Part-time Social Sciences and Humanities Research Professional

The UVA Social Development Lab at the Center for the Advanced Study of Teaching and Learning (CASTL) in the School of Education and Human Development seeks a qualified Social Sciences and Humanities Research Professional-2. The incumbent will become part of a vibrant team of faculty, students, and staff conducting research on social-emotional learning projects. One new project starting in 2026 focuses on Jewish youth and their experiences with social media.

Under general direction of the faculty lead, Sara Rimm-Kaufman, the incumbent will support the development, design, and implementation of CASTL research projects. The work will also involve final closure on a post-doctoral training grant.

Founded in 2006, the Center for Advanced Study of Teaching and Learning (CASTL) is an interdisciplinary research center that aims to advance the quality of teaching and learning, from infancy to higher education. Our research initiatives span the globe, and our faculty are leading the way to promote meaningful changes in education. We believe effective teaching and learning are the foundation for opportunity, success and well-being.

Our mission is to advance the quality and impact of teaching through scientific study in educational settings from infancy to higher education.

• Coordinate day-to-day operations of research and programmatic projects to ensure milestones and deliverables are completed in a timely manner
• Develop and maintain project timelines, agendas, protocols, and tracking systems
• Schedule and facilitate project meetings and events
• Maintain organized and confidential research documentation in compliance with institutional policies
• Oversee procurement processes and purchasing for project needs
• Monitor project budgets, track expenditures, estimate costs, and assist with financial forecasting
• Coordinate team schedules and promote effective communication among faculty, students, and external partners
• Support the PI with recruiting, interviewing, and onboarding research assistants and other project staff
• Track research trainee progress and support the PI with professional development activities

• Coordinate and support quantitative and qualitative data collection efforts
• Manage and maintain secure databases for survey and interview data
• Prepare datasets for analysis and reporting
• Serve as a member of the qualitative coding team, including coding interviews with youth, parents, and teachers

• Prepare reports and project updates for schools, community partners, and other external stakeholders
• Coordinate collaborative activities with partner organizations
• Support dissemination of findings to professional and community audiences

• Assist with development of grant proposals, including budget preparation, budget justifications, and letters of support
• Support communication with funding agencies and program officers
• Prepare annual and final reports to funders, including financial documentation and supporting materials
• Track reporting requirements and ensure timely submission of grant deliverables

Education:

Bachelor's degree

Experience:

At least 3 years of relevant experience. Master's degree will be considered in lieu of experience.

Education:

Bachelor’s degree in Psychology, Education, or related field.

• A minimum of two years of education or social science research experience is preferred, including project coordination and data collection responsibilities.
• Ability to troubleshoot technology issues independently. Mastery in Microsoft Office (Word, Excel, PowerPoint, Outlook, One Drive, Teams), G Suite (Google Calendar, Sheets, Docs, Forms, etc.) and web applications is essential. Curiosity about and experience with ethical use of AI.
• Ability to take initiative and work independently, lead and facilitate cross-functional groups, and the ability to interact collaboratively with a diverse group of stakeholders and research team are all preferred. Ability to work under pressure in a deadline-driven environment while maintaining professionalism is…