VTS- Research Assistant, Computer Science

The temporary Part-Time – Research Assistant will be part of Computer Science Vanderbilt University. The Research Assistant will be part of the Machine Automation, Perception and Learning (MAPLE) Lab.  The position includes assessing stakeholders’ ethical concerns about privacy, ownership, and liability of recorded surgical data. The position will work as part of a multi-departmental team of researchers on a project funded by the National Institute of Health.

The position is part-time (20 hours/week) and will start in Fall, 2025. The applicant is expected to commit to a minimum of 6 months to this position.

About The Work Unit:

Computer scientists are actively involved in developing breakthrough technologies from software for mobile devices to artificial intelligence and machine learning and from cybersecurity to smart healthcare systems that transform every aspect of our lives. The Computer Science department offers an accredited undergraduate degree in computer science. At the graduate level, we offer M.S. and Ph.D. degree programs in computer science. Our undergraduate and graduate curricula are constantly refined to meet real-world demands and today's rapid changes in technology with a goal to provide students with the skills required for addressing the challenges of the 21st century. Prevalent throughout the department is an interdisciplinary approach to teaching and research to enhance the exchange of ideas.

Key Functions And Expected Performance:

• Telephone or online recruitment of participants

• Obtaining Informed Consent

• Conducting online surveys and in-depth qualitative interviews
• Setting up and managing REDCap databases
• Data entry and keeping accurate records

• Managing Participant Compensation

• Qualitative Data Analysis

• Report Writing

• Assisting the Principal Investigators in general research tasks.
• Deliver technical progress reports/presentations in written and/or oral form to project research staff and faculty
• Communicate regularly, effectively, and professionally with the research team
• Share research knowledge, product, and processes with the research team

Supervisory Relationships:

This position does not have supervisory responsibility; this position reports administratively and functionally to the Assistant Professor.

Education And Certifications:

• A Bachelor’s degree in public health, social sciences, health sciences, or a related field with two years of experience.
• A Master’s degree (can be concurrent) in public health, social sciences, health sciences, or a related field

Experience And Skills:

The following skills are strongly preferred:

• Experience conducting interviews, obtaining informed consent
• Experience with REDCap
• Experience with qualitative data analysis

General Characteristics of a Successful Vanderbilt University Staff Member:

ACCOUNTABILITY:Owns decisions, outcomes, work products, etc. that are within the scope of one’s role.

• Works through Issues – Recognizes that the work is about successful outcomes, if things aren’t going well, outcomes suffer; is willing to have crucial conversations if things aren’t going well; doesn’t just complain to management… does everything possible to remedy the situation directly first
• Reliable – Does what they say they will do, when they say they will do it; shows up for work when expected; doesn’t push the burden of work volume or deadlines to others
• Integrity – Holds oneself accountable; takes responsibility for failures as well as successes, recognizes that trust is required to hold a team together 
• Acceptance of Feedback – Takes constructive criticism with grace, and makes improvements without taking it personally or holding grudges; when wrong, owns it – freely admits mistakes 

COLLABORATION:Works inclusively to build trust and accomplish tasks, goals, and initiatives. Understands, anticipates, and appropriately responds to internal and/or external customers’ needs.

• Optimism – Is friendly, tirelessly cordial, polite, and genial; comes in to work with a good attitude and doesn’t bring their own personal “little black clouds” into the work environment
• Teamwork – Genuinely values teamwork and co-workers, makes them feel valuable and important by acknowledging what they do well; doesn’t expect from others effort that one is unwilling to do themselves, finds ways to acknowledge other’s strong suits
• Honest and Transparent – Doesn’t have hidden agendas, doesn’t play people against each other; is authentic and forthright
• Helpful Nature – Offers to help lighten the load for others in times of need; volunteers rather than waiting to be asked; understands that almost no one works in a silo and needs the help of others to do their job well; recognizes that by helping others first, others will likely reciprocate

COMMUNICATION:Provides information clearly and accurately in various settings, ensuring understanding and participation. Understands how best to present information to different audiences and understands how information may be perceived. 

• Shares – Shares information. Communicates proactively. Transmits knowledge; recognizes that “knowledge is power” is less effective than “sharing knowledge is power.” Asks for advice, and considers it thoughtfully
• Is Nice – Asks caring, interested questions and is a good listener -- smiles and is grateful; sends appropriate notes of thanks to others who have helped; avoids gossip or saying negative things about co-workers; patient and generous; makes suggestions rather than stating hard and fast opinions. Avoids being negative, sarcastic, and cynical
• Praises Publicly; Criticizes Privately – When dealing with a difficult co-workers or customers, “pretend your children are watching” how the situation is handled; good manners help keep a cool head; gives credit where credit is due
• Responds Promptly – Recognizes that when emails and phone messages aren’t returned in a timely way, it sends the message that the other party is not important; responds even if just to acknowledge receipt and provide a timeframe by which the requester can expect a full response

DRIVE & GRIT: Is focused on professional excellence and strives to facilitate and support the same for colleagues in and outside their team, effectively manages through challenges and opportunities while seeking to understand and learn from professional experiences.

• Perspective – Maintains a sense of humor and perspective; can laugh first and foremost at oneself
• Raises the Bar – Expects and delivers excellence; is a creative problem solver; is proactive; welcomes input on making things better -- places a high value on learning and getting better
• Resilience – Is resilient in the face of daunting challenges and setbacks; bounces back readily.
• Adaptability – Reads cues and adapt accordingly; adjusts style and approach to accommodate the styles and needs of others; can anticipate and effectively de-escalate potential conflicts

ENGAGED:Appreciates the values and mission of the organization, works to contribute to the university, and understands how their work affects the university and university community.

• Eager – Enthusiastic, wanting to learn, wanting to continue one’s personal and professional development and expertise
• Hard-Working – Is industrious as well as efficient (busy isn’t the same as productive); can juggle multiple competing priorities simultaneously without becoming overwhelmed 
• Believes – Believes in the work being done and in the importance of the organization’s mission
• Creative Thinking – Goes beyond the boundaries of the job description, willingly takes on new challenges, and finds creative solutions rather than always awaiting direct instructions

JUDGMENT & PROFESSIONAL ACUMEN: Makes appropriate decisions and evaluates risk and uncertainty to create ideal outcomes, exhibits an eye for the macro and the micro, and works to ensure others are able to do the same.

• Autonomous – Self-managing; self-motivated; manages time, activities and outcomes well so that progress stays on track; cleans up after themselves
• Maturity -- Exhibits professional maturity; doesn’t pass the buck to dodge accountability; doesn’t engage in petty office politics or inappropriate social conduct
• Detail-Oriented – Even small mistakes can create big issues; attention to detail work indicates care about the outcomes 
• Assumes the Best – Assumes that others are working as hard as you are on things that are as important as what you are working on; just because you don’t know what someone does, it doesn’t mean they’re not doing anything

COMMITMENT TO CULTURE OF DIVERSITY & INCLUSION: Supports the university’s commitment to diversity and inclusion and demonstrates personal dedication through words and actions.

• Champions – Engages in and advocates for inclusive workplace relationships
• Culturally Self-Aware - Develops skills to recognize one’s own biases and to be sensitive to the perceptions of others. Models appropriate cultural behaviors with others 
• Commitment - Collaborates on and contributes to organizational and community diversity and inclusion efforts as opportunities arise. 

At Vanderbilt University , our work - regardless of title or role - is in service to an important and noble mission in which every member of our community serves in advancing knowledge and transforming lives on a daily basis. Located in Nashville, Tennessee, on a 330+ acre campus and arboretum dating back to 1873, Vanderbilt is proud to have been named as one of “America’s Best Large Employers” as well as a top employer in Tennessee and the Nashville metropolitan area by Forbes for several years running. We welcome those who are interested in learning and growing professionally with an employer that strives to create, foster and sustain opportunities as an employer of choice.

We understand you have a choice when choosing where to work and pursue a career. We understand you are unique and have a story. We want to hear it. We encourage you to apply today so that you might become a part of our story.

Vanderbilt University is an equal-opportunity employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, or status as a protected veteran, or any other characteristic protected by law.