Research Assistant

Research Assistant

• 514378
• New York, United States
• Staff
• Opening on: Jul 7 2026
• Closing on: Jul 14 2026

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Posting Summary:

CCRC is seeking a full-time Research Assistant to support several research projects in postsecondary education. Candidates should have coursework or experience related to education and/or social science research and have a well-articulated interest in improving access to and success in community colleges and postsecondary education.

Job Summary/Basic Function:

CCRC is seeking a full-time Research Assistant to support several research projects in postsecondary education. Candidates should have coursework or experience related to education and/or social science research and have a well-articulated interest in improving access to and success in community colleges and postsecondary education. The position responsibilities include project planning and coordination, data collection and analysis, and writing and dissemination. Strong written and oral communication skills and the ability to work as part of a team and to balance multiple project tasks are essential. This grant-funded position may begin immediately and is based in New York City and involves some travel. Please find the application link at ccrc.tc.columbia.edu/employment and include a cover letter and resume. A short task may be required as part of the hiring process.

The Community College Research Center (CCRC) at Teachers College, Columbia University, studies community colleges because they provide critical access to postsecondary education and are uniquely positioned to promote equity and social mobility in the United States. Our mission is to conduct research that helps these institutions strengthen opportunities and improve outcomes for their students, particularly those from underserved populations.

CHARACTERISTIC DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES:

Project Planning & Management

• Assist research teams with scheduling, note-taking, and coordination of fieldwork activities, including scheduling participant interviews and site visits
• Coordinate with external research partners and research sites to schedule and plan meetings, visits, and dissemination activities
• Critically review relevant research
• Participate in drafting and revising research-related documents, such as data collection instruments and Institutional Review Board (IRB) materials
• Participate in project team meetings (e.g., take notes, ask questions)

Data Collection & Analysis

• Assist with collecting and organizing research data and information
• Conduct interviews and classroom observations under the supervision of senior project staff
• Communicate with research site personnel regarding fieldwork and other project-related activities under the supervision of senior project staff
• Assist senior staff in analyzing and managing research data and information
• Adhere to guidelines on data documentation, organization, and security

Writing and Dissemination

• Contribute to the writing of project publications and reports
• Write social media and blog posts
• As requested, assist senior staff in proposal preparation, including writing literature reviews, and preparation for conference presentations and dissemination activities

CCRC Service

• Participate in Center events and professional development activities
• As requested, serve on working groups to support CCRC's equity mission

Minimum Qualifications:

• Bachelor's degree
• Coursework or experience related to education or social science research
• Outstanding oral and written communication skills
• Track record of delivering high-quality work product under deadline
• Good judgment, reliability, ability to work effectively independently and as part of a team
• Proficiency in Microsoft Word, PowerPoint, and Excel

Preferred Qualifications:

• Direct experience with community colleges and/or broad access postsecondary institutions (either as a student or employee)
• Experience using Dedoose or other qualitative coding software
• Experience working in a research center or as a member of a research team
• Coursework or experience in quantitative methods

Salary Range:

$60,000 - $67,000

Work Modality:

Hybrid

Competitive Compensation and Benefits

The salary range reflects the College's good faith and reasonable estimate of the compensation for the position at the time of the job posting. Salary decisions are dependent on several factors including but not limited to market and organizational considerations, experience, and qualifications of a selected candidate as well as internal and external equity.

Our benefits contribute significantly to the total compensation package that includes medical, dental, vision, and supplemental insurance plans; flexible and hybrid work schedules; tuition remission; life insurance; short and long-term disability insurance; an exceptional employer retirement matching program; health savings accounts (HSA), flexible spending accounts (FSA), Public Service Loan Forgiveness eligibility, and a robust Employee Assistance Program (EAP).

Hybrid/Remote

Teachers College maintains a hybrid work environment, which provides employees with flexible work arrangements while ensuring we preserve the important aspects of our unique in-person college-campus culture. Depending on role and business needs, colleagues will either work onsite or in a hybrid model (a combination of in-office and virtual days). Employees are expected to live within a 150-mile radius of the College.