VTS-Research Assistant

Position Summary: 

The temporary research assistant, working within the department of Leadership, Policy, and Organizations at the Peabody College of Education and Human Development, Vanderbilt University, is a key individual contributor responsible for qualitative analysis of interview data.  This position involves working with qualitative data in our research project using NVivo to produce summative memos for research products. Reporting directly to the Daphne Penn, the research assistant will work 10-15 hours per week to provide qualitative analysis support to generate data and findings for the research products. 

The research assistant will work with qualitative analysis software and the other qualitative research team staff in analyzing interview data collected from school districts and healthcare provider partners. The data analysis will be used to identify themes and data excerpts and to create tables and other summary depictions for integration into a research paper and presentation for Fall 2026. The analysis will be supervised by Dr. Daphne Penn in coordination with Dr. Carolyn Heinrich.  

This position is hybrid and the individual should expect to be in the office for in-person meetings as needed during the course of the research.   

This position will not require travel over the course of the temporary assignment.  

This is a temporary position expected to start on 06/01/2026 and end on 08/14/2026.   

About the Work Unit:    

The Department of Leadership, Policy and Organizations increases understanding and guides improvements in human learning and outcomes, in the political, economic, organizational, social, legal and regulatory contexts in which human development occurs. Trained in the fields of sociology, economics, education, history, political science, public policy, psychology, organizational behavior, and more, faculty apply multidisciplinary and collaborative approaches to research, teaching and public service. We purposefully cultivate an inclusive environment for faculty, lecturers, students and staff to excel intellectually and engage socially in the department. This is reflected in our exceptionally strong portfolio of research projects, external funding and highly active research centers, as well as in our top-notch interactive teaching. 

With a genealogy dating to a one‐room Nashville schoolhouse in 1785, Peabody College today is a world‐ class college of education and human development. Our mission is to enhance the