Position Title:Research Assistant
Start Date: June 23, 2008
End Date: Sept. 17, 2008
Location: Information School, Roosevelt Commons Building
Position Description
The Keeping Found Things Found (KFTF) project in collaboration with alerts.com is looking at the following... We all have events for which we might like to get reminders (e.g., a friend’s birthday next Tuesday), notifications (e.g., that new book is out by your favorite author) or alerts (e.g., your checking account is about to be overdrawn). But when, where and how best to get this information? Can this information be delivered in ways that would not annoy or overwhelm people?
These are important questions for which there are only partial answers at present. Alerts.com is gathering data that may provide the basis for some answers. Alerts.com will be going live sometimes this spring with a complete service for delivering various alerts, notifications, and reminders highly customized by individual needs. As people sign up for and use their service, a great deal of “raw data” is generated concerning preferences and patterns of use.
We are looking for a summertime research assistant who can take the lead to complete the following work:
- A comprehensive analysis of data provided by alerts.com. Anonymized data will cover demographics, subscription signup (what kinds of alerts, notifications, reminders? Method of delivery?), and longitudinal usage patterns. Analyses are mostly correlational but may also include comparisons between one or more experimental conditions.
- Interviews, possibly in a focus group setting, with volunteers who have had experience with the alterts.com service.
This position can range from half-time to full-time (20 to 40 hrs per week) over the summer. There is a possibility for additional work during the Spring quarter to prepare for this position in the summer, and the possibility for a follow-on assignment in Fall quarter. The work promises to be interesting, challenging and rewarding. It is expected that results of the study will have relevance that generalizes to many situations of mixed initiative information delivery. As such, we anticipate that several good articles may follow. The research assistant will be encouraged to participate as an author of these articles and, possibly, on some articles as the lead author.
Required Qualifications
- Experience with SPSS or an alternate statistical package with equivalent functionality.
- Excellent communication and organization skills
- Interviewing experience or equivalent experience working with people
- Self-motivated with the ability to take initiative and work independently
Desired Qualifications
- Completion of UW Human Subjects training
- Experience with Excel
This position is open to all University of Washington students, both Undergraduate and Graduate. Successful candidate will be compensated at a competitive hourly rate DOE. This position is not benefits eligible. Questions regarding compensation should be directed to Crystal Yost, Human Resources Coordinator crystaly@washington.edu or 206-543-4738.
To apply
- Please include a cover letter describing your skills and experiences relevant to position.
- Attach a current resume that includes your work history and academic accomplishments.
Please submit all application materials to iApply@washington.edu or to Mary Gates Hall, Suite 370, no later than noon on Monday, April 14. All candidates will be contacted within two weeks of closing date.
*Please Note: This position is pending final approval of funding
Note: This job classification is governed by a negotiated labor contract and is subject to union shop provisions. For more information about union shop provisions, visit: www.washington.edu/admin/hr/jobs/apl/union-info.html
The University of Washington is an affirmative action, equal opportunity employer. Women, minorities, individuals with disabilities and covered veterans are encouraged to apply.
Deadline to apply: Monday, April 14, 2008
