Research Assistant Positions: Adolescent Ethnic-Racial Identity Development

Research Assistant Positions: Adolescent Ethnic-Racial Identity Development
Dr. Dalal Safa, Dr. Michael Sladik, Dr. Adriana Umaña-Taylor (Principal Investigator), Adolescent Ethnic-Racial Identity Development (AERID) Lab, Graduate School of Education
fall term


Seeking interested and motivated students to assist with research in the Adolescent Ethnic-Racial Identity Development (AERID) Lab. The AERID draws on socio-cultural ecological approaches to understanding ethnic-racial identity development in adolescence. Research in the lab focuses on understanding how ethnic-racial identity relates to positive developmental outcomes and buffers the effects of discrimination among young people. The My Life, My Identity Study is a longitudinal evaluation of a school-based ethnic-racial identity intervention program that examines change in ethnic-racial identity and bicultural identity over time using a pre/post-test design, as well as “daily diaries” that adolescents complete on their phones throughout the course of the program to report on their experiences. Key research questions include: How do adolescents’ identities change over time? How do changes in adolescents’ identities relate to their overall sense of self, self-esteem, mental health, and academic success? How are adolescents’ individual characteristics and everyday social experiences with teachers, peers, and family relate to identity development? Responsibilities: Students will be responsible for assisting with data collection and entry procedures with youth research participants, communicating with adolescent participants via text message and e-mail, managing participant payment incentives, conducting literature reviews, attending regular meetings, and other research tasks related to the My Life, My Identity Study. Requirements and Expectations: Students will be expected to devote 6-10 hours/week on study-specific tasks, supervised by the PIs. Attendance at weekly meetings is required. No previous experience is required, but any prior research experience in psychology or related disciplines is preferred, along with interest and/or experience working with youth and/or in school settings. Additional Information: Position is available for MBB 90r course credit. Lab is located in Larsen Hall, Harvard Graduate School of Education, Harvard Square. Lab website: https://umana-taylorlab.gse.harvard.edu/. This position is in person, although there may be opportunities for some research tasks to be completed remotely, and plans for in person meetings will follow updates to University guidance regarding COVID-19. To Apply: Please send an e-mail to Dr. Dalal Safa (dalal_safa@gse.harvard.edu) and Dr. Michael Sladek (michael_sladek@gse.harvard.edu) with a resume/CV and a few sentences explaining your interest in the position and any relevant experience. (posted 8/2021)