SRI Education is committed to bringing rigorous research and evaluation data to bear on important educational policy and practice decisions that ultimately benefit practitioners, students, and families. SRI Education, in collaboration with Vanderbilt University, is looking for temporary, part-time research assistants (Field Assessors) to conduct assessments and observations with preschool and kindergarten children.These are temporary positions starting in February 2026 and ending in May 2026. 

While this role does not require travel to an SRI location, it does require driving to elementary schools within the Union County Public School District, NC, to conduct assessments and observations.

The Education Research Assistant, Assessor (Preschool/Kindergarten in Union County, NC) position offers a great opportunity to gain valuable child assessment skills and observation experience using standardized measures. Applicants should have experience conducting research and/or working with children in preschool and elementary school settings. Assessments and observations will be conducted in elementary schools within the Union County Public School District during March through May 2026. Training and certification on the assessment and observation instruments will be provided in February and early March 2026. Successful applicants will be paid for their training as well as for their time conducting assessments, observations, and other research activities.

• Attend up to six virtual training days in February and March 2026 to prepare for data collection responsibilities.
• Conduct direct child assessments and observations during the spring data collection period (March-May 2026).
• Communicate with SRI project manager and teachers to schedule data collection activities.
• Enter data into a web-based database.
• Travel in-person to elementary school sites and conduct assessments 1:1 with students.

The position is estimated to require approximately 15-20 hours per week.  

• Strong organizational and interpersonal communication skills.
• Prior experience working with children (e.g., as a teacher or assistant teacher in an elementary school, conducting assessments with children, working in after-school programs).
• Must have access to a car or reliable transportation, as data collectors are expected to drive to participating schools within the Union County Public School District.
• Must have access to a personal computer/digital device and reliable internet.
• Willingness to complete all security measures and training required by the study.
• Must be available for onsite work in Union County, NC, Monday through Friday, 8am-1pm, at least three (3) days a week, from March through May 2026.

Preferred Qualifications:

• Some undergraduate coursework in psychology, education, social work or early childhood.
• Experience with research (conducting observations, assessments)
• Proficiency or fluency in Spanish

The salary range is: $30.00/hr. Salary ranges will vary and are based on several factors, including geographic location, market competitiveness and equity amongst internal employees in similar roles. Positions may also qualify for SRI's Pay for Outstanding Performance program or the annual Performance Based Compensation program. SRI also has a competitive benefits package, to view details please go to https://www.sri.com/resources/benefits/. SRI will accept applications until the position is filled.

SRI is an independent nonprofit research institute headquartered in Menlo Park, Calif., with a rich history of supporting government and industry. We create and deliver world-changing solutions for a safer, healthier, and more sustainable future. For more than 75 years, we have collaborated across technical and scientific disciplines to discover and develop groundbreaking products and technologies and bring innovations and ideas to the marketplace.