Qualitative Student Research Assistant

University of Pennsylvania • Woodworth, OH

4d

About The Position

The Qualitative Student Research Assistant will support the Army-SPRING qualitative research team with data collection, qualitative data extraction, and quality data checking, and will attend weekly qualitative team analytic meetings. The role is intended for graduate students at universities other than the University of Pennsylvania.

Army-SPRING (Army-Suicide Prevention Research on Implementation in the National Guard) is designed to strengthen implementation of suicide prevention policies within the Connecticut Army National Guard. The study tests an implementation package supporting suicide intervention officers, chaplains, and religious affairs specialists, in collaboration with the Connecticut Army National Guard. This Hybrid Type 3 cluster-randomized controlled trial evaluates the package’s feasibility, acceptability, and preliminary effectiveness compared with a resilience-focused control group. Its long-term goal is to inform scalable implementation strategies that strengthen suicide prevention policy and military infrastructure and ultimately reduce suicide risk among National Guard service members nationwide.

Training is expected to begin in November or December 2026, with the role beginning in January 2027. The position requires 10–20 hours per week, including research and qualitative team meetings, and a minimum commitment through August 2027. The position is based in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania.

Requirements

• Must be a graduate student at a university other than the University of Pennsylvania.
• Commit to 10–20 hours per week, including research and qualitative team meetings.
• Commit to the role through at least August 2027.
• Submit a CV and a one-page description of interest in the position and relevant experience.

Nice To Haves

• Completion of a graduate-level qualitative research methods course or equivalent.
• Experience conducting qualitative semi-structured interviews.
• Proficiency in methods such as template analysis and analytic coding.
• Knowledge of implementation science and research ethics.

Responsibilities

• Assist with qualitative data collection, including semi-structured interviews and periodic reflections.
• Conduct qualitative data extraction.
• Perform quality data checking.
• Attend regular weekly qualitative team analytic meetings.

Benefits

• Comprehensive medical, prescription, behavioral health, dental, vision, and life insurance benefits, subject to benefit eligibility guidelines.
• Basic, Matching, and Supplemental retirement plans with pre-tax or Roth savings options and investment options through TIAA and Vanguard, subject to benefit eligibility guidelines.

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Part-time
• Career Level: Entry Level
• Education Level: No Education Listed