Federal Work-Study (FWS) Internship Program: Student Research Assistant (Student Wage)

University of Virginia Physicians Group; United States; On-site; USD 17,908 - 20,664; Part time

Benefits offered by this job

Paid internship

Job summary

University of Virginia seeks two undergraduate student researchers to support a qualitative study on competition in the UVA undergraduate experience. You will work under a faculty supervisor, helping design the study, collect data from students and staff, and analyze themes related to belonging and well‑being.

The role offers structured internship experience through UVA’s IPP, with academic credit and career support, contributing to policy and practice at UVA.

Qualifications

• Current UVA undergraduate student and able to participate in UVA‑affiliated research.
• Strong written and verbal communication skills.
• Demonstrated interest in higher education, student affairs, social science research, or related fields.
• Ability to work collaboratively, meet deadlines, and manage multiple tasks.
• Commitment to confidentiality and ethical research practice.

Responsibilities

• Research Design: Develop research questions, interview protocols, and survey instruments.
• Data Collection: Recruit and interview undergraduates, faculty, and staff; conduct ethnographic fieldwork on campus.
• Analysis and Synthesis: Code qualitative data and identify themes; participate in team debriefs.
• Final Product and Dissemination: Contribute to final report and presentations; translate findings into actionable recommendations.

Skills

Current UVA undergraduate student

Strong written and verbalcommunication

Interest in higher education

Collaborative teamwork

Confidentiality and ethical research

Time management

Job description

Federal Work-Study Students Only

Under the direct supervision of a faculty member or research supervisor, conduct research, follow protocols, record research results, etc. Use various methods to collect, organize and analyze data, maintain records of research and/or experiments, and document results. Follow oral and written instructions and work effectively individually and in a team environment. Students must follow all policies and procedures required by the position, including but not limited to environmental, safety, information security/data privacy, etc.

POSITION OVERVIEW

The Office of the Vice President and Chief Student Affairs Officer at the University of Virginia is seeking two motivated and curious undergraduate student researchers to support a qualitative study examining competition as a structural, cultural, and experiential phenomenon in the UVA undergraduate student experience. This project investigates how competitive norms and institutional structures shape student identity, belonging, social capital, and well‑being on grounds. These positions offer a meaningful opportunity to contribute to original, institution‑level research that has the potential to directly inform student affairs policy and practice at UVA. Students will work closely with the Fellow to the Vice President and Chief Student Affairs Officer throughout all phases of the project, from study design through dissemination.

ABOUT THE PROJECT

This qualitative study explores how UVA undergraduates understand, navigate, and are shaped by competitive environments across areas like academic, co‑curricular, social, and pre‑professional. Drawing on theoretical frameworks from higher education research, social capital theory, and organizational sociology, the study aims to surface student voices and lived experiences in institutional data. Findings will be used to improve the student experience and inform the work of the Office of the Vice President and Chief Student Affairs Officer.

INTERNSHIP EXPERIENCE

In addition to the job duties and responsibilities outlined below, this position will participate in a structured internship experience through the Internship Placement Program (IPP). If selected, interns must enroll in either UNST3910 (1cr.) or UNST3920 (1cr.). The courses are offered 9+ times during the fall, offering plenty of options to choose from. Through this robust internship experience, students will receive dedicated career support from their supervisor and gain key skills and competencies that align with future job interests. The FWS internship will look great on your resume and provide the student with impactful stories to share in interviews.

RESPONSIBILITIES

• Research Design
  • Collaborate in developing research questions, interview protocols, and survey instruments.
  • Assist in selecting appropriate qualitative and mixed‑method approaches, including ethnographic methods.
  • Review relevant literature and synthesize findings to inform study design.
• Data Collection
  • Recruit and interview undergraduate students, faculty, and staff participants.
  • Conduct participant observation and ethnographic fieldwork across campus settings.
  • Administer surveys and assist with data management and organization.
• Analysis and Synthesis
  • Assist in coding qualitative data and identifying themes.
  • Participate in team debriefs and collaborative analysis sessions.
  • Contribute to the interpretation of findings considering existing literature.
• Final Product and Dissemination
  • Contribute to the design and preparation of the final research report and any accompanying presentations or materials.
  • Assist in translating findings into actionable recommendations for student affairs practice.
  • Support efforts to share findings with relevant campus stakeholders.

QUALIFICATIONS

• Required
  • Current UVA undergraduate student.
  • Strong written and verbal communication skills.
  • Demonstrated interest in higher education, student affairs, social science research, or related fields.
  • Ability to work collaboratively, meet deadlines, and manage multiple tasks.
  • Commitment to confidentiality and ethical research practice.
• Preferred (but not required)
  • Prior coursework or experience in qualitative or quantitative research methods, sociology, technology, education, psychology, or related discipline.
  • Familiarity with research ethics and IRB procedures.
  • Experience conducting interviews or surveys.
  • Interest in issues of belonging and student well‑being in higher education.

COMPENSATION

$13.00–15.00/hr.

APPLY

Applications are submitted through Workday or Handshake. Please include a current resume and a brief statement of interest (300–500 words) describing your background, your interest in this project, and any relevant experience or skills you would bring to the role. Applications will be reviewed on a rolling basis.

CONTACT

For questions about the position, please contact Valentina Mendoza Gonzalez, Fellow to the Vice President and Chief Student Affairs Officer at [e-mail].

LEGAL STATEMENTS

The University of Virginia is an equal opportunity employer. All interested persons are encouraged to apply, including veterans and individuals with disabilities.

PHYSICAL DEMANDS

This position may require the ability to sit, stand, walk, bend, stoop, squat, climb stairs, and use fine finger manipulation while collecting, conducting, observing, analyzing and/or recording research data.