Research and Administration Assistant (Student)

American University; Washington (District of Columbia); On-site; USD 25,000 - 32,000; Part time

Job summary

American University in Washington, DC, is seeking a part-time research assistant for an SSHRC-funded project. The student will work with two faculty on research papers, memos, bibliographic searches, and will help prepare for a policy workshop in DC.

The role requires good research and administrative skills, independent work, and comfort with logistics and writing. The work is Sept–Mar, about 20 hours per week, and focuses on Europe, Canada, and the United States.

Qualifications

• The applicant should be a BA senior, MA, JD, LLM, or PhD student.
• Good research skills (knowledge of databases both social science and possible legal databases).
• Ability to synthesize and read articles, proofread, find sources, and write succinctly.
• Be self-directed and able to work independently.
• Administrative experience – willing to be part of a project and assist with a workshop (logistics, note taking, researching possible speakers).
• Students should submit CV, brief cover letter and writing sample if possible.
• Preferred: demonstrated research experience and references plus CV.

Responsibilities

• Assist with researching papers, memos and bibliographic searches.
• Attend a policy workshop and support logistics and planning.
• Coordinate with budget personnel and manage scheduling details.
• Prepare summaries and materials related to research projects.

Skills

Research skills

Administrative experience

Independent work

Writing ability

Attention to detail

Team collaboration

Education

BA senior

MA

JD

LLM

PhD student

Tools

Social science databases

Legal databases

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.Important guidance for current American University employees: American University current employees, including those employed in student positions, must apply through their employee Workday account. If you are a current employee at American University, please log into your employee Workday account and select the Find Jobs report which will take you to our internal career listings. Applying outside of your employee Workday account may cause delays in a hire process.Department:School of International ServiceTime Type:Part timeFLSA Status:Non-ExemptJob Description:Summary:This position is tied to an SSHRC grant for research assistant purposes. The student will work with the two-faculty involved in the project on research papers, memos, bibliographic searches and assist with and attend a policy workshop to take place in DC. The workshop will require good administrative skills, willingness to deal with logistics, work with the budget person, and work on program/planning etc. It might also require working on putting together information related to research projects/papers. Applicant must have prior research and administrative experience. Applicants must be able to work the requisite hours as the position is from September –March. If the applicant can only work for the Fall semester, we may consider the application, but as the workshop is likely to be scheduled in January 2027 (or March), so we prefer applicants who have the time commitment to work for the duration of the position. The position starts September 1 and ends March 31, 2027.As the project involves trade-related issues, we are interested in students who have specific interest in trade policy or related issues. The geographic focus is on Europe, Canada and the United States. Students who have an interest in political economy, regulation, trade and technology, international economic law, trade agreements, or related issues are strongly encouraged to apply.Position Type/Expected Hours of Work:Part-time.20 hours per week.Salary Range:$18.40 - $23.50 per hour.Required Education and Experience:The applicant should be a BA senior, MA, JD, LLM, or PhD student.Good research skills (knowledge of databases both social science and possible legal databases).Ability to synthesize and read articles, proofread, find sources, and write succinctly.Be self-directed and able to work independently.Administrative experience –willing to be part of a project and assist with a workshop (logistics, note taking, researching possible speakers).Students should submit CV, brief cover letter and writing sample if possible.Preferred Education and Experience:Demonstrated research experience and references if possible plus CV.Writing samples and evidence of research ability.Other DetailsThis 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.Current American University EmployeesAmerican University current employees (including those employed in student positions) must apply through their employee Workday account. If you are a current employee at American University, please log into Workday and select the Find Jobs report which will take you to our internal career listings.Contact UsFor more information or assistance with the American University careers site, email [e-mail] 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.