Position Announcement: Faculty Research Assistant

POSITION ANNOUNCEMENT: Faculty Research Assistant
Assessment Research Teams

The University of Maryland Center for Advanced Study of Language (CASL) is seeking two (2) Faculty Research Assistants (FRAs) to join the CASL language proficiency and assessment research teams. These research teams investigate second language acquisition, self-guided language learning and maintenance in professional language skills, and diagnostic testing of language proficiency. Methods for assessing second language skills, particularly in listening, will also be investigated.

Duties: The FRAs will work with the research team on all aspects of a research project designed to assess the impact of linguistic and cognitive factors affecting second language listening comprehension. The FRAs will also assist with a study to assess appropriateness and effectiveness of currently available language-learning resources for self-guided study and language maintenance by professionals in the US government. Duties will include both administrative and research tasks. Administrative tasks include organizing meetings, taking minutes, coordinating schedules, as well as assisting in the preparation of status reports, briefings, and technical reports. Research activities will include, but are not limited to, working with the research team to develop testing protocols, writing IRB applications, piloting and validating assessments, managing the team library, meeting with government and military personnel, technical editing, as well as data collection, organization, and analysis. Travel is required.

Qualifications: Bachelor’s degree required in a research field involving human participants such as Psychology, Sociology, Cognitive Science, Statistics, or Program Evaluation. Master’s degree preferred with a concentration in Second Language Acquisition, Language Assessment, Psychology, or Linguistics. Expertise in Microsoft Office is required. Previous research experience assessing cognitive and/or linguistic knowledge, with knowledge of statistical analysis is desirable. Foreign language learning or teaching experience is a plus, particularly in Spanish, Russian or Arabic, but not required. Experience with data entry and organization in Excel, and experience with SPSS preferred. Excel macro experience and experience with AMOS are desirable. Candidates must be willing to be trained to perform all requisite duties of the position and demonstrate an ability to work in a fast-paced, interdisciplinary and intercultural environment.

Candidates must hold U.S. citizenship and be willing to obtain the appropriate security clearance.

CASL, established in 2003, is one of 14 university-affiliated research centers in the nation. Its mission is to conduct state-of-the-science research that results in improved performance on language tasks relevant to the work of government language professionals. Our research focuses on improving knowledge of less commonly taught languages, enhancing the acquisition and maintenance of foreign language capability by government professionals, advancing the capacity to use foreign language skills in government professions, and improving the quality of human language technology. For more information, please visit www.casl.umd.edu.

Compensation for this position is competitive commensurate with experience and education, plus fantastic benefits (e.g., healthcare, excellent retirement plans, 22 days for annual leave, 3 personal days, and 14 scheduled holiday leave days per University schedule).

Application: For best consideration please apply on line by March 20, 2013 at http://jobs.umd.edu and click on FACULTY (direct link: http://jobs.umd.edu/applicants/Central?quickFind=58660). You will need to create an account and submit a cover letter, resume, list of references containing the contact information for three professional referees, and up to three writing samples. The University of Maryland is an affirmative action, equal opportunity employer. Women and minorities are encouraged to apply.

Holly Nalley
Staffing Coordinator, Human Resources
University of Maryland Center for Advanced Study of Language
301-226-9117

Language Research in Service to the Nation
http://www.casl.umd.edu

Nalley, H. [LTEST-L] Position Opening at UMD Center for Advanced Study of Language. LTEST-L listserv (LTEST-L@LISTS.PSU.EDU, 13 Mar 2013).