Sign Linguistics Research Assistant

Johns Hopkins University

Johns Hopkins University

Baltimore, MD, USA
USD 17.2-30.3 / hour
Posted on Jul 18, 2025

The Kocab Lab in the Department of Cognitive Science at Johns Hopkins University seeks a Sign Linguistics Research Assistant. Under the supervision of the faculty investigator, the Research Assistant is responsible for annotating/glossing sign language datasets and recruiting American Sign Language (ASL) signing participants for online experiments. This is a casual hourly position dependent on availability of project funding.

Specific Duties & Responsibilities

  • Annotate/gloss sign language datasets.
  • Write and maintain a coding manual for each dataset.
  • Assist with recruiting signing participants, including D/deaf signers, for online studies.
  • Assist with scheduling signing participants, including D/deaf signers, for online studies.
  • Design training materials for annotating sign language datasets.
  • Provide training in sign language annotation.
  • Perform other related duties as assigned.

Special Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities

  • Fluency in American Sign Language and English (i.e., manual and written communication) is essential. (Note: This position does not require certification as an interpreter.)
  • Knowledge of sign linguistics.
  • Experience with annotating/glossing sign language data.
  • Basic computer skills and proficiency.
  • Excellent organizational and interpersonal skills.
  • Demonstrated ability to work independently and collaboratively with a team.


Minimum Qualifications
  • Bachelor's Degree in related discipline.
  • Additional education may substitute for required experience and additional related experience may substitute for required education beyond HS Diploma/Graduation Equivalent, to the extent permitted by the JHU equivalency formula.


Preferred Qualifications
  • Coursework or a degree in ASL or another sign language linguistics.
  • Previous research experience in experimental psychology, linguistics, or cognitive science.
  • Previous experience working as part of the ASL/Deaf/HoH community.
  • Previous experience with scheduling.


Classified Title: Research Assistant
Job Posting Title (Working Title): Sign Linguistics Research Assistant
Role/Level/Range: ACRO40/E/03/CD
Starting Salary Range: $17.20 - $30.30 HRLY (Commensurate w/exp.)
Employee group: Casual / On Call
Schedule: 12 hrs/wk; schedule may vary seasonally
FLSA Status: Non-Exempt
Location: Remote
Department name: Cognitive Science
Personnel area: School of Arts & Sciences