The Research Assistant (Term) (Part-Time) is part of the Machine Automation, Perception and Learning (MAPLE) laboratory within the Computer Science Department at Vanderbilt University School of Engineering. The position includes examining patient and healthcare provider perceptions about ethical issues of autonomous robot-assisted surgery, focusing on informed consent. The position will work as part of a multi-departmental team of researchers on a project funded by the National Institute of Health. The Research Analyst will complete all activities by strictly following Good Clinical Practices and all relevant current local, state, and federal laws, regulations, guidance, policies, and procedures developed by the Vanderbilt University Medical Center Institutional Review Board. The position is part-time (20 hours/week) and will start in Fall 2024. The applicant is expected to commit to a minimum of 1 year (12 months) and ideally 2 years (24 months) to this position. NOTE: A Term position is a staff position that exists for a period longer than six months but is not expected to last beyond one year. Although a position may exist for a specified or indefinite period, staff who accept term positions are not guaranteed employment for the entire period; they are employed for indefinite periods within the limit of the appointment. There are no guarantees of continued employment, either within the term or when the term ends. Computer scientists are actively involved in developing breakthrough technologies from software for mobile devices to artificial intelligence and machine learning and from cybersecurity to smart healthcare systems that transform every aspect of our lives. The Computer Science department offers an accredited undergraduate degree in computer science. At the graduate level, we offer M.S. and Ph.D. degree programs in computer science. Our undergraduate and graduate curricula are constantly refined to meet real-world demands and today's rapid changes in technology with a goal to provide students with the skills required for addressing the challenges of the 21st century. Prevalent throughout the department is an interdisciplinary approach to teaching and research to enhance the exchange of ideas. Duties and Responsibilities + Telephone or online recruitment of participants + Obtaining informed consent + Conducting online surveys and in-depth qualitative interviews + Setting up and managing REDCap databases + Data entry and keeping accurate records + Managing participant compensation + Qualitative data analysis + Report writing + Assisting the Principal Investigators in general research tasks + Deliver technical progress reports/presentations in written and/or oral form to project research staff and faculty + Communicate regularly, effectively, and professionally with research team + Share research knowledge, product, and processes with the research team + Other duties as assigned Qualifications + A bachelor’s degree in public health, social sciences, health sciences, or a related field with two years of experience or experience, is required. A master’s degree (can be concurrent) in public health, social sciences, health sciences, or a related field is preferred. + Experience conducting interviews, obtaining informed consent is preferred. + Experience with REDCap is preferred. + Experience with qualitative data analysis is preferred. Commitment to Equity, Diversity, and Inclusion At Vanderbilt University, we are intentional about and assume accountability for fostering advancement and respect for equity, diversity, and inclusion for all students, faculty, and staff. Our commitment to diversity makes us who we are. We have created a community that celebrates differences and lets individuality thrive. As part of this commitment, we actively value diversity in our workplace and learning environments as we seek to take advantage of the rich backgrounds and abilities of everyone. The diverse voices of Vanderbilt represent an invaluable resource for the University in its efforts to fulfill its mission and strive to be an example of excellence in higher education. Vanderbilt University is an equal opportunity, affirmative action employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, or status as a protected veteran, or any other characteristic protected by law. Please note, all candidates selected for an offer of employment are subject to pre-employment background checks, which may include but are not limited to, based on the role for which they have been selected: criminal history, education verification, social media review, motor vehicle records, credit history, and professional license verification. #LI-DNI