The Sacred Spectrum Project Graduate research Assistant

Mercer University•Atlanta, GA

1d•$20,000 - $20,000

About The Position

Key Responsibilities · Assist with participant observation and qualitative interviews in congregational settings (with IRB-approved protocols). · Maintain accurate field notes and upload recordings to secure data systems. · Support Qualtrics survey distribution, monitor response rates, and troubleshoot participant access issues. · Perform initial data cleaning and coding for quantitative and qualitative datasets. · Conduct thematic coding of interviews and focus groups using NVivo or similar software. · Generate descriptive statistics and visualizations for survey data. · Draft sections of internal progress reports and contribute to sponsor reporting narratives. · Collaborate on curriculum and worship guide prototypes based on research findings. · Assist in preparing tutorial video scripts and supporting materials for dissemination. · Follow all IRB-approved procedures for consent/assent, privacy, and data security. · Complete required research ethics training (CITI or equivalent).

Requirements

Current PhD student in Music, Theology, Psychology, Education, or related field.
Demonstrated experience in qualitative research methods (interviews, coding) and familiarity with survey tools.
Strong organizational skills and ability to manage multiple tasks under deadlines.
Excellent written and verbal communication skills.

Nice To Haves

Background in neurodiversity, child development, or congregational studies.
Proficiency with NVivo, Qualtrics, and basic statistical analysis (SPSS, R, or Python).
Experience producing educational or worship resources.

Responsibilities

Assist with participant observation and qualitative interviews in congregational settings (with IRB-approved protocols).
Maintain accurate field notes and upload recordings to secure data systems.
Support Qualtrics survey distribution, monitor response rates, and troubleshoot participant access issues.
Perform initial data cleaning and coding for quantitative and qualitative datasets.
Conduct thematic coding of interviews and focus groups using NVivo or similar software.
Generate descriptive statistics and visualizations for survey data.
Draft sections of internal progress reports and contribute to sponsor reporting narratives.
Collaborate on curriculum and worship guide prototypes based on research findings.
Assist in preparing tutorial video scripts and supporting materials for dissemination.
Follow all IRB-approved procedures for consent/assent, privacy, and data security.
Complete required research ethics training (CITI or equivalent).