Undergraduate Research Assistant for the Black Child and Family Laboratory

Overview: The Diverse Black Families Project, led by Dr. Cecily Hardaway in the
Department of African American Studies, is seeking undergraduate students to work as
research assistants. This is a great opportunity for students who plan to pursue graduate
training in the behavioral or social sciences. The project focuses on examining how
contextual risks influence child development and family functioning; understanding
individual, family, and extra-familial factors that promote positive development or protect
children and families from contextual risks; and exploring how race, culture, and social class
shape the well-being of African American children and families. We are examining how
African American women’s work characteristics, conditions, and experiences are related to
their parenting, family relationships, and emotional and physical health as well as risk and
protective factors that shape low-income African American adolescents’ socioemotional
adjustment. We are using longitudinal data sets to conduct secondary data analysis on
relevant topics and preparing for an upcoming pilot study.

Undergraduate research assistants are expected to work on the project for at least one full
semester. However, there is some flexibility around start and end dates. This opportunity is
paid but may be done for course credit instead. Students majoring in African American
Studies, Family Science, Human Development, Psychology, and Sociology are especially
encouraged to apply.

Responsibilities: Primary duties will include conducting literature searches and reviews;
assisting with qualitative data analysis; assisting with manuscript preparation and editing; and
planning for an upcoming pilot study. In addition, research assistants will attend weekly
meetings where we discuss ongoing research activities and address questions that arise from
work on the project.

Qualifications: We are looking for motivated, hardworking individuals to join this project.
The ideal candidate will have excellent attention to detail, good time management skills, and
be comfortable working both independently and as a part of a team. This position requires a
time commitment of up to 20 hours per week.

How to Apply: Please send the following in one pdf file to Jacquelyn Chin at
jchin123@umd.edu.
-Resume or curriculum vita (CV).
-Unofficial transcript.
-One-page cover letter stating why you would like to work on this project
-For best consideration, please submit your application by December 23, 2019.