Qualitative Research Assistant – Focus Groups

Position Overview
The Department of Family Social Science at the University of Minnesota is seeking a Qualitative Research Assistant to support an HIV care engagement research project. This temporary/casual position (10 hours per week) will focus on co-facilitating qualitative focus groups with young adults navigating HIV care. The Research Assistant will work closely with the Principal Investigator and community partners to collect high-quality qualitative data that will inform intervention development and service improvement.
Department Overview
The Department of Family Social Science (FSoS) prepares students to use research to discover and apply knowledge, build interpersonal communication skills, and develop personally and professionally. Considered one of the premier family departments in the United States and globally, our history reaches back to the very first classes taught at the University of Minnesota in 1884. We are leaders in community-based participatory research to develop community-based programs and educational models. We are dedicated to increasing equity, diversity, and inclusion across our academic programs, within our faculty, and in teaching and learning, research, outreach and engagement, and clinical practice.
Job Responsibilities
Focus Group Co-Facilitation (40%)

• Co-facilitate qualitative focus groups with research participants, following semi-structured interview guides developed by the PI

Participant Recruitment and Coordination (20%)

• Assist with participant recruitment, scheduling, and communication, including coordination with community partner organizations

Focus Group Preparation and Logistics (15%)

• Prepare focus group materials, including consent forms, demographic surveys, recording equipment setup, and participant incentives

Field Notes and Documentation (15%)

• Take detailed field notes during and immediately after each focus group session, capturing key themes, group dynamics, and contextual observations

Data Management and IRB Compliance (10%)

• Support qualitative data management tasks, including organizing audio recordings, assisting with transcript review, and maintaining secure data files in accordance with IRB protocols

Required Qualifications

• BA/BS in a social science field
• Experience or demonstrated interest in qualitative research methods, including focus groups or interviews
• Ability to collaborate effectively with people from a variety of communities, backgrounds, and identities

Preferred Qualifications

• Experience working with communities affected by HIV or related health disparities

The College of Education and Human Development (CEHD), the University's third largest college, contributes to a just and sustainable future through engagement with the local and global communities to enhance human learning and development at all stages of life. We know diversity is necessary to do our best work and foster our humanity. That’s why the CEHD community is collectively dedicated to cultivating an inclusive and equitable environment, embracing and celebrating all identities of our students, staff, and faculty. These values are also a moral imperative requiring continuous proactive measures and a firm stance against prejudice, discrimination, and systemic injustice.

The University of Minnesota encourages a healthy work life balance for employees. CEHD is committed to an excellent employee experience, offering a flexible work environment that meets the needs of students, staff, faculty, and the communities we serve. Flexible work arrangements may include flexibility in schedule and/or work location. Please note that 100% remote work requires approval prior to offer.

Pay Range: $27.95 / hour; depending on education/qualifications/experience.

Retirement plan options are available for Civil Service, Faculty, Labor-Represented, Professional & Administrative, and Temp Casual classifications.  Learn more about retirement plans .

Final salary offers are dependent on the candidate's experience, skills, and internal equity within the department.

Applications must be submitted online.  To be considered for this position, please click the Apply button and follow the instructions.  You will be given the opportunity to complete an online application for the position and attach a cover letter and resume.

Additional documents may be attached after application by accessing your "My Job Applications" page and uploading documents in the "My Cover Letters and Attachments" section.

To request an accommodation during the application process, please e-mail employ@umn.edu or call (612) 624-8647.

The University recognizes and values the importance of diversity and inclusion in enriching the employment experience of its employees and in supporting the academic mission.  The University is committed to attracting and retaining employees with varying identities and backgrounds.

The University of Minnesota provides equal access to and opportunity in its programs, facilities, and employment without regard to race, color, creed, religion, national origin, gender, age, marital status, disability, public assistance status, veteran status, sexual orientation, gender identity, or gender expression.  To learn more about diversity at the U:  http://diversity.umn.edu

Any offer of employment is contingent upon the successful completion of a background check. Our presumption is that prospective employees are eligible to work here. Criminal convictions do not automatically disqualify finalists from employment.

The University of Minnesota, Twin Cities (UMTC)

The University of Minnesota, Twin Cities (UMTC), is among the largest public research universities in the country, offering undergraduate, graduate, and professional students a multitude of opportunities for study and research. Located at the heart of one of the nation's most vibrant, diverse metropolitan communities, students on the campuses in Minneapolis and St. Paul benefit from extensive partnerships with world-renowned health centers, international corporations, government agencies, and arts, nonprofit, and public service organizations.

At the University of Minnesota, we are proud to be recognized by the Star Tribune as a Top Workplace for 2021, as well as by Forbes as Best Employers for Women and one of America’s Best Employers (2015, 2018, 2019, 2023), Best Employer for Diversity (2019, 2020), Best Employer for New Grads (2018, 2019), and Best Employer by State (2019, 2022).