activities with partner schools.
• Comfort working independently while coordinating closely with the PI and research team.
• Ability to create and iterate on low- and mid-fidelity prototypes (e.g. slides mockups written routines diagrams) to support co-design conversations.
• Clear written communication skills for producing design memos and summaries for research and practitioner audiences.
• CITI training and child protection clearances (or willingness to complete promptly).
• Helpful skills and tools
  • Design and prototyping tools: Figma Miro FigJam PowerPoint Google Slides or equivalent.
  • Qualitative analysis software: NVivo Dedoose or structured coding in spreadsheets.
  • Interview and transcription workflows: Otter Zoom transcripts Rev or manual transcription.
  • Collaborative documentation and versioning: Google Drive Notion Overleaf or GitHub.
  • Familiarity with K12 classroom contexts teacher professional development or learning sciences research.
• A combination of education and relevant experience from which comparable knowledge is demonstrated may be considered.

Requirements:

• Successful background check
• Child Protection Clearances (Act 153)

Joining the CMU team opens the door to an array of exceptional benefits.

Benefits eligible employees enjoy a wide array of benefits including comprehensive medical prescription dental and vision insurance as well as a generous retirement savings program with employer contributions. Unlock your potential with tuition benefits take well-deserved breaks with ample paid time off and observed holidays and rest easy with life and accidental death and disability insurance.

Additional perks include a free Pittsburgh Regional Transit bus pass access to our Family Concierge Team to help navigate childcare needs fitness center access and much more!

For a comprehensive overview of the benefits available explore our Benefits page.

At Carnegie Mellon we value the whole package when extending offers of employment. Beyond credentials we evaluate the role and responsibilities your valuable work experience and the knowledge gained through education and training. We appreciate your unique skills and the perspective you bring. Your journey with us is about more than just a job; its about finding the perfect fit for your professional growth and personal aspirations.

Are you interested in an exciting opportunity with an exceptional organization! Apply today!

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