Research Assistant (ETS) | Temporary

Emory University•Atlanta, GA

5h•Remote

About The Position

Emory University is a leading research university that fosters excellence and attracts world-class talent to innovate today and prepare leaders for the future. We welcome candidates who can contribute to the excellence of our academic community. Description KEY RESPONSIBILITIES: This individual will work as a Research Assistant under Prof. Stephen D. O'Connell in the Department of Economics. Responsibilities include literature review, data analysis, and presentations. Weekly meetings as well as ad hoc coordination meetings will also be expected. Research Assistant — Duties This is a half-time position supporting a mixed-methods study of livelihoods policy and social cohesion in post-conflict Iraq, conducted in partnership with the International Organization for Migration (IOM). The RA works under the supervision of PIs O'Connell (Emory) and Masterson (UCSB). Instrument Development Lead the design of a semi-structured qualitative interview guide, drawing on preliminary findings from the project's large-scale randomized controlled trial (midline survey data covering ~6,000 participants) Develop interview probes targeting specific quantitative results — both strong treatment effects and null findings — to elicit narratives about mechanisms, spillovers, and unintended consequences Coordinate translation of the guide into Arabic and Kurdish, manage back-translation for accuracy, and incorporate feedback from piloting Fieldwork Preparation and Support Help develop the sampling frame: purposive selection of ~150 participants across treatment/control groups, community types (IDP, returnee, host), gender, and geography Prepare training materials for local enumerators and translators on ethical interviewing, confidentiality, and data quality Support PIs during in-country fieldwork trips (January–April 2026), including logistics coordination and real-time quality checks on incoming interview data Analysis Manage transcription and translation workflow for audio-recorded interviews Conduct thematic coding of interview transcripts using qualitative analysis software, applying both inductive and deductive approaches Integrate qualitative findings with quantitative RCT data to identify mechanisms and sources of treatment effect heterogeneity Prepare tables, summaries, and narrative write-ups for use in the academic manuscript and policy brief Other Assist with IRB/ethics submissions for the qualitative component at Emory and UCSB Contribute to drafting the policy brief targeted at humanitarian stakeholders, Iraqi ministries, and donor agencies Help prepare conference presentations and materials for an in-country stakeholder workshop

Requirements

A bachelor's degree in a social sciences.
Or a current a student, you must possess a BA/BS or equivalent and be enrolled in a US-based PhD program in social sciences.
NOTE: Tasks related to this position can be performed remotely with only occasional visits to an Emory University location.
This position requires you to reside in the State of Georgia

Responsibilities

literature review
data analysis
presentations
Lead the design of a semi-structured qualitative interview guide, drawing on preliminary findings from the project's large-scale randomized controlled trial (midline survey data covering ~6,000 participants)
Develop interview probes targeting specific quantitative results — both strong treatment effects and null findings — to elicit narratives about mechanisms, spillovers, and unintended consequences
Coordinate translation of the guide into Arabic and Kurdish, manage back-translation for accuracy, and incorporate feedback from piloting
Help develop the sampling frame: purposive selection of ~150 participants across treatment/control groups, community types (IDP, returnee, host), gender, and geography
Prepare training materials for local enumerators and translators on ethical interviewing, confidentiality, and data quality
Support PIs during in-country fieldwork trips (January–April 2026), including logistics coordination and real-time quality checks on incoming interview data
Manage transcription and translation workflow for audio-recorded interviews
Conduct thematic coding of interview transcripts using qualitative analysis software, applying both inductive and deductive approaches
Integrate qualitative findings with quantitative RCT data to identify mechanisms and sources of treatment effect heterogeneity
Prepare tables, summaries, and narrative write-ups for use in the academic manuscript and policy brief
Assist with IRB/ethics submissions for the qualitative component at Emory and UCSB
Contribute to drafting the policy brief targeted at humanitarian stakeholders, Iraqi ministries, and donor agencies
Help prepare conference presentations and materials for an in-country stakeholder workshop