Sacred Spectrum Project Graduate research Assistant

Position: The Sacred Spectrum Project Graduate research Assistant
#
** Application Instructions:
**** Active Student Employees:
** If you are a current Student Employee or have previously worked in a student position, you must apply from your existing
** Workday
* * account.
** Do not apply from the external careers website**. Log in to
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** Find Jobs in the search**. Locate the position and click
** Apply**.
** External Applicants:
** Please upload your
** resume
* * on the
** Apply
* * screen. Your application will automatically populate your resume details, and you may verify and update data on the
** My Information
** page. IMPORTANT:
Please review the job posting and fully complete all sections of the application.
*** You will not be able to modify your application after you submit it*.
**** Job Family:
** Student Regular Wage, Student Work Study
** Department:
** Instruction, School of Music
** Supervisor:
** Nathan Myrick
*
* Job Title:

** The Sacred Spectrum Project Graduate research Assistant
*
* Job Description:

**** 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).
** Required Qualifications*
* · 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.
** Preferred Qualifications*
* · 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.
** Compensation & Time Commitment
*
* Start Date:

Fall 2026. Annual stipend: $20,000.

Hours:

~15–20 hours/week during academic terms (some nights and weekends, depending on the needs of partner congregations – requires travel); flexible summer schedule. Benefits:
Professional development opportunities; co-authorship on publications where contributions meet criteria.
** Deliverables & Timeline*
* · Weekly:
Field notes and data uploads.
· Monthly:
Coding progress and survey status updates.
· Quarterly:
Draft contributions to evaluation and sponsor reports.
· Annually:
Assist in curriculum/resource development and dissemination activities.
** Application Instructions
** Submit CV, cover letter highlighting research experience and interest in worship and/or neurodiversity, one writing sample, and a letter of recommendation from a doctoral program supervisor. Review begins immediately; position open until filled.
** Scheduled

Hours:

** 20
*
* Start Date:

** 08/10/2026
** End Date:
** 05/16/2027

Student employees are vital to the success of Mercer University. At Mercer, we are dedicated to helping students find meaningful on-campus jobs and ensuring that students maximize the value of their employment experiences. We believe that having an on-campus job helps students become more involved with the Mercer University community, provides valuable work experience, helps build transferable skills, and habits that will benefit future career options.

Moreover, on-campus jobs provide financial rewards.

Important Note:

In adherence to the Immigration Control Act of 1986, all student employees must complete an Employment Eligibility Verification Form (I-9) and present documentation verifying citizenship or permanent residency. You will not be allowed to begin work until the I-9 form has been completed and properly certified. The required documents include either a valid US Passport, certificate of US citizenship, alien registration card with photograph OR two of the following documents: a state driver's license, validated student , original social security card, birth certificate.
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