Education Research Assistant, Field Assessor (Birmingham, AL)
SRI International
Summary
SRI Education is looking for temporary, part-time research assistants to conduct direct assessments with preschool students. The position offers an opportunity to gain valuable child assessment skills using standardized measures. SRI will provide mandatory training and certification on the literacy and vocabulary assessment measures in early December 2026.
Job description
Overview
SRI Education is looking for temporary, part-time research assistants to conduct direct assessments with preschool students. The position offers an opportunity to gain valuable child assessment skills using standardized measures. SRI will provide mandatory training and certification on the literacy and vocabulary assessment measures in early December 2026.
Research assistants will conduct assessments in early childhood centers in Birmingham, AL, visiting one classroom at a time and assessing 8-10 children during each classroom visit. Assessments will take place during two phases in 2027: pre-test in early January through mid-February 2027 (5-6 weeks) and post-test in May and June 2027 (5-6 weeks). This is a temporary position starting in December 2026 and ending in June 2027, anticipated at least 15-20 hours a week during assessment timeframes.
Responsibilities
- Attend up to two virtual training days in December 2026 to prepare for data collection responsibilities.
- Travel to early childhood center sites to conduct direct child assessments for pre-test data collection (January-February 2027) and post-test data collection (May-June 2027).
- Communicate with SRI project manager and teachers to schedule data collection activities.
- Enter data accurately and efficiently into a web-based database.
Qualifications
- Strong organizational and interpersonal communication skills.
- Prior experience working with children (e.g., as a teacher or assistant teacher in an elementary school, conducting assessments with children, working in after-school programs, or as youth camp counselor).
- Access to a car and possession of a valid driver's license and insurance. Data collectors are expected to drive to participating centers within Birmingham.
- Access to a personal computer and reliable internet.
- Able to participate in and complete all required security clearance measures and training.
- Available for onsite work in Birmingham, AL Monday through Friday, 8am-1pm, at least three (3) days a week for pre-test data collection (January – February 2027) and post-test data collection (May – June 2027).
Desired Skills
- Some undergraduate coursework in psychology, education, social work, or early childhood.
- Experience with research (conducting observations, assessments).
- Spanish language proficiency is helpful but not required.
Requirements
- Strong organizational and interpersonal communication skills
- Prior experience working with children
- Access to a car and possession of a valid driver's license and insurance
- Access to a personal computer and reliable internet
- Able to participate in and complete all required security clearance measures and training
- Available for onsite work in Birmingham, AL Monday through Friday, 8am-1pm, at least three days a week during assessment phases
- Some undergraduate coursework in psychology, education, social work, or early childhood (desired)
- Experience with research conducting observations and assessments (desired)
- Spanish language proficiency (desired)
Benefits
- Performance Based Compensation
- Pay for Outstanding Performance
- Travel Cost Reimbursement
- Competitive Benefits Package
Company overview
SRI International, originally known as the Stanford Research Institute, is an independent nonprofit scientific research institute headquartered in Menlo Park, California. Founded in 1946 by Stanford University trustees, SRI has evolved into a global leader in multidisciplinary research and development across scientific and technological disciplines. The organization operates as a contract research organization performing client-sponsored R&D for government agencies, commercial businesses, and private foundations. SRI's extensive research portfolio spans biomedical sciences, chemistry and materials, computing, Earth and space systems, economic development, education, energy and environmental technology, national defense, sensing, and medical devices. The Biosciences Division conducts fundamental research in disease mechanisms, drug and diagnostics discovery, and provides comprehensive contract R&D services from initial discovery through clinical trials, specializing in cancer, immunology, infectious disease, and neuroscience. With over 75 years of innovation history, SRI has contributed to groundbreaking technologies including the computer mouse, inkjet printing, ARPANET (precursor to the internet), and Siri personal assistant technology. The institute employs approximately 2,100-2,900 professionals and has generated more than 4,000 patents worldwide, maintaining a profound impact on technological advancement and scientific discovery.