Assistant Research Data Collector Jobs (NOW HIRING)

IGDI Lab, housed within the Department of Educational Psychology in the College of Education and Human Development at the University of Minnesota, has an occasional need for part-time, temporary or casual employees for a nationwide study. Our work focuses on assessment and data-based decision-making within a multi-tiered system of support for English- and Spanish-speaking children ranging from 3-5 years of age.
We're currently hiring for our I-SPEAK project (Interactive Storybook Platform for the Equitable Assessment of Knowledge). I-SPEAK is an innovative preschool assessment that uses storytelling to create a culturally and linguistically responsive, engaging experience for young children. The assessment includes three English stories (each centering African American/Black children, Latine children, or children experiencing economic hardship) and a Spanish story centering Spanish-speaking children. Data collectors can give assessments in Spanish, English, or both languages depending on their language proficiency.
Positions are available throughout the U.S. in locations where we have study partnerships. Confirmed locations include Minneapolis/St. Paul, MN and Atlanta, GA. We also anticipate openings in Ohio, New Jersey, California, Massachusetts, and other states.
The position requires an interest in and knowledge of early childhood assessment. This data collection position includes training on assessments and interacting with young children to collect data. Data collectors will travel to early childhood classrooms and use iPads to assess children. Once hired, all data collectors will be trained and are required to achieve 90% fidelity before they are allowed to begin testing. After completing training, data collectors are required to test children, record the data, and report updates to the research team.
This position is based in-person. This position is an hourly temp casual position with hours that ebb and flow with the needs of data collection for the IGDI Lab. The position is expected to last through August 2026.

Data collection will primarily take place during daytime hours (short shifts generally between the hours of 8am-5pm M-F). There may also be occasional shifts in evenings and/or weekends. The work schedule is temporary in nature, meaning the employee is limited to 67 days of work in a calendar year. It can also be casual in nature, meaning the employee can work 14 or fewer hours per week. A set number of hours are not guaranteed each week.

Employees working in this position are paid an hourly rate; temporary and casual employees are not eligible for retirement plans, health insurance, vacation, sick leave, or the Regents Scholarship.
Job Responsibilities:
Data Collection and Data Entry (100%):

• Travel to school and childcare sites and collect assessment data with preschool children
• Document all assessment scores
• Transfer data each session by recording progress in a tracking spreadsheet
  

Required Qualifications:

• Some high school or 2 years work experience
• Experience working with preschool and/or elementary-age children
• Ability to communicate with supervisor and team members over email, phone, and/or videoconference
• Ability to collaborate effectively with people from a variety of communities, backgrounds, and identities
• Reliable transportation for travel to school and childcare sites
• Ability to work short shifts that align with needs of the project and partner programs (generally between the hours of 8am-5pm M-F)

Preferred Qualifications:

• Lived experiences that align with project goals
• Demonstrated strong attention to detail and organizational skills
• Excellent verbal and written communication skills
• Ability to take initiative and be self-directed
• Experience in classroom settings and/or working with children one-on-one
• Experience with data collection
• Demonstrated excellent data entry skills
• Demonstrated written and verbal communication fluency in Spanish

Department of Educational Psychology:
The Department of Educational Psychology provides training in the cognitive, emotional, and social learning processes that underlie education and human development across the lifespan, including: the psychological foundations of education, quantitative methods in education, the practice and science of counseling psychology, school psychology, and special education. Faculty and students provide leadership and consultation to the state, nation, and international community. The department's scholarship and teaching enhance professional practice in schools and universities, community mental health agencies, business and industrial organizations, early childhood programs, and government agencies. https://www.cehd.umn.edu/edpsych

The College of Education and Human Development (CEHD), the University's third largest college, contributes to a just and sustainable future through engagement with the local and global communities to enhance human learning and development at all stages of life. We know diversity is necessary to do our best work and foster our humanity. That's why the CEHD community is collectively dedicated to cultivating an inclusive and equitable environment, embracing and celebrating all identities of our students, staff, and faculty. These values are also a moral imperative requiring continuous proactive measures and a firm stance against prejudice, discrimination, and systemic injustice.

Pay Range: $20 - $26/hour; depending on education/qualifications/experience.

Retirement plan options are available for Civil Service, Faculty, Labor-Represented, Professional & Administrative, and Temp Casual classifications. Learn more about retirement plans.

Applications must be submitted online. To be considered for this position, please click the Apply button and follow the instructions. You will be given the opportunity to complete an online application for the position and attach a cover letter and resume.

Additional documents may be attached after application by accessing your "My Job Applications" page and uploading documents in the "My Cover Letters and Attachments" section.

To request an accommodation during the application process, please e-mail employ@umn.edu or call (612) 624-8647.

The University recognizes and values the importance of diversity and inclusion in enriching the employment experience of its employees and in supporting the academic mission. The University is committed to attracting and retaining employees with varying identities and backgrounds.

The University of Minnesota provides equal access to and opportunity in its programs, facilities, and employment without regard to race, color, creed, religion, national origin, gender, age, marital status, disability, public assistance status, veteran status, sexual orientation, gender identity, or gender expression. To learn more about diversity at the U: http://diversity.umn.edu

Any offer of employment is contingent upon the successful completion of a background check. Our presumption is that prospective employees are eligible to work here. Criminal convictions do not automatically disqualify finalists from employment.

The University of Minnesota, Twin Cities (UMTC)

The University of Minnesota, Twin Cities (UMTC), is among the largest public research universities in the country, offering undergraduate, graduate, and professional students a multitude of opportunities for study and research. Located at the heart of one of the nation's most vibrant, diverse metropolitan communities, students on the campuses in Minneapolis and St. Paul benefit from extensive partnerships with world-renowned health centers, international corporations, government agencies, and arts, nonprofit, and public service organizations.

At the University of Minnesota, we are proud to be recognized by Forbes as a Best Employer for Company Culture (2026), Best Employer for Women (2023), and Best Employer by State (2022-2026). In 2026, we also received Culture Excellence & Industry Awards recognition for employee appreciation and work-life flexibility.