Graduate Student Researcher

Job Description:

Description

foundry10 is an education research organization with a philanthropic focus on expanding ideas about learning and creating direct value for youth. 

We are not able to sponsor visa applications. To be considered for this position, you must be eligible to work in the United States. To protect our staff, partners, and the youth we serve, we require all foundry10 employees to adhere to our masking and COVID testing policies when working in person.

Summary of Role

The Youth and Educator Social and Emotional Learning (SEL) Lab at foundry10 is looking to hire a Graduate Student Researcher to assist in the design and execution of research studies focused on (1) SEL in teacher preparation programs and AI-assisted teacher training tools, and (2) SEL in youth play, recreation, and sports.  

The Graduate Student Researcher will work closely with Dr. Helen Lee on research projects that require skills or expertise in the graduate student’s field of study. They will provide substantial collaboration on research projects, including helping to develop all aspects of the research process (e.g., designing a research study, recruitment parameters, data analysis techniques, technical and non-technical writing). Additionally, they will work with Junior Researchers in moving projects forward. This role requires (1) advanced training in qualitative and quantitative research methods, (2) demonstrated experience leading data collection and analyzing data, and (3) strong critical thinking and communication skills.  

This is a part-time, temporary position with variable hours of 8-15 per week, for approximately 10 months, with an anticipated start date in October 2025. Pay is $35 to $45/hr. 

Applicants must live in the state of Washington to apply and be available to travel within the Seattle Metropolitan area for research project-related tasks (e.g., data collection, team meetings). Outside of required travel for projects, candidates may work remotely or from the foundry10 office.

Responsibilities

• Assist in the development and execution of research projects for the YESEL Lab
• Work with Senior Researchers and Junior Researchers on developing/executing all stages of the research process, including:
  • Conducting literature reviews
  • Writing IRB proposals
  • Survey creation (question writing, pulling measures)
  • Interview guide creation
  • Observation guide creation (pulling assessments)
  • Piloting data collection instruments (there may be opportunities for the graduate student researcher to travel for pre-data collection site visits, depending on need and interest)
  • Data cleaning
  • Data analysis (qualitative and quantitative)
  • Sharing results through written reports, presentations, conferences, and other relevant mediums
• Independently carry out data collection, analysis, and research communication with guidance and mentorship from Senior Researchers
• Conduct background research and contribute to the writing of literature reviews 
• Assist in writing specific sections of peer-reviewed publications and/or present at a professional conference 
• Analyze data from research and translate it into other mediums for worthwhile sharing (e.g., Medium posts, white papers)
• Communicate actionable insights to various learning and research communities/fields as well as with lay-people in the community
• Support the development of the YESEL Lab and/or Health & Well-being Interest Area Team knowledge base through exploratory research initiatives and literature reviews

Requirements

Education and Experience

• Working towards a doctoral graduate degree (PhD) in Education, Social Work, or related social science field (e.g., Human Development, Psychology, Sociology)
• Advanced training in qualitative (e.g., conducting interviews/focus groups, analyzing data) and quantitative methods (e.g., survey design, statistical analysis and interpretation)
• Proficient in R  
• Experience working with youth (preferably middle and high school students)
• Experience working with educators in school or informal learning environments
• Experience writing for academic audiences

To be considered for this position, please submit your CV/resume. A cover letter detailing related research experiences and training is optional. Candidates selected for an interview will be asked for a writing sample.

Priority will be given to applications received by September 15, 2025.

Employment decisions are based on merit and business needs. foundry10 strives to provide a work environment free from discrimination and harassment because of a protected characteristic. The organization does not discriminate against employees or applicants based on race, color, creed, citizenship, status, national origin, ancestry, gender, genetic information, sexual orientation, gender expression or identity, age, religion, pregnancy or pregnancy-related condition, physical or mental disability, marital status, veteran status, political affiliation, or any other characteristic protected by law. 

We are committed to providing reasonable accommodations to assist individuals with disabilities with the application and interviewing process as well as essential job functions.

Salary Description
$35 to $45 per hour