Graduate Student Researcher - STEM Design-Based Research Lab

Job Description:

Description

foundry10 is an education research organization with a philanthropic focus on expanding ideas about learning and creating direct value for youth. This position is hybrid and requires some in-person work at and near the foundry10 office. Candidates must live in Washington State.

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 STEM Design Based Research lab at foundry10 is looking to hire a Graduate Student Researcher to assist in the design and execution of research studies focused on games and learning, museums and learning, and knowledge organization.

The Graduate Student Researcher will work closely with Dr. Travis Willingham Windleharth 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. The ideal candidate has (1) strong written communication skills, (2) research experience in museums, game based, or STEM learning, and (3) training in qualitative and quantitative research methods.

This is a part-time, temporary position with variable hours of 10-16 hours per week, for approximately six months with an anticipated start date in late October 2025. Pay is $35 to $45/hr. Applicants must live in the state of Washington to apply.

Responsibilities

• Assist in the development and execution of research projects for the STEM Design Based Research Lab
• Work with Senior Researchers and Junior Researchers on developing/executing all stages of the research process, with an emphasis on writing, including:
  • Conducting literature reviews
  • Writing IRB Approval Forms
  • Survey creation (question writing, pulling measures)
  • Interview guide creation
  • Observation guide creation (pulling assessments)
  • Piloting data collection instruments at local partner locations
  • 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 STEM Design Based Research knowledge base through exploratory research initiatives and literature reviews

Requirements

Education and Experience

• Working towards a graduate degree in Education, Museology, Information Science, or related social science field (e.g., Human Development, Psychology, Sociology)
• Experience with qualitative (e.g., conducting interviews/focus groups, analyzing data) and quantitative methods (e.g., survey design, statistical analysis and interpretation)
• Experience working with youth
• Experience working with educators in school or informal learning environments
• Experience writing for academic audiences

Other Requirements

• Must be able to travel to data collection sites within 35 miles of the foundry10 office
• Outside of required in-person data collection activities with youth, candidates may work remotely

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 of prior work of which they are the sole author.

Priority will be given to applications received by September 22nd.

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