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Research AssistantSr. Research Assistant, Early Childhood


Job Location:

Baltimore, MD - USA

Yearly Salary: USD 53000 - 62000
Posted: 25 September 2026 (30+ days ago)
Application Deadline: 25 December 2026
Vacancies: 1 Vacancy

Job Summary

Child Trends is seeking a Research Assistant or Sr. Research Assistant in its Early Childhood research area. Research Assistants are expected to work on multiple projects simultaneously to support project teams. Under the supervision of Early Childhood staff the Research Assistant supports social science research projects by helping to gather data and other information from study participants and stakeholders; helping to develop project materials and data collection tools; administering surveys and questionnaires conducting interviews and compiling results; helping organize meetings; note taking; and performing other duties as necessary.

The Early Childhood team at Child Trends studies programs and systems affecting young children from birth through early elementary school. Our team studies how early childhood programs and systems affect outcomes for children and families including those facing structural and economic barriers. We are committed to methodologically sound research that accurately represents the populations and communities our findings affect. Our team works with the federal government state agencies communities and foundations on research evaluation and policy projects that address important issues for policymakers practitioners and families. We develop resources and reports that address complex topics in easy-to-understand terms. We are strong thought partners in addressing a range of early childhood issues and help policymakers and practitioners translate research into actions that can improve the lives of young children.

This position requires strong writing and organization skills logical thinking great attention to detail excellent communication skills and a commitment to ethics and equity in research and the workplace. The ideal candidate will have experience conducting research projects and be knowledgeable about designing and conducting research rooted in equitable principles. The ideal candidate will have also experience and/or interest in early childhood research or policy.

Typical Responsibilities and Duties:

  • Recruit and follow-up with study participants and schedule interviews focus groups and meetings.
  • Take notesduring meetings with clients or other project stakeholders. Summarizes notes to distribute to team clients and others.
  • Assist with administrative tasks such as scheduling meetings distributing participant incentives tracking project budgets preparing progress reports and mailings.
  • Conduct datacollection through observations interviews surveys and other methods as needed.
  • Support literature reviews on specified topics by collecting relevant research and synthesizing information according to instructions.
  • Tabulate andmaintain study data; assist with data entry; clean data and perform quality checks; develop tables and graphs.
  • Process andconduct basic analyses of quantitative data using Stata/R or other statistical packages.
  • Analyzequalitative data using tools such as Dedoose or NVivo and basic thematic coding methods.
  • Organize project files and track important project deadlines.

The following is our list of preferred qualifications. If you do not meet our criteria exactly but think you are a good fit for this position please submit and tell us why in your cover letter.

Qualifications

  • Bachelors degree preferably in one of the social sciences and the demonstrated ability to perform beginning level research in a social science field.
  • Strong detail-orientation written and verbal communication skills and experience with literature reviews.
  • Excellent writing skills including the ability to clearly communicate complex information for general audiences.
  • Excellent task management and organizational skills.
  • Strong communication skills to support a collaborative working environment.
  • Ability to work independently and as part of a team.
  • Strong critical thinking skills and problem-solving abilities.
  • Ability to both provide and take direction.
  • Two to three years of applied research experience outside of college courses may be considered for a Senior Research Assistant position.

Desired but not required Qualifications

  • Experience with early childhood research or policy.
  • Experience conducting research in applied settings.
  • Ability to speak Spanish and conduct research in Spanish.
  • Experience with a statistical package such as Stata and/or R.

Candidates will be considered for an assistant level or senior assistant level depending on skills qualifications and experience. We encourage candidates across this range to apply and will discuss level placement during the interview process.

Compensation

  • This is a salaried position; salary will either be $53000 or $62000 depending on which role is offered.
  • This position is eligible for benefits for more info please visit our career page.

Work Arrangement

This is a full-time position with some flexibility in schedule. Specific needs should be discussed during the interview process.

Location

Flexible remote; Child Trends may require additional set up time in certain states. We currently do not support work outside the US. All candidates must be authorized to work in the US to be considered.

Background Investigation

Jobs that involve interactions with children and positions that rely on high levels of trust to perform duties are subject to a background check at the time of hire with roles being offered contingent upon results. We will always conduct interviews of qualified individuals prior to requesting a criminal background check and never inquire into an applicants criminal history until interviews have been conducted and offer decisions are being made. Current employees may also be subject to future background checks depending on the nature of their duties. A criminal history will not automatically disqualify a candidate or current employee from employment; however any convictions related to the responsibilities and requirements of the position may do so.

Application Deadline:Applications will be reviewed in the order they are received. Position will be closed once filled.

How to Apply

Please follow the apply link to submit your application. Please uploadyour resume/CV and cover letter as well as a brief writing sample and three professional references.

We are an Equal Opportunity Employer. Child Trends provides equal employment opportunities to all employees and applicants for employment without regard to race color religion sex national origin age disability genetic information veteran status or any other characteristic protected by applicable federal state or local law. Child Trends does not require or request applicants salary. Protected veterans and individuals with disabilities are encouraged to apply. If you need a reasonable accommodation to participate in the application or interview process please contact .


Required Experience:

Senior IC