Recruitment and coordinator / research assistant

Working/Functional Title

Recruitment and Outreach Coordinator

Position Summary

The Lingo Lab in the Department of Communicative Sciences and Disorders at Michigan State University (directed by Courtney E. Venker, Ph.D., CCC-SLP) has an opening for an in-person Recruitment and Outreach Specialist. The Recruitment and Outreach Coordinator will play a key role in supporting participant enrollment and community engagement for research studies focused on language development in young autistic children and children with Down syndrome. They will be responsible for implementing recruitment strategies, building relationships with community partners, and ensuring families and participants feel informed and supported throughout the enrollment process. The ideal candidate will be enthusiastic, detail-oriented, and comfortable working with diverse communities. The Recruitment and Outreach Specialist will join a team of thoughtful, curious, and supportive researchers committed to better understanding how these children learn language and how best to support those with language delays.

This is a half-time position (i.e., 20 hours per week). Desired start date is January 6, 2026, but is negotiable.
Off-dated position funded for one year from date of hire, with possible extension contingent upon funding renewal.

Primary Activities: The Recruitment and Outreach Specialist will be part of an NIH-funded study investigating how linguistic simplification affects language processing and word learning in autistic children and children with Down syndrome. They will contribute to recruitment and outreach efforts related to the project, including:

• Developing and implementing recruitment strategies to meet participant enrollment goals.
• Building and maintaining relationships with community organizations, clinics, schools, and other referral sources.
• Conducting outreach activities such as attending community events, presenting study information, and distributing recruitment materials.
• Collaborating with the research team to track recruitment progress and adapt strategies as needed.
• Maintaining accurate records of recruitment activities, contacts, and participant enrollment using study databases.
• Ensure all recruitment and outreach activities comply with IRB requirements and research ethics.

Minimum Requirements

Knowledge equivalent to that which normally would be acquired by completing a four-year college degree program in Communicative Sciences and Disorders, Psychology, Child Development, Public Health, Education, or a related field; one to three years of related and progressively more responsible or expansive work experience; or an equivalent combination of education and experience.

Equal Employment Opportunity Statement

All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, citizenship, age, disability or protected veteran status.

Required Application Materials

Applicants should include a letter of interest, current resume or curriculum vitae, and letters of recommendation from two references.

Special Instructions

To apply, please refer to posting #1089264 and complete an electronic submission at the Michigan State University Employment opportunities website, Applicants should include a letter of interest, current resume or curriculum vitae, and letters of recommendation from two references.

Direct questions to: [email protected] with “Recruitment and Outreach Specialist” in the subject line.

Work Hours

A flexible schedule with availability to attend occasional evening or weekend community events is required.

Description of End Date

This is an off-dated position funded for one year from date of hire, with possible extension contingent upon funding renewal.

Website

Job Type: Part-time

Expected hours: 20 per week

Work Location: In person