The UVA Social Development Lab at the Center for the Advanced Study of Teaching and Learning (CASTL) in the School of Education and Human Development seeks a qualified Social Sciences and Humanities Research Professional-2. The incumbent will become part of a vibrant team of faculty, students, and staff conducting research on social-emotional learning projects. One new project starting in 2026 focuses on Jewish youth and their experiences with social media. Under general direction of the faculty lead, Sara Rimm-Kaufman, the incumbent will support the development, design, and implementation of CASTL research projects. The work will also involve final closure on a post-doctoral training grant.

Founded in 2006, the Center for Advanced Study of Teaching and Learning (CASTL) is an interdisciplinary research center that aims to advance the quality of teaching and learning, from infancy to higher education. Our research initiatives span the globe, and our faculty are leading the way to promote meaningful changes in education. We believe effective teaching and learning are the foundation for opportunity, success and well-being. Our mission is to advance the quality and impact of teaching through scientific study in educational settings from infancy to higher education.

Responsibilities and duties include:

Project Management & Operations

• Coordinate day-to-day operations of research and programmatic projects to ensure milestones and deliverables are completed in a timely manner

• Develop and maintain project timelines, agendas, protocols, and tracking systems

• Schedule and facilitate project meetings and events

• Maintain organized and confidential research documentation in compliance with institutional policies

• Oversee procurement processes and purchasing for project needs

• Monitor project budgets, track expenditures, estimate costs, and assist with financial forecasting

• Coordinate team schedules and promote effective communication among faculty, students, and external partners

• Support the PI with recruiting, interviewing, and onboarding research assistants and other project staff

• Track research trainee progress and support the PI with professional development activities

Data Collection & Management

• Coordinate and support quantitative and qualitative data collection efforts

• Manage and maintain secure databases for survey and interview data

• Prepare datasets for analysis and reporting

• Serve as a member of the qualitative coding team, including coding interviews with youth, parents, and teachers

Communications and Dissemination

• Prepare reports and project updates for schools, community partners, and other external stakeholders

• Coordinate collaborative activities with partner organizations

• Support dissemination of findings to professional and community audiences

Grant & Funder Support

• Assist with development of grant proposals, including budget preparation, budget justifications, and letters of support

• Support communication with funding agencies and program officers

• Prepare annual and final reports to funders, including financial documentation and supporting materials

• Track reporting requirements and ensure timely submission of grant deliverables

Minimum Requirements

Education: Bachelor's degree

Experience: At least 3 years of relevant experience. Master's degree will be considered in lieu of experience.

Preferred Qualifications

Education: Bachelor’s degree in Psychology, Education, or related field.

Experience:

• A minimum of two years of education or social science research experience is preferred, including project coordination and data collection responsibilities.

• Ability to troubleshoot technology issues independently. Mastery in Microsoft Office (Word, Excel, PowerPoint, Outlook, OneDrive, Teams), G Suite (Google Calendar, Sheets, Docs, Forms, etc.) and web applications is essential. Curiosity about and experience with ethical use of AI.

• Ability to take initiative and work independently, lead and facilitate cross-functional groups, and the ability to interact collaboratively with a diverse group of stakeholders and research team are all preferred. Ability to work under pressure in a deadline-driven environment while maintaining professionalism is necessary.

Physical Demands

This is primarily a sedentary job involving extensive use of desktop computers. The job does occasionally require traveling some distance to attend meetings, and programs.

Salary Range: The anticipated hiring range is $28-33/hour, commensurate with education and experience.

Exemption Status: This is a non-exempt-level, benefited position. Learn more about UVA benefits

Funding Details: This position has a term limit of 12 months after which continued employment will depend on department need and funding.

Work Arrangement: This position is based in Charlottesville, VA, and is eligible for a hybrid schedule of 3-4 days on Grounds per week, with additional on-site presence as needed, in accordance with UVA’s remote work guidelines.

About UVA and the Community: To learn more about UVA and in the Charlottesville area, visit UVA Life and Embark CVA.

Application Timeline: Application review will begin after 3/9/26.

Background Check: Background checks will be conducted on all new hires prior to employment.
Visa Sponsorship: This position will not consider candidates who require immigration sponsorship now or in the future.

How to Apply: Please apply online, by searching for requisition number R0080984. Complete an application with the following documents:

• Resume

• Cover Letter optional but strongly encouraged

Upload all materials into the resume submission field. You can submit multiple documents into this one field or combine them into one PDF. Applications without all required documents will not receive full consideration.

Internal applicants: Search and apply for jobs on the UVA Internal Careers website.

Reference Check Process: Reference checks will be completed by UVA’s third-party partner, SkillSurvey, during the final phase of the interview. Five references will be requested, with at least three responses required.

Department Contact: For questions about the position, please contact Sara Rimm-Kaufman at serk@virginia.edu

Recruiter Contact: For questions about the application process, please contact Margaret Weeks.

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.