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Research Assistant

Start June 1, 2026
12-month position with a 90-day review 

Part-time position
15-20 hours per week, with potential to reduce hours (to 10-15 hours per week) during the academic year (10-15 hours) 

apply here >

Skills and Qualifications

Preferred abilities and dispositions:

  • High degree of problem-solving skills, personal motivation, self-management, and detail-orientation skills.  
  • Interest in being a part of a fun, diverse, team environment and ability to share responsibilities.  
  • Capable of meeting tight deadlines and making progress without direct supervision.  
  • Strong oral and written communication skills.  
  • Experience in intercultural setting(s); interest in learning about and supporting equitable and inclusive initiatives and community development.  
  • Willingness to learn new concepts, research methods, technology, software, and work routines with strong support and mentorship from experienced DataWise staff.  
  • Ability to handle and protect confidential and sensitive data with integrity.  
  • Some experience in research methods, technology, and/or software; for example, RA work could range greatly from typing transcriptions to assisting with preparation for group activities to creating data visualizations.  

Please don’t hesitate to apply if you don’t have every one of these abilities/skills. We are a learning environment and welcome all motivated applicants who are interested in learning and being challenged. 

Responsibilities

Typical tasks for RAs at DataWise after training in DataWise research methods and software:

  • Assist staff in design and maintenance of online surveys and relational databases; this frequently involves use of Qualtrics survey software, one or more databases, and Tableau interactive data visualization software.  
  • Assist staff in writing code and analyzing data in Stata and statistical packages.  
  • Assistant staff in qualitative research, including taking notes during interviews and focus groups, preparing and editing transcriptions, and conducting qualitative data analysis using ATLAS-ti.  
  • Assist staff and clients in the design, execution and evaluation of research projects, including literature reviews, reports, business proposals, surveys, focus groups, workshops, community engagement, trainings, data integration, and analysis.  
  • Attend community events to connect with clients, local leaders and promote DataWise to West Michigan businesses, nonprofits, government and academic partners.  
  • Participate in various client meetings and phone calls.  
  • Prepare print documents and other graphics using Word, PowerPoint, Adobe Creative Cloud, and other graphics and illustration tools.  
  • Participate in diversity and equity trainings, discussions, and work. 
  • Connect with staff through regular office activities and gatherings. 

Position Details

  • Starting wage $17.85 per hour 
  • Flexible hours, 10 to 20 hours per week. 
  • Hybrid position with local travel required