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Job Summary:

The Behavioral Insights and Parenting (BIP) Lab at the University of Chicago is conducting a large-scale research study at multiple elementary schools within the (Rowan-Salisbury/ Lafayette/Coachella) public school system. As part of the study, the language skills of pre-k and kindergarten children will be assessed at multiple points. We seek individuals who can travel to sites to administer language assessments to pre-k and kindergarten children in English and Spanish.

The study begins in September 2026 and will conclude in June 2027. Each assessment period will last 3-4 weeks. There will be 2 assessment periods in the course of the study. We anticipate that these will be in October and May. During the assessment periods, staff will work full work weeks, Monday through Friday, largely during standard school day hours. We seek candidates who are available full-time for these 3-4-week stretches. While it is not a requirement that assessors work in between each of the assessment periods, strong preference will be given to candidates who commit to working throughout the study.

Background checks and medical paperwork required for interaction with children must be completed before the first assessment period. Must be available for in-person training in Chicago in September 2026. Note that individuals will be hired on a rolling basis until all positions are filled. Transportation costs to assessment sites and to trainings will be compensated.

Responsibilities:

• Participate in training on the administration of the Peabody Picture Vocabulary Test (PPVT-V), Woodcock Johnson IV oral comprehension subtests, and a custom curiosity assessment. This training is planned to be in Chicago

• Demonstrate mastery of testing materials and administration before administering the assessments

• Complete paperwork, background checks, and medical immunizations as required by partner school districts, the University of Chicago, and the State of Illinois

• Travel to partner schools throughout the region to administer assessments to pre-k and kindergarten-age children

• Score assessments and deliver completed materials in accordance with established protocols

• Protect research participant confidentiality and data in accordance with BIP Lab protocol, The University of Chicago Institutional Review Board guidelines, and partner district requirements

• Represent the BIP Lab at partner sites, interacting with faculty, staff, and children participating in the study

• Work with BIP Lab research staff to coordinate assessment schedules

• Assist in helping to refine assessment protocol in communicating observations and experiences in the field

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Competencies:

• High-level reading, writing and speaking proficiency in both English and Spanish languages
• Strong organizational and interpersonal skills

Additional Responsibilities

Education, Experience or Certifications:

Education:

• High school diploma from an accredited institution or a GED certificate required

• Bachelor’s degree in an educational field (e.g. education, psychology, speech therapy, occupational therapy, counseling, etc.) preferred

Experience:

• Experience working with preschool and kindergarten-age children, required.

Working Conditions and Physical Requirements:

• Able and willing to travel to research sites 
• Valid state driver’s license. Vehicle for transportation to/from testing locations strongly preferred
• Locations include: NC: Rowan-Salisbury area, LA: Lafayette, CA: Coachella. Additional locations may be added

Required Documents:

• Resume

The University of Chicago uses AI-assisted tools to streamline and augment some recruitment processes; however, AI is not used to make hiring decisions.

When applying, the document(s) MUST be uploaded via the My Experience page, in the section titled Application Documents of the application.

Job Family

Scheduled Weekly Hours

Drug Test Required
 

Health Screen Required
 

Motor Vehicle Record Inquiry Required
 

Pay Frequency

Pay Rate Type

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FLSA Status

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Pay Range

The included pay rate or range represents the University’s good faith estimate of the possible compensation offer for this role at the time of posting.

Benefits Eligible

Posting Statement

The University of Chicago is an equal employer and does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender, gender identity, or expression, national or ethnic origin, shared ancestry, age, status as an individual with a disability, military or veteran status, genetic information, or other protected classes under the law. For additional information please see the University's Notice of Nondiscrimination.

Job seekers in need of a reasonable accommodation to complete the application process should call 773-702-5800 or submit a request via Applicant Inquiry Form.

All offers of employment are contingent upon a background check that includes a review of conviction history.  A conviction does not automatically preclude University employment.  Rather, the University considers conviction information on a case-by-case basis and assesses the nature of the offense, the circumstances surrounding it, the proximity in time of the conviction, and its relevance to the position.

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