The Growth and Resilience Across Development (GARD) Lab (https://gardlab.umd.edu/) at University in Maryland, College Park is recruiting two undergraduate or postbaccalaureate research assistants to work on the Community And Resilient Environments (CARE) Project this Fall 2022. CARE is a community-engaged study in Washington DC that examines the influence of neighborhood factors on health and wellbeing across the lifespan.
Research Assistants will be assigned to a variety of duties on each of the following components of the CARE Project:
Youth Internship Program:
The CARE Youth Internship Program is designed to empower youth to conduct qualitative and quantitative research in their own communities over the course of 7 weeks. 6-8 middle and high school youth interns will be trained in research principles and ethics, basic research methods, and how to present study findings to local community leaders and members.
RAs will be involved with training and teaching basic research methods to youth interns, including: observational assessment of social and physical features of neighborhood blocks, collecting physiological data, and describing the implications of environmental quality on health and wellbeing.
Observational Data Collection:
RAs will also be responsible for collecting block-level observational data, as well as passive physiological and air pollution data, in Washington DC. Transportation with a UMD vehicle will be provided.
Household Survey:
A population-based household survey will be mailed to over 2,500 addresses in select DC neighborhoods. Mail-to-web recruitment will be supplemented with respondent-driven-sampling. RAs will be assisting lab managers in mailing paper packets upon request, participant compensation, door-knocking. In addition, RAs will have the opportunity to participate in data cleaning and management pending experience.
Qualifications: Preference given to undergraduate students at the University of Maryland, College Park, though recent graduates may be considered. Psychology, Neuroscience, Sociology, and Public Health majors are encouraged to apply, but all are welcome. Prior research experience is not required; all experience (academic or other) will be considered in position placement. At this time, fluent Spanish speakers and Amharic speakers are preferred, but all applications will be reviewed.
Time Commitment and Compensation. 10-15 hours/week. Availability on weekends (expect 2x/month) and weekdays. Flexible Hours. Hourly pay or course credit, depending on experience and need.
Application information: Interested applicants are invited to email gardlab@umd.edu with a CV/resume, availability for the Fall semester, and rationale for interest in the position. Please check out https://gardlab.umd.edu/ for more information about our lab!
