Posted on Sept. 18, 2023

Position Information

Position Term: Academic Year

Application Deadline: 10/5/2023

Start Date: early-mid October 2023

Duration: Fall semester 2023 to Spring semester 2024

Compensation: Hourly rate

Job Duties

We are seeking motivated and dedicated, preferably advanced undergraduate students or graduate students, to assist ongoing research pioneered by Dr. Chau Tong and her research lab in the School of Journalism. The research lab is at the forefront of cutting-edge research in Social Media Analytics & Communication Technology, and this is an exciting opportunity for students interested in gaining hands-on experience in social media data analysis and research ethics.

As Undergraduate Research Assistants, you will work closely with Professor Chau Tong on a cutting-edge research project focused on analyzing tweets’ content. Your primary responsibilities will include coding tweet content, preparing materials for the Institutional Review Board (IRB), and contributing to the overall success of the project.

Key Duties and Responsibilities:

1. Tweet Content Coding: Your main task will be to code and categorize tweet content based on predefined criteria. You will be responsible for meticulously analyzing and organizing large datasets of tweets, ensuring accuracy and consistency in coding.
2. IRB Materials Preparation: You will assist in the preparation of Institutional Review Board (IRB) materials, including research protocol documents, consent forms, and ethics-related documentation. Attention to detail and adherence to ethical guidelines are essential in this role.
3. Collaboration: Collaborate effectively with other team members, including graduate students and faculty, to contribute to the project’s success. Participate in regular research meetings and discussions.

Required Skills

Qualifications:

• Undergraduate junior or equivalent standing, majoring in a relevant field (e.g., Communication, Journalism, Social Sciences)
• Strong attention to detail and organizational skills
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills
• Proficiency in coding or willingness to learn (experience with programming languages like Python, R, or data analysis tools is a plus)
• An interest in social media data analysis and research ethics
• Ability to work independently and as part of a collaborative research team

Preferred Qualifications

Other Comments

Benefits:

• Gain valuable research experience in a supportive and intellectually stimulating environment
• Opportunity to work closely with a renowned faculty member
• Enhance your research and analytical skills
• Contribute to cutting-edge research in a relevant field

Application Instructions:

Interested candidates should submit the following application materials to Dr. Chau Tong (ctong@missouri.edu):

1. Cover letter expressing your interest and qualifications for the position.
2. Current resume or curriculum vitae (CV).
3. Unofficial transcript(s) showing relevant coursework.
4. Contact information for two academic or professional references.

Please use the subject line “Advanced Undergraduate Research Assistants (Social Media) Application – [Your Name]” in your email.

For inquiries or more information about the position, please contact Dr. Chau Tong at ctong@missouri.edu.

Application Deadline: 10/5/2023