Jack Child Research Assistant (Student)

American University; United States; On-site; USD 22,000 - 29,000; Part time

Job summary

American University in Washington, DC is seeking a Research Assistant to support tenured Spanish faculty in Spanish or Latin American studies. The role includes conducting interviews and assisting with language-related research.

This position is available only to enrolled AU students, often eligible for Federal Work Study, with a time commitment of 5–8 hours per week during Fall Semester.

Responsibilities

• Assist tenured Spanish faculty with their research in Spanish or Latin American studies.
• Aid in Spanish linguistics research such as conducting interviews.
• Provide general research, writing, editing, and course development support and aid with departmental program tasks and events.

Job description

Work Where You Learn: Build Experience, Grow Skills, and Contribute to Your University Community. This position is available only to enrolled American University students. Most student positions at American University are eligible to use Federal Work Study (FWS) awards, with a few exceptions. FWS funds cannot be applied to janitorial, construction, partisan or sectarian positions. For information or questions regarding FWS funds, please contact American University's Office of Financial Aid.

Department

College of Arts & Sciences

Time Type

Part time

FLSA Status

Non-Exempt

Job Description

Summary: The research assistantship is designed for a student to assist tenured Spanish faculty with their research in Spanish or Latin American studies. As part of the assistantship, the student may aid in Spanish linguistics research such as conducting interviews. Interview topics are anticipated to include language, identity, culture, migration, education, discrimination, and more. This research will benefit language in the community through work with Dr. Maria Sprehn and her RA at community college Montgomery College, a collaboration which was made possible by a 2026 Ruth Joan Baron Language Impact Award, and will contribute to my ongoing research on DC Latinx language and identity (DCLLIP project). I have recently published a well-received book on DC Latinx sociolinguistics; the work that this Raship will support in fall 2026 represents the next phase of research and community engagement. The RA may also provide general research, writing, editing, and course development support and aid with departmental program tasks and events. The time commitment is 5 - 8 hours per week during Fall Semester.

Essential Functions

• Assist tenured Spanish faculty with their research in Spanish or Latin American studies.
• Aid in Spanish linguistics research such as conducting interviews.
• Provide general research, writing, editing, and course development support and aid with departmental program tasks and events.
• Other duties as assigned.

Position Type / Expected Hours of Work

Part-time. 5 - 8 hours per week.

Salary Range

$18.40 per hour.

Other Details

This position is available only to enrolled American University students. Please note this job announcement is not designed to cover or contain a comprehensive listing of activities, duties or responsibilities that are required of the employee for this job. Duties, responsibilities, and activities may change at any time with or without notice. American University is an E-Verify employer. Visit https://www.american.edu/hr/ for additional information about American University employment and benefits.

Equal Opportunity

American University is an equal opportunity, affirmative action institution that operates in compliance with applicable laws and regulations. The university does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, national origin, religion, sex (including pregnancy), age, sexual orientation, disability, marital status, personal appearance, gender identity and expression, family responsibilities, political affiliation, source of income, veteran status, an individual’s genetic information or any other bases under federal or local laws (collectively "Protected Bases") in its programs and activities.

Location

American University is a student centered research institution located in Washington, DC, with highly-ranked schools and colleges, internationally-renowned faculty, and a reputation for creating meaningful change in the world.