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OPAL Undergrad Research Assistant

Oregon State University

Oregon State University

Oregon, USA · Corvallis, OR, USA
USD 15.05-21.5 / hour
Posted on Feb 26, 2026
Apply now
Position Information
Job Title OPAL Undergrad Research Assistant
Appointment Type Student Employee
Job Location Corvallis
Position Appointment Percent 100
Appointment Basis 12
Pay Method Hourly
Pay Period 16th - 15th of the following month
Pay Date Last working day of the month
Remote or Hybrid option?
Min Hourly Rate $15.05 (Standard); $14.05 (Non-Urban); $16.30 (Portland Metro)
Max Hourly Rate $21.50 (Standard); $19.50 (Non-Urban); $22.00 (Portland Metro)
Position Summary
The OSU Policy Analysis Lab (OPAL) seeks multiple motivated and detail-oriented undergraduate Student Research Assistants to support applied research projects conducted with campus and community partners. These positions offer hands-on experience in data collection and analysis. Research Assistants will work closely with the supervising faculty member to collect, organize, and analyze data that will inform data-driven decision-making.

These are excellent opportunities for students with some coursework in research methods in the social sciences who are interested in developing practical research skills in a professional, collaborative environment.
Transferable Skill Development
OSU is committed to ensuring students are prepared for success after graduation through intentional skill development as student employees. The competencies students develop while working at OSU are defined by the National Association of Colleges and Employers (NACE) as the essential skills employers seek in their hires. In this position, students learn and build vital career-readiness skills in the primary areas below:

Communication, Critical Thinking, Teamwork, Technology
Position Duties
Research Assistants will contribute to multiple stages of the research process, from literature reviews to data collection to analysis and reporting. Specific duties include:
  • Assist with data collection activities, which may include survey development and administration, conducting or transcribing interviews, and supporting observational data gathering protocols
  • Enter, clean, and verify data to ensure accuracy and consistency across datasets
  • Perform basic quantitative data analysis using statistical software (e.g., Excel, SPSS or Stata) under faculty supervision
  • Conduct systematic literature searches using library databases (e.g., JSTOR, Sociological Abstracts, Google Scholar) and summarize relevant findings
  • Maintain organized and well-documented research files, codebooks, and data logs
  • Attend regular meetings (e.g., weekly or bi-weekly) with the research team and communicate regularly with the supervising faculty member regarding progress, questions, and emerging issues
  • Assist in preparing materials, summaries, or reports to share findings with the community partner as needed
  • Follow all ethical guidelines for research involving human subjects, including confidentiality and data security protocols
Minimum Qualifications
  • Must be academically enrolled in a high school, community college, or university and pursuing a program or course of study
  • Must meet Academic Standing Requirements; students on academic suspension are not eligible for employment
  • Must meet the applicable minimal enrollment standard
    • High School student: Regularly enrolled in a high school or participating in a home-schooling program
    • Undergraduate and post-baccalaureate student: 6 credit hours per term
    • Undergraduate international student: 12 credit hours per term*
    • Graduate student officially admitted to Graduate School: 5 credit hours per term
    • Graduate international student officially admitted to Graduate School: 9 credit hours per term*

*International students may be allowed to carry fewer hours than specified above and still be considered “full-time” by the United States Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS). A reduced course load is approved by the Office of International Services (OIS), and must be provided to the Student Employment Center.
Additional Required Qualifications
We are looking for students who are dependable, curious, and committed to conducting research with care and integrity. Applicants must meet the following qualifications:

  • This position requires the selected individual(s) to register for 3 research credits during Spring term.
  • Currently enrolled undergraduate student at Oregon State University
  • Junior standing or above
  • Demonstrated interest in sociology, public policy, or a related field (e.g., political science, psychology, public health)
  • Completion of or current enrollment in an introductory research methods or statistics course in sociology or a related discipline (minimum B- grade at time of application)
  • Growth mindset and willingness to learn new skills
  • Strong attention to detail and ability to follow and refine established research protocols
  • Reliable, self-motivated, and able to manage time effectively with minimal supervision
  • Strong written and verbal communication skills
  • Ability to maintain confidentiality and manage sensitive data responsibly
Preferred (Special) Qualifications
While not required, the following qualifications will strengthen your application:
  • Familiarity with statistical software such as Excel, SPSS or R
  • Experience with survey platforms (e.g., Qualtrics) and/or qualitative data tools (e.g., Dedoose)
  • Prior experience with any stage of the research process (coursework-based or otherwise)
  • Interest in community-engaged or applied research, social equity, or policy-relevant topics
  • Ability to work with diverse populations and a commitment to ethical, culturally sensitive research practice
  • Completion of CITI Human Subjects Research Training and/or willingness to obtain such training during the course of the term
Working Conditions / Work Schedule
Project is expected to continue in Summer and/or Fall 2026. Position will be re-posted with preference in subsequent terms given to students with project-relevant experience.
Posting Detail Information
Posting Number P12865SE
Number of Vacancies 4
Anticipated Appointment Begin Date 03/30/2026
Anticipated Appointment End Date 06/05/2026
Posting Date 02/25/2026
Full Consideration Date 03/10/2026
Closing Date 03/13/2026
Indicate how you intend to recruit for this search Competitive / Student - open to ALL qualified/eligible students
Special Instructions to Applicants
When applying you will be required to attach the following electronic documents:
1. A Resume/Vita
2. A cover letter indicating how your qualifications and experience have prepared you for this position

For additional information please contact: Shelley Nelson at shelley.nelson@oregonstate.edu

We are an Equal Opportunity Employer, including disability, protected veteran, and other protected status.
Note: All job offers are contingent upon Human Resources final approval.
Apply now
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