Carnegie Mellon University is a private, global research university that stands among the world’s most renowned education institutions. With ground-breaking brain science, path-breaking performances, creative start-ups, big data, big ambitions, hands-on learning, and a whole lot of robots, CMU doesn’t imagine the future, we invent it. If you’re passionate about joining a community that challenges the curious to deliver work that matters, your journey starts here!

The Human-Computer Interaction Institute (HCII) is a living laboratory where we investigate the relationship between computer technology, human activity, and society. Founded in 1993, the HCII is a place where we work to understand and create technology that harmonizes with and improves human capabilities, goals, and social environments through interdisciplinary research and education in design, computer science, and behavioral and social sciences. We research how people work, play, and communicate within groups, organizations, and social structures, then we design, create, and evaluate technologies and tools to support human and social activities.

We are seeking a Research Assistant to support design-based research and qualitative data analysis for a new project creating classroom goal tools within CMU PLUS. This role is focused on designing low- and mid-fidelity prototypes for co-design with middle school teachers, including conducting design interviews and collecting, analyzing, and organizing interview data to support classroom goal setting and student engagement in K-12 math classrooms.

Core Responsibilities:

• Support early-stage co-design with middle school teachers focused on goal-setting routines and classroom use of i-Ready data.
• Create low- and mid-fidelity prototypes (e.g., mockups, flow diagrams, sample routines, teacher-facing materials) to facilitate co-design sessions.
• Conduct and document design interviews and co-design meetings with teachers (with guidance from the PI).
• Collect, organize, and manage qualitative data including interview notes, transcripts, artifacts, and classroom feedback.
• Code and analyze qualitative data (e.g., thematic analysis) to identify design requirements, breakdowns, and opportunities for refinement.
• Synthesize findings into design memos, summaries, and actionable recommendations to inform iterative revisions of goal-support routines and analytics.
• Coordinate closely with the PI and project team to ensure design insights inform subsequent implementation and research phases.

Adaptability, excellence, and passion are vital qualities within Carnegie Mellon University.  We are in search of a team member who can effectively interact with a varied population of internal and external partners at a high level of integrity. We are looking for someone who shares our values and who will support the mission of the university through their work.

Qualifications:

• High School Diploma or GED required.
• Experience with qualitative research methods, including interviews, observations, or design-based research strongly preferred.
• Experience organizing, coding, and synthesizing qualitative data (e.g., interview notes, transcripts, design artifacts).
• Strong organizational skills, attention to detail, and reliability—this role supports time-sensitive co-design and research activities with partner schools.
• Comfort working independently while coordinating closely with the PI and research team.
• Ability to create and iterate on low- and mid-fidelity prototypes (e.g., slides, mockups, written routines, diagrams) to support co-design conversations.
• Clear written communication skills for producing design memos and summaries for research and practitioner audiences.
• CITI training and child protection clearances (or willingness to complete promptly).
• Helpful skills and tools
  • Design and prototyping tools: Figma, Miro, FigJam, PowerPoint, Google Slides, or equivalent.
  • Qualitative analysis software: NVivo, Dedoose, Atlas.ti, or structured coding in spreadsheets.
  • Interview and transcription workflows: Otter, Zoom transcripts, Rev, or manual transcription.
  • Collaborative documentation and versioning: Google Drive, Notion, Overleaf, or GitHub.
  • Familiarity with K–12 classroom contexts, teacher professional development, or learning sciences research.
• A combination of education and relevant experience from which comparable knowledge is demonstrated may be considered.

Requirements:

• Successful background check
• Child Protection Clearances (Act 153)

Joining the CMU team opens the door to an array of exceptional benefits.

Benefits eligible employees enjoy a wide array of benefits including comprehensive medical, prescription, dental, and vision insurance as well as a generous retirement savings program with employer contributions. Unlock your potential with tuition benefits, take well-deserved breaks with ample paid time off and observed holidays, and rest easy with life and accidental death and disability insurance. 

Additional perks include a free Pittsburgh Regional Transit bus pass, access to our Family Concierge Team to help navigate childcare needs, fitness center access, and much more!

For a comprehensive overview of the benefits available, explore our Benefits page.

At Carnegie Mellon, we value the whole package when extending offers of employment. Beyond credentials, we evaluate the role and responsibilities, your valuable work experience, and the knowledge gained through education and training. We appreciate your unique skills and the perspective you bring. Your journey with us is about more than just a job; it’s about finding the perfect fit for your professional growth and personal aspirations.

Are you interested in an exciting opportunity with an exceptional organization?! Apply today!

Location

Pittsburgh, PA

Job Function

Researchers

Position Type

Staff – Fixed Term (Fixed Term)

Full Time/Part time

Part time

Pay Basis

Hourly

More Information: