Two paid part-time positions helping with behavior-identity-values research
rachell...@gmail.com
Hello, everyone,
Our Behavior First project at the University of Vermont, which explores whether engaging in pro-environmental behavior changes environmental identity and values, seeks one or two researchers to help us in the project’s final stages. We have two paid positions, as detailed below. See a description of the project here, and let us know if you have any questions about these positions.
Thank you for considering, and for sharing with anyone who might be interested in both the project and some extra work this summer!
FIRST JOB:
Seeking Shiny Developer
Do you build polished, reliable Shiny apps and want to see your work power research?
Our research team at the University of Vermont conducts interdisciplinary research on environmental values and identity. Our current project will use an online, several-week experiment to investigate whether pro-environmental behavior shapes identity and values over time. We seek a Developer to build and maintain the technical platform on which this experiment runs.
This job will involve the following tasks:
- Develop a Shiny application that implements the experimental protocol, including reactive logic, participant flow, data capture and version control
- Integrate the application with Qualtrics, ensuring randomization, reliable participant tracking and ability to detect and disqualify bot survey-takers
- Deploy the application to a suitable hosting environment and ensure it handles concurrent users reliably
- Conduct systematic pilot testing and debugging in coordination with the research team
- Monitor the application during the data collection period, resolving technical issues if necessary
- Document the codebase and produce handover materials for the research team
Required characteristics:
- advanced proficiency in R Shiny, including reactive programming, deployment, and handling of concurrent users
- experience integrating Shiny applications with Qualtrics, or comparable experience
- a portfolio of prior work that demonstrates ability to write production-quality code (e.g., GitHub repositories, deployed applications)
- a rigorous and methodical approach to testing, debugging, and quality assurance
- the ability to work independently, meet deadlines, and communicate clearly with non-technical collaborators
Desired, but not required, characteristics:
- prior experience supporting online behavioral experiments or survey-based research
- experience with open science practices
Conditions of employment
- Hourly rate: Starting at $25/hour, negotiable and commensurate with experience
- Anticipated total hours: Will vary based on experience; estimated 50-80 but possibly more
- Location: Flexible; Burlington, VT and/or hybrid
- Time period for work: Summer 2026 (all work must be completed by August 31)
Additional information
Further information about this position can be obtained from Dr. Tabea Hoffmann at tmho...@uvm.edu.
Application
Applicants should submit a CV and a brief statement describing their relevant technical experience (250 words maximum), and examples of prior work (e.g., GitHub repositories or deployed applications) to tmho...@uvm.edu.
SECOND JOB (could be combined with the first):
Seeking Research Assistant
Do you want to combine strong research skills with substantive intellectual engagement in behavioral research, and contribute to a research project?
Our research team at the University of Vermont conducts interdisciplinary research on environmental values and identity. Our current project will use an online, several-week experiment to investigate whether pro-environmental behavior shapes identity and values over time.
We seek a Research Assistant to be a core member of the project team, contributing as a substantive collaborator on the project. This is a full-cycle role: you will be involved in development, piloting, fielding, and project close-out.
This job will involve the following tasks:
- Literature searches and synthesis
- Drafting and refining study materials
- Contributing to pre-registration writing
- Piloting and monitoring data collection
- Cleaning data
- Contributing to manuscript writing
- Co-authorship on resulting publications is available for RAs who make substantive contributions.
Required characteristics:
- Graduate-level training (MSc, PhD, or near-completion) in psychology, behavioral science, environmental social science, or a related field
- Genuine interest in the research questions and willingness to engage with design and interpretation decisions
- Strong attention to detail and discipline to follow through on the small tasks that matter
- Able to work independently
- Able to communicate proactively and clearly about progress
- Not afraid to ask questions
Desired, but not required, characteristics:
- Prior experience with behavioral experiments
- Familiarity with open science practices, including pre-registration and reproducible workflows
- Proficiency in R
- Proficiency in R Shiny (if you can build production-quality Shiny apps, please flag this in your application; we would gladly hire one person who could perform both of these roles)
Conditions of employment
- Hourly rate: Starting at $25/hour, negotiable and commensurate with experience
- Anticipated total hours: Will vary based on experience and capacity; estimated 80-150
- Location: Flexible; Burlington, VT and/or remote
- Time period for work: Summer 2026 (and possibly early Fall 2026, pending interest and availability)
Additional information
Further information about this position can be obtained from Dr. Tabea Hoffmann at tmho...@uvm.edu.
Application
Applicants should submit a CV, a brief statement describing their relevant technical experience and research interests (250 words maximum), and examples of prior work (e.g., writing sample, R analysis script) to tmho...@uvm.edu.
Rachelle Gould (how to say my name) | Professor | Sustainability and Equity | Lab website
Steven Rubenstein Professor for Environment and Natural Resources
Rubenstein School of Environment & Natural Resources | Fellow, Gund Institute for the Environment
Lead Editor, People and Nature
Chapter Lead, Culture Chapter, The Nature Record (the new permutation of the US National Nature Assessment)
** I value and respect flexible work arrangements; please read, act on, or respond at a time that works for you.**