Dr. Michelle L. Malkin, Director of the Gambling Research and Policy Initiative Department under the Department of Criminal Justice & Criminology, is seeking one Undergraduate Research Assistant (URA) for the Fall 2026-2027 academic year. The URA will be on campus and based in the Gambling Research and Policy Initiative and will report to Dr. Malkin.

Potential research projects include (not exclusive):
• Qualitative evaluation of Gambling Treatment Diversion Court

• Several quantitative and mixed-method studies of gambling behavior and risk among, as well as pathways to, addictions for marginalized communities
• Quantitative study of gambling-related harms and gambling-motivated crime

• Research and collect data through complex techniques and procedures, library research or other project specific methodology

• Quantitative data cleaning and running statistical descriptives utilizing statistical software

• Interpret, synthesize and analyze data including possible transcription and data coding

• Schedule, organize and report on status of research activities

• Creation of a research poster to be presented at ECU’s Annual Research Fair (spring)

• Complete IRB certification

• Ensure sensitive data is kept secure and confidential

• Maintain professional demeanor when communicating with faculty, staff and research participants

• Meet with faculty supervisor on regular basis to maintain ongoing communication regarding the quality of the assistant’s performance

• Perform other related duties as required

• Current enrollment as an undergraduate student in an on-campus degree program for the

2026-2027 school year with a minimum of 30 prior semester hours and a 2.5 GPA or higher

• Demonstrated interest in research (some relevant coursework and/or experience preferred but not required)

• Demonstrated ability to work independently and as part of a team

• Demonstrated communication, organizational, and computer skills (Microsoft Office and Google Drive)

• Demonstrated ability to work with data utilizing STATA and/or SPSS (preferred but not required)

• Comfort working with individuals in marginalized communities

• Familiarity and interest in criminal justice literature

• Familiarity and interest in addiction (substance and/or behavioral) preferred (not required)

Please upload resume and references online.

Employment is contingent upon the successful completion of a background check. All offers of employment are conditional and subject to verification of background information, with satisfactory results required before the start of the position.

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Individuals requesting accommodation under the Americans with Disabilities Act Amendments Act (ADAAA) should contact the ADA Coordinator at (252) 737-1018 (Voice/TTY) or ADA-Coordinator@ecu.edu.