Research Associate of Native American Studies

University of Oklahoma; Oklahoma; On-site; USD 50,000 - 70,000; Full time

Job summary

The University of Oklahoma Norman Campus is seeking a Research Associate to provide professional-level research support for interdisciplinary, community-engaged initiatives affiliated with the Indigenous Futures Research Lab (IFRL). The Lab serves as a hub for future-building projects grounded in kinship-based approaches to community engagement.

The Research Associate supports faculty-led and community driven research integrating immersive technologies, Indigenous media, performance,

Qualifications

• Master's degree or equivalent in a related field is required or strongly preferred.
• Experience supporting research, creative projects, or community-engaged initiatives.
• PhD in Indigenous/Native American Studies or related field is preferred.

Responsibilities

• Provides professional research coordination support for interdisciplinary, grant-funded projects affiliated with IFRL.
• Assists in planning and implementing research activities, timelines, and deliverables across multiple projects.
• Supports initiatives involving immersive technologies, Indigenous media, performance, archaeology, and digital humanities.
• Applies Indigenous research methodologies and kinship-based engagement principles.
• Coordinates participation of faculty, staff, students, consultants and community collaborators.
• Maintains research documentation and outputs; assists with materials for review and grant reporting.
• Supports purchasing, reimbursements, and payments in Peoplesoft and Concur; tracks expenditures and ensures budget compliance.
• Onboards and orients research faculty, students, artists, elders, and project affiliates; coordinates appointments.

Skills

Research coordination

Community engagement

Project planning

Interdisciplinary collaboration

Education

Master's degree in related field

PhD in Indigenous/Native American Studies or related field

Tools

Peoplesoft

Concur

Job description

University of Oklahoma Norman Campus: Dodge Family College of Arts and Sciences: Native American Studies

Location

Open Date

Aug 04, 2026

Description

The Research Associate provides professional-level research support for interdisciplinary community-engaged research initiatives affiliated with the Indigenous Futures Research Lab (IFRL) at the University of Oklahoma. The Lab serves as a hub for future-building projects grounded in kinship-based approaches to community engagement.

The Research Associate supports faculty-led and community driven research integrating the following: immersive technologies, Indigenous media, performance, archaeology, and digital humanities. The position combines research coordination, relational engagement with community partners, and research operations support in alignment with Indigenous research methodologies and university requirements.

Job Duties:

• Provides professional research coordination support for faculty-led interdisciplinary, and grant funded research projects affiliated with the Indigenous Futures Research Lab (IFRL).
• Assists in planning and implementing research activities, timelines, and deliverables across multiple concurrent projects.
• Supports research initiatives involving immersive technologies, Indigenous films, sound, podcasting, performance, archaeology (including drones, GPR, and LiDAR), and digital humanities.
• Applies Indigenous research methodologies and principles of kinship-based engagement and relational accountability in support of research activities.
• Coordinates participation of faculty, research staff, students, consultants and community collaborators.
• Collects, organizes, and maintains research-related documentations, records, and output.
• Assists with preparation of research materials and documentation for internal review, external sponsors, and grant reporting.

Research Operations & Financial Support:

• Supports research-related purchasing, reimbursements, and payments using Peoplesoft and Concur, in coordination with Shared Business Services Center (SBSC).
• Assists with tracking research expenditures to support alignment with approved grant budgets and allowable costs.
• Maintains organized documentation to support audit, compliance, and institutional accountability requirements.

Research Personnel & Onboarding:

• Assist with onboarding and orientation of research faculty, research students, artists, elders, and project affiliates.
• Supports coordination of research student appointments and participation in lab projects.
• Maintains onboarding materials and participation documentation.

Communications & Research Dissemination:

• Supports dissemination of research activities and outcomes through events, public programming, and digital platforms.
• Assists with marketing, social media, and public-facing communications that support lab research visibility.
• Coordinates ordering, logistics, and operational support for research-related events and activities.

Qualifications

Required Education and Experience:

• Master's degree in related field or an equivalent combination of education and experience.
• Experience supporting research, creative projects, or community-engaged initiatives.

Preferred Education and Experience:

• PhD in Indigenous/Native American Studies, humanities, social services, media studies, archaeology, or related field.
• Experience working with Indigenous communities or cultural institutions.
• Experience supporting grant-funded research environments.
• Familiarity with creative, digital humanities, or interdisciplinary research projects.

The University, in compliance with all applicable federal and state laws and regulations, does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, national origin, sex, sexual orientation, marital status, genetic information, gender identity/expression (consistent with applicable law), age (40 or older), religion, disability, political beliefs, or status as a veteran in any of its policies, practices, or procedures. This includes but is not limited to admissions, employment, housing, financial aid, and educational services.

Why You Belong at the University of Oklahoma

The University of Oklahoma values our community's unique talents, perspectives, and experiences. At OU, we aspire to harness our innovation, creativity, and collaboration for the advancement of people everywhere. You Belong Here!

Mission of the University of Oklahoma

The Mission of the University of Oklahoma is to provide the best possible educational experience for our students through excellence in teaching, research and creative activity, and service to the state and society.