Join the KOMPAN Play Institute (KPI), the research and development arm of KOMPAN - a global leader in outdoor play and fitness solutions - as a Research Assistant.
Since the 1980s, our team of full-time play specialists-based in Denmark and North America-has been dedicated to advancing the science of play through rigorous research, design testing, and advocacy. We explore how play impacts child development and work closely with designers, educators, and city planners to create inclusive, evidence-based environments that inspire movement and imagination.
Core focus areas for this role include:
- Conducting research on playgrounds and child development
- Testing and documenting play designs with children of all abilities
- Co-authoring white papers and publications on play-related topics
- Articulating research findings on play and playgrounds to support the sales team, designers, and customers in their understanding of play and child development
- Consulting and advocating for play-centered urban planning
As a global leader with an organizational focus on people, passion, progress, and performance, our mission is to create healthier and happier communities by delivering the best in play and fitness solutions. We’re KOMPAN - let’s play!
Who We Are
For more than 50 years, KOMPAN has researched, designed, and built inventive and imaginative commercial playground equipment and outdoor fitness sites that captivate all ages and abilities.
In collaboration with our global headquarters in Denmark, KOMPAN designs, manufactures, and installs more than 1,000 sites a month across more than 90 different countries. Our North American headquarters, located in Austin, Texas, supports field sales around the U.S. and Canada.
At KOMPAN, we take pride in our commitment to the global environment. We exceed sustainability efforts and make it possible to lower carbon emissions by utilizing recycled ocean waste, consumer-recycled plastics, and textile waste to create playgrounds that are born green or made green.
What You’ll Do
- Support the KPI manager for North America in executing research projects and delivering continuing education
- Conduct literature reviews
- Collect and analyze data
- Prepare documentation for continuing education programs
- Work closely with KOMPAN sales professionals to share KPI findings and establish the KPI team as leading thought leaders in playground design
- Contribute to global initiatives through regular collaboration with KPI’s Denmark-based team
- Play a key role in shaping the future of play by bridging research and real-world application
Required
- Bachelor’s degree in Human Development, Early Childhood Education, Child Psychology, or a related field
- Experience assisting with research involving children (birth to age 18) and families
- Completion of Human Research Protection Training (or willingness to complete during onboarding)
- Ability to translate academic research into commercially relevant insights
- Excellent communication, interpersonal, and teamwork skills with a cross-functional and multi-national team
- Proficient in data collection (observations, interviews) and analysis (quantitative and qualitative)
- Ability to interpret and critique scientific literature in child development and play
- Skilled at presenting complex topics to diverse audiences (50-100 participants), both in-person and virtually (Teams/Zoom)
- Collaborative mindset for working with internal teams and external partners
- Proficiency in Microsoft Word, Excel, and PowerPoint
- Organization and attention to detail with the ability to manage documentation and online data systems
- Flexibility and adaptability-comfortable with multitasking and shifting project priorities
- Based in Texas or the Western United States, with proximity to a major airport required.
- This role involves up to 40% travel for research, stakeholder meetings, presentations, and conferences.
Desired
- Master’s degree in a related field or working toward a Master’s is desirable
- Experience conducting research in outdoor playground settings
Perks and Benefits
- Comprehensive medical, vision, and dental plans
- Employer-paid life and disability insurance
- 401(k) retirement plan with company match
- Competitive PTO and robust holiday schedule
KOMPAN is an Equal Employment Opportunity and Affirmative Action Employer. We do not discriminate based upon race, religion, color, national origin, gender, age, veteran status, or any other basis covered by appropriate law. We celebrate diversity and are committed to creating an inclusive environment for all our employees. All employment is based on qualifications, merit, and business needs.
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