SRI Education is committed to bringing rigorous research and evaluation data to bear on important educational policy and practice decisions that ultimately benefit practitioners, students, and families. SRI Education, in collaboration with Vanderbilt University, is looking for temporary, part-time research assistants to conduct classroom observations and assessments with preschool and kindergarten teachers and students. (bilingual- Spanish/English)

This role does not require travel to an SRI location, but it does require driving to elementary schools within the Union County Public School District, North Carolina, to conduct assessments and classroom observations.

The Education Research Assistant, Assessor (Preschool/Kindergarten in Union County, NC) position offers a great opportunity to gain valuable child assessment skills and classroom observation experience using standardized measures. Applicants should have experience conducting research and/or working with children in preschool and elementary school settings. SRI and Vanderbilt will provide the mandatory training and certification on the assessment and observation instruments in August and September 2026. The majority of the training will take place via Zoom with supplemental practice sessions in early childhood classrooms. Assessments and observations will be conducted in elementary schools within the Union County Public School District in North Carolina during September through November 2026 and again from March through May 2027.

Staff will be paid for their participation in the training as well as for their time conducting assessments, observations, and other research activities. All travel costs will be reimbursed. This is a temporary position starting in August 2026 and ending in May 2027.

• Attend up to six virtual training days in August and September 2026 to prepare for data collection responsibilities.
• Travel to school sites to conduct direct child assessments and observations during fall (September – November 2026) and spring (March – May 2027) data collection.
• Communicate with SRI project manager and teachers to schedule data collection activities.
• Enter data accurately and efficiently into a web-based database.

• Required: Proficiency or fluency in English and Spanish.
• 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 or reliable transportation and possession of valid driver’s license and insurance, as data collectors are expected to drive to participating schools within the Union County Public School District, in North Carolina.
• Access to a personal computer/digital device and reliable internet.
• Must be able to participate in and complete all required security clearance measures and training.
• Available for onsite work in Union County, NC, Monday through Friday, 8am-1pm, at least three (3) days a week from August through November 2026 and again in March through May 2027.

Preferred Qualifications:

• Some undergraduate coursework in psychology, education, social work, or early childhood.
• Experience with research (conducting observations, assessments).
• Strong organizational and interpersonal communication skills.

The salary range is: $35.00/hr. Salary ranges will vary and are based on several factors, including geographic location, market competitiveness and equity amongst internal employees in similar roles. Positions may also qualify for SRI's Pay for Outstanding Performance program or the annual Performance Based Compensation program. SRI also has a competitive benefits package, to view details please go to https://www.sri.com/resources/benefits/. SRI will accept applications until the position is filled. SRI is an independent nonprofit research institute headquartered in Menlo Park, Calif., with a rich history of supporting government and industry. We create and deliver world-changing solutions for a safer, healthier, and more sustainable future. For more than 75 years, we have collaborated across technical and scientific disciplines to discover and develop groundbreaking products and technologies and bring innovations and ideas to the marketplace.