Research Fellow - School of Engineering

Liberty University, Inc.; Lynchburg (VA); On-site; USD 24,000 - 29,000; Part time

Job summary

Liberty University, Inc. is seeking a part‑time Research Fellow to work on campus, conducting independent research and supporting teaching activities.

The role supports the Dean, Department Chair, or Professor, with responsibilities including publishing, presenting at conferences, and mentoring students. Graduate students or doctoral candidates will prepare course materials, deliver lectures, and manage assignments.

Qualifications

• Must be accepted into, or currently enrolled in a doctorate program by the start date.
• Must have 18 graduate credits completed in a related subject field in order to teach courses.
• Master’s degree from an accredited college or university preferred.
• Enrolled in a doctorate program and have previous teaching experience.

Responsibilities

• Research academic topics to publish peer‑reviewed journal articles under mentor.
• Present research at regional, national and/or international conferences.
• Prepare articles, reports, and presentations for sponsors.
• May teach undergraduate courses and prepare course material.
• Maintain regular office hours and communicate with students via email/Canvas.
• Assist with administrative tasks and adhere to university policies.

Skills

Communication

Public speaking

Organizational skills

English proficiency

Microsoft Office

Education

Doctorate program enrollment

Graduate credits completed (18)

Master’s degree preferred

Tools

Microsoft Office

Job description

Working independently and exercising good judgment and discretion, the Research Fellow (RF) works on campus in an academic support role for the University. These roles can range from becoming an effective researcher, proposal writer, teaching your own classes, overseeing students, grading academic assignments, scheduling, sending emails, lecturing, etc. The RF works a maximum of 20 hours per week (12m - 1040) throughout their contracted time length.

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS AND RESPONSIBILITIES

Work under the direction and supervision of the Dean, Department Chair, or Professor to whom assigned.

To research academic topics in order to publish peer-reviewed journal articles under the mentorship of a principal investigator, who could be funded internally or externally on a grant or contract.

To present research at regional, national and/or international conferences.

Prepares other articles, reports, and presentations associated with a project and may communicate results to outside sponsors of the research.

May take the role as a primary or secondary instructor for undergraduate course(s) in an academic year.

Courses will be assigned to the RF at the direction of the Dean or Department Chair.

Preparing and developing the course material in all classes that the RF is assigned to, as either a primary or secondary instructor.

RF can also use the course material given by the guidance of the Dean, Department Chair, or professor.

RF will prepare for and lecture in each course they are assigned to.

Be present for all necessary events put on by the department and the Graduate School.

Attend all Orientations and training sessions per the direction of the department and The Graduate School.

Uphold and follow the Community Standards and respected Honor Code (provided by the Office of Community Life), as well as the Graduate Assistantship Handbook.

Create and edit any and all PowerPoint, Excel, or Word documents.

Track Attendance using Top-Hat and post in Canvas.

Administer/proctor exams: monitor students during exams to avoid talking, laptop browsing, and cheating; answer questions and manage Top-Hat or Canvas technologies.

Grade subjective and objective quizzes/tests/exams and written assignments within university specified timeframes.

Communicate through email and Canvas with students regarding absences/attendance issues/meetings/any course related questions responding within university specified timeframes.

Manage excused absences, doctors’ notes, student athletes.

At the direction of the Office of Disability Accommodation Support, provide any academic accommodations to students by managing tests and assignments for these students with the Testing Center or making modifications to third party tests/Canvas to meet these requirements.

Maintain regular business office hours to provide availability and interaction with students either in person or over MS Teams as directed by their supervisor/chair/dean.

Assist the department with miscellaneous administrative tasks/projects and any other various responsibilities.

Strictly adheres to Liberty University policies, representing the University in an exemplary manner.

Works effectively as a team member, embracing and fostering LU’s mission.

Research Fellow (RF) Assist and conduct research under the direction of a supervisor in relation to the department's goals or needs, as approved by the Academic Administration and The Graduate School.

SUPERVISORY RESPONSIBILITIES

The Graduate Assistant Supervisors are responsible for abiding by the Graduate Assistantship Handbook and overseeing the Research Fellow for their respective departments.

This should be in line with the tasks and responsibilities that will be assigned to their Research Fellow.

They are to monitor and assess the Research Fellows’ academic, professional, social, and spiritual growth.

In addition, they will also complete Graduate Assistants evaluations for every new hire at the end of their first semester and for returners, at the end of the year.

QUALIFICATIONS AND CREDENTIALS

Education and Experience

Minimum Qualifications:

• Must be accepted into, or currently enrolled in a doctorate program by the start date.
• Must have 18 graduate credits completed in a related subject field in order to teach courses.

Preferred Qualifications:

• Master’s degree from an accredited college or university preferred.
• Enrolled in a doctorate program and have previous teaching experience.
• Experience using Microsoft Office.
• Ability to attain an understanding of all technical systems that support the role of being a RF.
• Must live in the local area in order to report to work on campus.

ABILITIES AND COMPETENCIES

Communication and Comprehension Ability to effectively communicate both verbally and in writing to convey clear, well articulated information.

Ability to understand, speak, and write English in order to convey messages and correspond in an articulate and professional manner.

Possess public communication skills that allow professional representation of Liberty University to a variety of business, government and community customers and associates.

Strong organizational skills.

Computer and scheduling skills.

Problem Solving Intuitively able to reason, analyze information and events, and apply judgment in order to solve problems of both a routine and complex nature.

Physical and Sensory Abilities

Required to travel to local and campus locations.

May be required to sit to perform deskwork or type on a keyboard.

Regularly required to hear and speak in order to effectively communicate orally.

Regularly required to stand, walk, and climb stairs to move about the campus.

Handle materials, reach overhead, kneel or stoop in order to conduct business.

Regularly lift 10 or fewer pounds.

WORKING CONDITIONS

Work Environment

The working environment in which one will typically perform the essential functions of this position is a climate-controlled setting. It is well lighted and the noise level is moderate. Working environment also includes facilitation of events outdoors occasionally.

Driving Requirements

Use of one’s personal vehicle (or LU vehicles) may be required for travel in the performance of the essential functions of this position. Proof of a valid Virginia driver’s license, an acceptable DMV record, and liability insurance is required.

PAY RANGE

Graduate $24,000 annual salary, may be prorated based on the term of appointment. Doctoral $29,000 annual salary, may be prorated based on the term of appointment.

Time Type Part time Location Onsite

The University is an Equal Opportunity Employer.

We believe it is our moral and legal obligation to meet the responsibility of ensuring that all management practices regarding employees are conducted in a nondiscriminatory manner.

In compliance with Title VII of the 1964 Civil Rights Act, and other applicable federal and state statutes, all recruiting, hiring, training, and promoting for all job classifications will be administered without regard to race, color, ancestry, age, sex, national origin, pregnancy or childbirth, disability, military veteran status or other applicable status protected by law, including state of employment protected classes.

It is, therefore, our policy and intention to evaluate all employees and prospective employees strictly according to the requirements of the job.

All personnel related activities such as compensation, benefits, transfers, job classification, assignments, working conditions, educational assistance, terminations, layoffs, and return from layoffs, and all other terms, conditions and privileges of employment will be administered without regard to race, color, ancestry, age, sex, national origin, pregnancy or childbirth, disability, military veteran status and other applicable status protected by law, including all applicable state of employment protected classes.

The University is a Christian religious-affiliated organization; and as such, is not subject to religious discrimination requirements.

The University’s hiring practices and EEO discrimination practices are in full compliance with both federal and state law.

Federal law creates an exception to the “religion” component of the employment discrimination laws for religious organizations (including educational institutions), and permits them to give employment practice preference to members of their own religious beliefs.

Come develop and improve valuable skills to use throughout your career by working at LU! We have many positions open that provide opportunities for students to serve the local Lynchburg community. Many offer flexible schedules to allow students to attend classes and complete their coursework. Located in the foothills of the Blue Ridge Mountains in Lynchburg, Va., Liberty University has been Training Champions for Christ since 1971. As one of the nation’s largest Christian universities, Liberty employs a diverse community of faculty, staff, and student professionals who are united by a shared mission and commitment to excellence. Through their dedication and service, Liberty employees help create a collaborative, faith-driven environment that supports meaningful work and lasting impact.