Research Assistant: Choral Acoustic Study

Job Title: Research Assistant – Choral Acoustics Study (2026)

Department: Music

Position Type: Temporary, Fixed Term, Part-Time, Student Research Assistant

Employment Period: January 2026 – May 2026

Compensation: $12/hour

The Research Assistant will support a faculty-led study examining the acoustic effects of  individual vocal characteristics among members of the UWSP Concert Choir in choral standing formations. The project includes individual vocal recordings, ensemble recording sessions, and the administration of participant surveys. This is an excellent opportunity for students interested in music, acoustics, research methods, audio engineering, or data collection.

• Operate recording equipment during one-on-one data collection sessions.

• Ensure microphones are positioned at a standardized and consistent distance.

• Guide participants through a set of predetermined singing tasks.

• Maintain accurate records of each session and follow all IRB-approved protocols.

• Assist with logistical setup for large-group recordings.

• Help direct participants into standing formations

• Support survey administration using Qualtrics

• Record observations and assist with troubleshooting during the session.

• Organize audio files, survey responses, and participant records.

• Coordinate with the faculty statistician conducting data analysis, who anticipates using paired t-tests for the comparison of formation conditions.

• Ensure all data follow confidentiality and storage guidelines.

• Assist with UPDC grant compliance

• Management and storage of physical instruments used for recordings

• Strong organizational and communication skills and attention to detail.

• Ability to work respectfully and professionally with UWSP students, staff, and faculty.

• Reliability and punctuality

• Willingness to learn recording procedures and follow research protocols.

• Ability to complete CITI training and any IRB-related paperwork in a timely fashion.

• It is preferred that the research assistant is not a member of UWSP Concert Choir

• Background in music, audio recording, or choral performance.

• Experience with microphones or audio engineering.

• Familiarity with Qualtrics or survey administration.

• Interest in music perception, acoustics, or research methodology.

• 40 hours total over the course of the semester. Concentrated on two weeks of late February or Early March for individual recordings and one week in late April or early May for the ensemble recording.

• Majority of recordings will take place between 11 AM – 12 PM Monday-Thursday, with additional hours of task-based, flexible work outside those times.

·       Occasional meetings with the research team throughout the semester.

Please submit the following:

• A brief statement of interest (1–2 paragraphs).

• Your résumé.

• Contact information for one UWSP faculty or staff reference.

Application review will begin immediately and continue until the position is filled.

Through the discovery and dissemination of knowledge, UW-Stevens Point stimulates intellectual growth, provides a liberal education, and prepares students for a diverse sustainable world. The university is committed to creating a safe, inclusive learning community for all faculty and staff from a variety of backgrounds. Visit https://www.uwsp.edu/join-uw-stevens-point/ for more information about UW-Stevens Point. To learn about the Stevens Point (aka Point) area fun, jobs, housing, education, quality of life, and bragging rights, visit www.stevenspointarea.com.

Individuals with disabilities who need a reasonable accommodation during the application or interview process should contact Human Resources and Affirmative Action at 715-346-2606 or [email protected].

The safety and success of students, faculty, and staff at the University of Wisconsin-Stevens Point is paramount. The Jeanne Clery Disclosure of Campus Security Policy and Campus Crime Statistics Act requires the distribution of an annual security report to all current and prospective students, faculty, and staff. You may obtain the complete report at https://www3.uwsp.edu/protsv/Pages/Clery.aspx

The University of Wisconsin-Stevens Point will not reveal the identities of applicants who request confidentiality in writing, except the identity of the successful candidate will be released. See Wis. Stat. sec. 19.36(7).

An offer of employment will require a criminal background check and authorization to work within the United States as required by the Immigration Reform and Control Act of 1986.

UW is an Equal Opportunity Employer:

Qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, age, pregnancy, disability, status as a protected veteran, or any other bases protected by applicable federal or State law and UW System policies. We are committed to building a workforce that represents a variety of backgrounds, perspectives, and skills, and encourage all qualified individuals to apply.