Jack Child Research Assistant (Student)

American University; Washington (District of Columbia); On-site; USD 25,000 - 28,000; Part time

Job summary

American University is seeking a part-time research assistant to support Spanish/LatAm studies. The student will assist a tenured faculty member with research, including interviews and linguistic analysis, and help with writing, editing, and course development tasks.

The role emphasizes community engagement and collaboration with Montgomery College, with a time commitment of 5–8 hours per week during Fall Semester. Enrolled AU students only.

Qualifications

• Enrollment as student at American University is required.
• Position is part-time with 5–8 hours per week.
• FWS eligibility applies; some restrictions noted in the posting.
• Non-Exempt under FLSA.

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.
• Other duties as assigned.

Skills

Interviews

Research assistance

Editing

Writing

Course development

Education

Enrollment at American University

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 FinancialAid.

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 assisttenured Spanish faculty with their research in Spanish or LatinAmerican studies. As part of the assistantship, the student may aidin Spanish linguistics research such as conducting interviews.Interview topics are anticipated to include language, identity,culture, migration, education, discrimination, and more. Thisresearch will benefit language in the community through work withDr. Maria Sprehn and her RA at community college MontgomeryCollege, a collaboration which was made possible by a 2026 RuthJoan Baron Language Impact Award, and will contribute to my ongoingresearch on DC Latinx language and identity (DCLLIP project). Ihave recently published a well-received book on DC Latinxsociolinguistics; the work that this Raship will support in fall2026 represents the next phase of research and communityengagement. The RA may also provide general research, writing,editing, and course development support and aid with departmentalprogram tasks and events. The time commitment is 5 - 8 hours perweek during Fall Semester.

Essential Functions:

• Assist tenured Spanish faculty with their research in Spanishor Latin American studies.
• Aid in Spanish linguistics research such as conductinginterviews.
• Provide general research, writing, editing, and coursedevelopment support and aid with departmental program tasks andevents.
• 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 AmericanUniversity 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.

Contact Us

For more information or assistance with the American University careers site, email [e-mail].

American University is an equal opportunity, affirmative actioninstitution that operates in compliance with applicable laws andregulations. The university does not discriminate on the basis ofrace, color, national origin, religion, sex (including pregnancy),age, sexual orientation, disability, marital status, personalappearance, gender identity and expression, familyresponsibilities, political affiliation, source of income, veteranstatus, an individual’s genetic information or any other basesunder federal or local laws (collectively "Protected Bases") in itsprograms and activities.