The temporary Part-Time – Research Assistant will be part of Computer Science Vanderbilt University. The Research Assistant will be part of the Machine Automation, Perception and Learning (MAPLE) Lab.The position includes assessing stakeholders’ ethical concerns about privacy, ownership, and liability of recorded surgical data. The position will work as part of a multi-departmental team of researchers on a project funded by the National Institute of Health.
The position is part-time (20 hours/week) and will start in Fall, 2025. The applicant is expected to commit to a minimum of 6 months to this position.
About the Work Unit:
Computer scientists are actively involved in developing breakthrough technologies from software for mobile devices to artificial intelligence and machine learning and from cybersecurity to smart healthcare systems that transform every aspect of our lives. The Computer Science department offers an accredited undergraduate degree in computer science. At the graduate level, we offer M.S. and Ph.D. degree programs in computer science. Our undergraduate and graduate curricula are constantly refined to meet real-world demands and today's rapid changes in technology with a goal to provide students with the skills required for addressing the challenges of the 21st century. Prevalent throughout the department is an interdisciplinary approach to teaching and research to enhance the exchange of ideas.
Key Functions and Expected Performance:
Telephone or online recruitment of participants
Obtaining informed consent
Conducting online surveys and in-depth qualitative interviews
Setting up and managing REDCap databases
Data entry and keeping accurate records
Managing participant compensation
Qualitative data analysis
Report writing
Assisting the Principal Investigators in general research tasks.
- Deliver technical progress reports/presentations in written and/or oral form to project research staff and faculty
- Communicate regularly, effectively, and professionally with the research team
Share research knowledge, product, and processes with the research team
Supervisory Relationships:
This position does not have supervisory responsibility; this position reports administratively and functionally to the Assistant Professor.
Education and Certifications:
- A Bachelor’s degree in public health, social sciences, health sciences, or a related field with two years of experience.
- A Master’s degree (can be concurrent) in public health, social sciences, health sciences, or a related field
Experience and Skills:
The following skills are strongly preferred:
- Experience conducting interviews, obtaining informed consent
- Experience with REDCap
- Experience with qualitative data analysis
General Characteristics of a Successful Vanderbilt University Staff Member:
ACCOUNTABILITY:Owns decisions, outcomes, work products, etc. that are within the scope of one’s role.
Works through Issues – Recognizes that the work is about successful outcomes, if things aren’t going well, outcomes suffer; is willing to have crucial conversations if things aren’t going well; doesn’t just complain to management… does everything possible to remedy the situation directly first
Reliable – Does what they say they will do, when they say they will do it; shows up for work when expected; doesn’t push the burden of work volume or deadlines to others
Integrity – Holds oneself accountable; takes responsibility for failures as well as successes, recognizes that trust is required to hold a team together
Acceptance of Feedback – Takes constructive criticism with grace, and makes improvements without taking it personally or holding grudges; when wrong, owns it – freely admits mistakes
COLLABORATION:Works inclusively to build trust and accomplish tasks, goals, and initiatives. Understands, anticipates, and appropriately responds to internal and/or external customers’ needs.
Optimism – Is friendly, tirelessly cordial, polite, and genial; comes in to work with a good attitude and doesn’t bring their own personal “little black clouds” into the work environment
Teamwork – Genuinely values teamwork and co-workers, makes them feel valuable and important by acknowledging what they do well; doesn’t expect from others effort that one is unwilling to do themselves, finds ways to acknowledge other’s strong suits
Honest and Transparent – Doesn’t have hidden agendas, doesn’t play people against each other; is authentic and forthright
Helpful Nature – Offers to help lighten the load for others in times of need; volunteers rather than waiting to be asked; understands that almost no one works in a silo and needs the help of others to do their job well; recognizes that by helping others first, others will likely reciprocate
COMMUNICATION:Provides information clearly and accurately in various settings, ensuring understanding and participation. Understands how best to present information to different audiences and understands how information may be perceived.
Shares – Shares information. Communicates proactively. Transmits knowledge; recognizes that “knowledge is power” is less effective than “sharing knowledge is power.” Asks for advice, and considers it thoughtfully
Is Nice – Asks caring, interested questions and is a good listener -- smiles and is grateful; sends appropriate notes of thanks to others who have helped; avoids gossip or saying negative things about co-workers; patient and generous; makes suggestions rather than stating hard and fast opinions. Avoids being negative, sarcastic, and cynical
Praises Publicly; Criticizes Privately – When dealing with a difficult co-workers or customers, “pretend your children are watching” how the situation is handled; good manners help keep a cool head; gives credit where credit is due
Responds Promptly – Recognizes that when emails and phone messages aren’t returned in a timely way, it sends the message that the other party is not important; responds even if just to acknowledge receipt and provide a timeframe by which the requester can expect a full response
DRIVE & GRIT: Is focused on professional excellence and strives to facilitate and support the same for colleagues in and outside their team, effectively manages through challenges and opportunities while seeking to understand and learn from professional experiences.
Perspective – Maintains a sense of humor and perspective; can laugh first and foremost at oneself
Raises the Bar – Expects and delivers excellence; is a creative problem solver; is proactive; welcomes input on making things better -- places a high value on learning and getting better
Resilience – Is resilient in the face of daunting challenges and setbacks; bounces back readily.
Adaptability – Reads cues and adapt accordingly; adjusts style and approach to accommodate the styles and needs of others; can anticipate and effectively de-escalate potential conflicts
ENGAGED:Appreciates the values and mission of the organization, works to contribute to the university, and understands how their work affects the university and university community.
Eager – Enthusiastic, wanting to learn, wanting to continue one’s personal and professional development and expertise
Hard-Working – Is industrious as well as efficient (busy isn’t the same as productive); can juggle multiple competing priorities simultaneously without becoming overwhelmed
Believes – Believes in the work being done and in the importance of the organization’s mission
Creative Thinking – Goes beyond the boundaries of the job description, willingly takes on new challenges, and finds creative solutions rather than always awaiting direct instructions
JUDGMENT & PROFESSIONAL ACUMEN: Makes appropriate decisions and evaluates risk and uncertainty to create ideal outcomes, exhibits an eye for the macro and the micro, and works to ensure others are able to do the same.
Autonomous – Self-managing; self-motivated; manages time, activities and outcomes well so that progress stays on track; cleans up after themselves
Maturity -- Exhibits professional maturity; doesn’t pass the buck to dodge accountability; doesn’t engage in petty office politics or inappropriate social conduct
Detail-Oriented – Even small mistakes can create big issues; attention to detail work indicates care about the outcomes
Assumes the Best – Assumes that others are working as hard as you are on things that are as important as what you are working on; just because you don’t know what someone does, it doesn’t mean they’re not doing anything
COMMITMENT TO CULTURE OF DIVERSITY & INCLUSION: Supports the university’s commitment to diversity and inclusion and demonstrates personal dedication through words and actions.
Champions – Engages in and advocates for inclusive workplace relationships
Culturally Self-Aware - Develops skills to recognize one’s own biases and to be sensitive to the perceptions of others. Models appropriate cultural behaviors with others
Commitment - Collaborates on and contributes to organizational and community diversity and inclusion efforts as opportunities arise.
Lab & Research (1)