Gerassi Research Coordinator

University of Wisconsin-Madison

University of Wisconsin-Madison

Madison, WI, USA
USD 24.04-28.85 / hour
Posted on May 27, 2025

Job Summary:

This position supports the development, design, and implementation of a community-engaged, mixed methods research project funded by the National Institute of Child Health and Human Development. A key focus of this position is to develop and manage relationships with relevant community members, coalitions, networks, and community advisory board members related to sex trafficking and/or sex work.

The project will (1) refine questionnaires using qualitative interviews with young people (ages 18-34) who have provided sexual acts and materials for financial compensation, (2) identify the prevalence and circumstances of sex trading in a nationally representative sample, and (3) understand the circumstances and conditions under which young people trade sex in a rigorously obtained community sample who are often missed by national studies. Findings will result in a comprehensive understanding of sex trading behaviors and consequences in the United States, which is needed to inform prevention and intervention strategies to reduce harm.

Responsibilities:

Supports the development, design, and implementation of research projects according to plans, under the general direction of faculty and/or senior research personnel, following established protocols and guidelines to support and advance research in a given field under general supervision.
  • 30% Assists with conducting experiments or interviews, collecting and analyzing data, and documenting results according to established protocols
  • 20% Assists in composing and organizing research reports and manuscripts to provide updates on unit objectives
  • 10% Schedules logistics and secures resources for research supplies, equipment, and facilities
  • 20% Maintains organization of research records according to established policies and procedures
  • 20% Develop and maintain relationships with community advisory board members and relevant community members, coalitions, and networks related to sex trafficking, sex work, and/or individuals who provide sexual acts or materials for financial compensation

Institutional Statement on Diversity:

Diversity is a source of strength, creativity, and innovation for UW-Madison. We value the contributions of each person and respect the profound ways their identity, culture, background, experience, status, abilities, and opinion enrich the university community. We commit ourselves to the pursuit of excellence in teaching, research, outreach, and diversity as inextricably linked goals.

The University of Wisconsin-Madison fulfills its public mission by creating a welcoming and inclusive community for people from every background - people who as students, faculty, and staff serve Wisconsin and the world.

For more information on diversity and inclusion on campus, please visit: Diversity and Inclusion

Education:

Preferred
Bachelor's Degree
Social sciences or a related field

Qualifications:

Required Experience:

- Knowledge of sex work and sex trafficking research, policy, and/or practice
- Engaged with community organizations or networks that work with young adults who are sex trafficking survivors, sex workers, and/or unhoused
- At least two years of experiences in positions that demonstrate providing administrative support and leadership such as research projects, social service organizations, community or organizing networks
- Strong interest and familiarity with research
- Familiarity with Microsoft word and excel
- Excellent written and verbal communication skills
- Ability to remain highly organized, attend to detail, manage a variety of tasks, and meet deadlines required
- Ability to work collaboratively with a diverse group of faculty, affiliates, staff, and students
- Ability to work independently on set tasks
- Ability to engage in creative and independent problem solving
- Experience organizing and facilitating virtual meetings

Preferred Experiences:

- Relevant lived experiences with sex work and/or sex trafficking
- Prior research project experience
- Experience with Qualtrics
- Experience with SPSS
- Experience creating data visualizations and developing website content

Work Schedule:

Monday through Friday

Work Type:

Full Time: 100%

It is anticipated this position will be remote and requires work be performed at an offsite, non-campus work location.

Appointment Type, Duration:

Terminal, 24 month appointment.
This position has the possibility to be extended or converted to an ongoing appointment based on need and/or funding

Salary:

Minimum $24.04 HOURLY
Depending on Qualifications
The typical starting salary for this position is $24.04 to $28.85 per hour - ($50,000 $60,000 annually) depending on qualifications and experience. Employees in this position can expect to receive benefits such as generous vacation, holidays and paid time off; competitive insurance and saving accounts; and retirement benefits.

How to Apply:

Please click on the "Apply Now" button to start the application process.

Applications must be submitted by 11:55 pm on the deadline date. To apply, please upload a cover letter and resume. Your cover letter and resume should address how your skills, knowledge, and abilities are transferable to this role. Additional materials submitted other than your cover letter and resume will not be considered.

Selected applicants will receive an invitation to participate in virtual interviews 7-10 business days following the application deadline. Once final applicants are identified, they will be asked to provide names and contact information for at least three professional references, including a current/most recent supervisor.

For questions on the position, contact: Derek Husar, dhusar@wisc.edu or Professor Lara Gerassi, gerassi@wisc.edu.

Contact:

Lara Gerassi
gerassi@wisc.edu
Relay Access (WTRS): 7-1-1. See RELAY_SERVICE for further information.



Official Title:

Research Coordinator(RE034)

Department(s):

A48-COL OF LETTERS & SCIENCE/INST RESEARCH ON POVERTY

Employment Class:

University Staff-Fixed Term

Job Number:

314330-CJ

The University of Wisconsin-Madison is an Equal Opportunity Employer.

Qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to, including but not limited to, race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, national origin, age, pregnancy, disability, or status as a protected veteran and other bases as defined by federal regulations and UW System policies. We promote excellence by acknowledging skills and expertise from all backgrounds and encourage all qualified individuals to apply. For more information regarding applicant and employee rights and to view federal and state required postings, click here

To request a disability or pregnancy-related accommodation for any step in the hiring process (e.g., application, interview, pre-employment testing, etc.), please contact the Division Disability Representative (DDR) in the division you are applying to. Please make your request as soon as possible to help the university respond most effectively to you.

Employment may require a criminal background check. It may also require you and your references to answer questions regarding sexual violence and sexual harassment.

The University of Wisconsin System will not reveal the identities of applicants who request confidentiality in writing, except that the identity of the successful candidate will be released. See Wis. Stat. sec. 19.36(7).

The Annual Security and Fire Safety Report contains current campus safety and disciplinary policies, crime statistics for the previous 3 calendar years, and on-campus student housing fire safety policies and fire statistics for the previous 3 calendar years. UW-Madison will provide a paper copy upon request; please contact the University of Wisconsin Police Department.