The LLD-CLED lab Bilingual (Spanish/English) Research Assistant (RA) role is part of The Department of Special Education at Vanderbilt University. We are recruiting RAs on a federally funded research project led by Dr. Jeannette Mancilla-Martinez. RAs will be responsible for

• Driving to and from Metro-Nashville elementary school via personal transportation or rideshare

• Administering Spanish and/or English assessments to elementary-age children with fidelity

• Scoring/entering data into a secure data management system

This position reports directly to the project lead RAs for all research tasks. The roles start in March, 2024, and working hours are typically occur between elementary school day from 8am and 2:30pm Monday-Friday. This is a part-time, 20 hour a week role.

About The Work Unit

Ranked as the #1 Special Education Program in the nation by U.S. News & World Report for more than a decade, our department has long been a leader both in research and practice.

The mission of the Department of Special Education is to improve the lives of children and youth with disabilities through (a) the preparation of exceptionally competent teachers and researchers, (b) conducting research that informs and improves educational programs and behavioral interventions, and (c) leadership in professional associations and advocacy for persons with disabilities. We are committed to equipping students with diverse backgrounds and experiences to provide exceptional services and supports to people with disabilities and their families.

The Vanderbilt LLD-CLED research group is a team of educational researchers and practitioners passionate about understanding and supporting linguistically diverse learners' language and literacy development. We collaborate widely with experts serving children from culturally and linguistically diverse backgrounds, via research-practitioner partnership with local schools, community-based language development programs, and state-level partnership with the Tennessee Educational Research Alliance. We work to inform research, practice, and policy-level efforts designed to help students become independent, successful learners.

Duties and Responsibilities

• The bilingual RA will aid in collection of survey data from students' parent in the study.

• The bilingual RA will collect data on various Spanish and/or English assessments following the assessment manuals.

• The bilingual RA will enter assessment session data into a secure database.

• The bilingual RA will help preparing reports and analysis for data tracking.

• To ensure fidelity of all aspects of the project, the bilingual RA will follow all research protocols as written and communicate with the Principal Investigator (Dr. Jeannette Mancilla-Martinez) when there are any deviations.

Supervisory Relationships:

This position reports administratively and functionally to the Principal Investigator. This is not a supervisory position.

Qualifications

• A bachelor’s degree in psychology, human development, education, special education, or a related field is preferred.

• Experience with working in research projects or elementary school is highly preferred.

• Bilingual in Spanish and English (speaking, writing, and comprehension skills in both languages) is necessary. Must have proficient working level in written and conversational Spanish.

Commitment to Equity, Diversity, and Inclusion

At Vanderbilt University, we are intentional about and assume accountability for fostering advancement and respect for equity, diversity, and inclusion for all students, faculty, and staff. Our commitment to diversity makes us who we are. We have created a community that celebrates differences and lets individuality thrive. As part of this commitment, we actively value diversity in our workplace and learning environments as we seek to take advantage of the rich backgrounds and abilities of everyone. The diverse voices of Vanderbilt represent an invaluable resource for the University in its efforts to fulfill its mission and strive to be an example of excellence in higher education.

Vanderbilt University is an equal opportunity, affirmative action employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, or status as a protected veteran, or any other characteristic protected by law.

Please note, all candidates selected for an offer of employment are subject to pre-employment background checks, which may include but are not limited to, based on the role for which they have been selected: criminal history, education verification, social media review, motor vehicle records, credit history, and professional license verification.