The GSLIS Usability Research Assistant is the primary support for the GSLIS
Usability Lab in all aspects of data recording (both audio and video), research support,
application support, faculty support, and quality control. This role will include
working with a variety of usability testing devices, data collection and analysis
software (Morae) and helping with testing scenario building in a multi-platform
environment. The GSLIS Usability Research Assistant will also be responsible for
scheduling all faculty/staff reservations and participant interviews taking place in the
Usability Lab.

The GSLIS Usability Research Assistant is provided with opportunities to develop
and build upon technical skills in usability testing (in the lab or on site), user studies,
project management, customer relations management, faculty support, and research
design methodologies involving usability. This position works collaboratively with
faculty, staff, and students in research and instructional support for usability
techniques involving digital audio and video components. Familiarity with the
research process, statistical software, or qualitative analysis software is useful.
Experience with portable usability lab equipment and use is helpful.
The GSLIS Usability Research Assistant (URA) will report to Professor Rong Tang,
with Linnea Johnson functioning as the immediate supervisor. The URA is part of
the GSLIS Technology team, and is expected to assume team goals and
responsibilities.

The position is expected to start in August 2012, at ten hours per week and at the rate
of $13/hr. Interested candidates should send a resume with a cover letter explaining
their qualifications for the position to linnea.johnson@simmons.edu by June 27,
2012.

Responsibilities include:
• Assist with building and deploying usability workstation images and software
updates
• Update and maintain the Usability Lab website and the usability staff wiki
• Handle the scheduling, maintain online calendar, and complete the activity
log for the Lab
• Support for faculty and staff administering usability tests, from within GSLIS
and from outside of the School
• Edit and process post-test data in both digital audio and video formats
• Provide point-of-use instruction and trouble-shooting for hardware (e.g.,
webcam, document camera, Mr. Tappy) and usability software (e.g., Morae)
• Provide point-of-use instruction and trouble-shooting for the portable usability
lab
• Provide point-of-use instruction and trouble-shooting for the eye tracker and
eye guide software
• Provide documentation in the area of usability testing, both for software and
hardware

Preferred skills include:
• Familiarity with Mac and PC operating systems
• Knowledge of database management systems and some familiarity with PHP
• Familiarity with the research process, statistical software or qualitative analysis
software.
• Familiarity with multimedia production and file formats, including digital
editing and file conversion
• Knowledge of digital recording tools and operation of digital camcorders
• Some experience with portable usability lab equipment
• Familiarity with Internet applications and markup languages, such as HTML,
XML and Java Script
• Familiarity with screen-casting software such as Morae and Camtasia
• Exceptional problem solving skills and resourcefulness
• Excellent written communication and oral presentation skills
• Ability to work independently
• Ability to work effectively in a team environment

Comments are closed