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Description:
KEY RESPONSIBILITIES:
- This individual will work as a Research Assistant under Prof. Stephen D. O'Connell in the Department of Economics. Responsibilities include literature review, data analysis, and presentations. Weekly meetings as well as ad hoc coordination meetings will also be expected.
Research Assistant — Duties
This is a half-time position supporting a mixed-methods study of livelihoods policy and social cohesion in post-conflict Iraq, conducted in partnership with the International Organization for Migration (IOM). The RA works under the supervision of PIs O'Connell (Emory) and Masterson (UCSB).
Instrument Development
- Lead the design of a semi-structured qualitative interview guide, drawing on preliminary findings from the project's large-scale randomized controlled trial (midline survey data covering ~6,000 participants)
- Develop interview probes targeting specific quantitative results — both strong treatment effects and null findings — to elicit narratives about mechanisms, spillovers, and unintended consequences
- Coordinate translation of the guide into Arabic and Kurdish, manage back-translation for accuracy, and incorporate feedback from piloting
Fieldwork Preparation and Support
- Help develop the sampling frame: purposive selection of ~150 participants across treatment/control groups, community types (IDP, returnee, host), gender, and geography
- Prepare training materials for local enumerators and translators on ethical interviewing, confidentiality, and data quality
- Support PIs during in-country fieldwork trips (January–April 2026), including logistics coordination and real-time quality checks on incoming interview data
Analysis
- Manage transcription and translation workflow for audio-recorded interviews
- Conduct thematic coding of interview transcripts using qualitative analysis software, applying both inductive and deductive approaches
- Integrate qualitative findings with quantitative RCT data to identify mechanisms and sources of treatment effect heterogeneity
- Prepare tables, summaries, and narrative write-ups for use in the academic manuscript and policy brief
Other
- Assist with IRB/ethics submissions for the qualitative component at Emory and UCSB
- Contribute to drafting the policy brief targeted at humanitarian stakeholders, Iraqi ministries, and donor agencies
- Help prepare conference presentations and materials for an in-country stakeholder workshop
MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS:
- A bachelor's degree in a social sciences.
- Or a current a student, you must possess a BA/BS or equivalent and be enrolled in a US-based PhD program in social sciences.
NOTE: Tasks related to this position can be performed remotely with only occasional visits to an Emory University location. This position requires you to reside in the State of Georgia
Additional Details:
Emory is an equal opportunity employer, and qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, disability, protected veteran status or other characteristics protected by state or federal law. Emory University does not discriminate in admissions, educational programs, or employment, including recruitment, hiring, promotions, transfers, discipline, terminations, wage and salary administration, benefits, and training. Students, faculty, and staff are assured of participation in university programs and in the use of facilities without such discrimination. Emory University complies with Section 503 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973, the Vietnam Era Veteran's Readjustment Assistance Act, and applicable executive orders, federal and state regulations regarding nondiscrimination, equal opportunity, and affirmative action (for protected veterans and individuals with disabilities). Inquiries regarding this policy should be directed to the Emory University Department of Equity and Civil Rights Compliance, 201 Dowman Drive, Administration Building, Atlanta, GA 30322. Telephone: 404-727-9867 (V) | 404-712-2049 (TDD).
Emory University is committed to ensuring equal access and providing reasonable accommodations to qualified individuals with disabilities upon request. To request this document in an alternate format or to seek a reasonable accommodation, please contact the Department of Accessibility Services at accessibility@emory.edu or call 404-727-9877 (Voice) | 404-712-2049 (TDD). We kindly ask that requests be made at least seven business days in advance to allow adequate time for coordination.
