Job Summary

Institutional Data, Analytics + Assessment (IDA+A) seeks two graduate students (each at .5 FTE or 20 hours per week) to assist with the development and launch of the Listening Laboratory (aka, Listen Lab). The Listen Lab is going to focus on institutionalizing the collection of qualitative data for decision-making support across the Provost Office and the senior leaders of our colleges. The lab will develop, test, and implement methods for deriving trustworthy, human-centered findings based on focus groups, interviews, observations, or content analysis of documents. The goal is to translate the information gleaned from these methods into policies or programs that can enhance the experiences of all Boilermakers. The Graduate Professional Assistant (GPA) will assist with all aspects of the Listen Lab including development, testing, implementation, and communications. The chosen individual will use their expertise in qualitative methods to assist in analyzing qualitative data. The position reports to the assessment coordinator of qualitative methods and analytics, within IDA+A. The individual must be able to come to campus on a regular basis. There is the opportunity for some remote work. It is possible for the person hired to use data from this experience to fulfil a learning experience (e.g., thesis, dissertation, course assignment).

What will you gain? More experience in:

• Decision-making support and processes in higher education organizations.
• Leadership and change management within higher education.
• Best practices of designing qualitative methods.
• Institutionalizing a new practice across Purdue University.

Start date

Monday, August 12, 2024

End date

Friday, May 16, 2025. This is appointment is expected to last through the entire 2024-2025 academic year with the possibility of being renewed for another academic year. Applicants that expect to graduate after May of 2025 are preferred.

Job Duties

• Assist in developing, testing, and implementing protocols of data collection methodology, such as participant recruitment, focus groups, and interviews.
• Co-creating the mission, vision, values, and infrastructure of the Listening Laboratory at Purdue.
• Conducting focus groups, interviews, or other qualitative data collection methods.
• Ensuring that all four principles of ensuring reliability and validity of qualitative methods are met with high degrees of integrity.
• Analyzing data from qualitative sources including content analysis, thematic coding, grounded theory, or natural language processing methods (e.g., sentiment analysis, topic modeling).
• Co-authoring reports, white paper, or similar internal, technical publications that are circulated across senior leaders at Purdue University.
• Assist with communicating and marking the purpose, potential benefits or value added of the Listen Lab to the broader Purdue community.

Preferred Qualifications

• Knowledge of and/or experience with qualitative methods, analysis [including bracketing, journaling, member checking, etc.), and reporting.
• Working with natural language processing models or methods for qualitative data.
• Utilizing the analytical software of either NVivo, Dedoose, or ATLAS.ti
• Experience working in a laboratory in university setting.

Required Qualifications

• The handling of confidential information with discretion. IDA+A has zero tolerance for disclosure of information. Unauthorized disclosure of information will result in immediate termination.
• Experience in qualitative data collection methodology and analysis.
• Experience planning the logistics of and conducting interviews and focus groups.
• Being able to repeat mundane tasks with consistent zeal.
• Extensive use of Microsoft Office Suite.
• Staying organized and being able to prioritize among multiple tasks or duties.
• Excellent communication skills (written, oral, interpersonal, deliberation, dialogue, etc.).
• The ability to work independently as well as with diverse groups or individuals.

Education

Currently enrolled in a graduate program (Master's or higher) at Purdue University, West Lafayette. 

Preferred graduation date is after May 2025. 

FLSA Status

Non-Exempt