About The Role

The Research Assistant is part of the Stress and Coping Laboratory in the Department of
Psychology and Human Development, Peabody College at Vanderbilt University and is a key
coordinator position responsible for overseeing and conducting research studies supported by
grants from the National Institutes of Health and the CHDI foundation. This position involves
managing the day-to-day functions of the research lab; recruitment and conducting research
study visits with families; and data coding, processing, and management. This position also
assists in managing laboratory funds, general laboratory organization, and in supervising
undergraduate research assistants in ongoing study tasks. Reporting will be directly to Dr. Bruce
Compas, Principal Investigator of the Stress and Coping Lab and Professor of Psychology and
Human Development.

With a genealogy dating to a one-room Nashville schoolhouse in 1785, Peabody College today
is a world-class college of education and human development. Our mission is to enhance the
human condition, with a particular focus on children’s learning and development. We do this as
we always have, through the preparation of teachers and leaders; through cycles of research,
implementation, and refinement; through service to families, schools, and communities; and
through external engagement with professionals, leaders, and policy-makers. Peabody’s focus
on learning differences has helped to define the college, as has a reputation for empirical rigor
in educational neuroscience; child, family, and community development; special education; the
learning sciences; and educational leadership and policy. Peabody is devoted to creating
opportunity in an increasingly diverse society and to solving large societal problems.

 The purpose of this position is to work closely with the Principal Investigator and other
key lab personnel to ensure overall efficient functioning of the laboratory and research
studies being conducted as part of the lab.
 Following training, the Research Assistant will independently perform laboratory
procedures necessary for the current research studies including psychological testing,
scheduling and coordinating lab visits with families, applying behavioral coding systems,
and following all laboratory/ University safety protocols
 The Research Assistant is responsible for data collection and management including
statistical analyses
Job responsibilities listed herein are intended to be a thorough representation of the duties, responsibilities, expectations, and qualifications for this specific
role at the time of hire but should not be considered all-encompassing as actual responsibilities may evolve to include additional duties as assigned based on
organizational and operational needs.

 The Research Assistant maintains organization which includes keeping inventory stocked
and all lab equipment operational
 The Research Assistant coordinates with the Principal Investigator routinely to maintain
laboratory budgets

This position does have supervisory responsibility of undergraduate research assistants in
ongoing study tasks; this position reports administratively and functionally to the Principal
Investigator (Dr. Compas).

 At least one year of research experience is preferred
 Some experience or familiarity with families facing medical adversities is strongly
preferred
Key Characteristics of a Successful Team Member in th