Project: The Use of English Language Proficiency Tests in Selecting International Graduate Students at a U.S. University

Project Description:

Davy Tran and Janay Crabtree of UVA’s Center for American English Language and Culture (CAELC), together with Chris Chang-Bacon of the School of Education and Human Development, are seeking a graduate research assistant for a qualitative research project.

The study investigates how admissions officers across UVA’s schools and programs interpret and use English-language proficiency scores, such as the TOEFL, IELTS, and Duolingo English Test (DET), when evaluating international applicants to graduate programs.

Responsibilities:

The research assistant will work closely with the research team to:

• Contact admissions officers and coordinate interview schedules with the researchers.
• Conduct or assist with interviews with admissions officers.
• Review and correct interview transcripts generated through Otter.ai.
• Organize and manage interview data and related research documents.
• Assist with coding and analyzing qualitative interview data.
• Search for relevant scholarly articles and contribute to the literature review.
• Assist with drafting, editing, and preparing a research manuscript.
• Complete other project-related research and administrative tasks as assigned.
• Report to Davy Tran, who is the principal investigator.

Qualifications

Required qualifications:

• Current enrollment in a master’s or doctoral program at UVA.
• Previous experience with qualitative research methods or the qualitative research process.
• Ability to handle research data responsibly and maintain confidentiality.
• Excellent organizational skills and attention to detail.

Preferred qualifications:

• Academic background in TESOL, applied linguistics, linguistics, language education, or a related field.
• Familiarity with English-language proficiency assessments, such as the TOEFL, IELTS, or DET.
• Interest in language assessment, international graduate admissions, or higher-education research.
• Interest in developing skills in conducting qualitative research.
• Familiarity with AI tools useful for qualitative research (Otter.ai, Consensus, etc.)

Position type: Part-time research assistant. This is an hourly wage position, not a Graduate Research Assistantship.
Compensation: $18 per hour (this position doesn’t provide tuition waiver, health insurance, or stipend)
Hours: Up to 10 hours per week
Employment period: Spring 2027 and Fall 2027
Location: Charlottesville, VA – online or hybrid

How to Apply

Interested applicants should submit:

• A cover letter.
• A current résumé or curriculum vitae.

Priority application deadline: November 20, 2026
Anticipated start date: January 25, 2027

MINIMUM REQUIREMENTS:

Resume and cover letter

Education: Current graduate UVA student
Experience: None
Licensure: None

The University of Virginia is an equal opportunity employer. All interested persons are encouraged to apply, including veterans and individuals with disabilities. Learn more about UVA’s commitment to non-discrimination and equal opportunity employment.