USIP research assistants (RAs) provide support on a variety of tasks and projects. They are paid between $10-14 per hour and work an average of 20 hours per week.
Applications are accepted on an ongoing basis to fill program needs. The majority of RAs are hired to work one-on-one with Jennings Randolph Senior Fellows for ten months beginning in October. Interviews begin for these and other RA positions one to two months before the anticipated start date.
Shira Lowinger is the manager of the JR Research Assistants Program.
IMPORTANT
Only full-time students from universities belonging to the Consortium of Universities of the Washington Metropolitan Area (CUWMA) can be considered for these openings. CUWMA members include: American University, the Catholic University of America, Corcoran College of Art and Design, Gallaudet University, Georgetown University, George Mason University, The George Washington University, George Mason University, Marymount University, National Defense Intelligence College, Southeastern University, Trinity University, University of the District of Columbia, Howard University, the University of Maryland at College Park.
How to Apply
Students from a Consortium member university who wish to apply to be a research assistant at USIP should consult the list of current openings below and submit the following application materials:
- A cover letter stating which position is of interest to you;
- A copy of your resume; and
- A brief writing sample demonstrating your research and writing ability.
Current RA Openings
Jennings Randolph Fellowship Program (2 Positions)
Contact: Shira Lowinger, slowinger@usip.org
Project: Role of the Iraqi Press in Promoting Peace and Democracy
Desired Qualifications: MA student with experience in the field of communication and the promotion of democracy. Applicants must have strong English writing skills.
Duties: Assist USIP Fellow 20 hours a week on research related to the Iraqi Press.
Dates: May 15-July 31, 2008
Preferred Foreign Language Skills: Arabic
Project: Post-Conflict Reconstruction Efforts in Afghanistan
Desired Qualifications: MA student who has studied post-conflict reconstruction and/or has knowledge of Afghanistan. Applicants must have strong English writing skills.
Duties: Assist Afghani Fellow 20 hours a week on research and editorial assignments.
Dates: April 15-July 31, 2008
Project: JR Fellowship Program Research Assistant
Desired Qualifications: BA or MA student to work 20 hours a week on administrative assignments. We are looking for strong organizational skills and an ability to work independently.
Duties: Data entry, filing, and program research.
Dates: May 1-August 30, 2008
Rule of Law (1 Position)
Contact: Rachel Steele, rsteele@usip.org
Project: Rule of Law Program Research Assistant
Duties: The duties depend on project needs, but typically include providing legal and policy research and programmatic support; conducting library and online research; translating and summarizing documents; formatting, proofing, and editing text; arranging project presentations; some transcription; and providing a limited amount of administrative support for project-related travel. Subjects to be addressed may include: justice and accountability in the transition from repressive regimes or from conflict to democratic governance, including the treatment of war crimes; constitution-making and the administration of justice in post-war settings such as Iraq, Afghanistan and the Balkans; emerging issues in international humanitarian law; and evolving international standards on the rule of law.
Dates: Fall 08-Spring 09, with option to extend.
Library (1 Position)
Contact: Ellen Ensel, eensel@usip.org
Project: Jeannette Rankin Library Program
Desired Qualifications: BA or MA student with some experience in cataloging, the ability to work with HTML, use text editing, web development and database software, and develop metadata is desirable. Knowledge of and/or familiarity with Adobe Acrobat, Dreamweaver, FileMaker, and Innovative Interface's Millennium system is a plus. Ability to use a Macintosh computer is helpful; basic library database knowledge of OCLC, etc. is assumed.
Duties: The research assistant will work under the general direction of the Knowledge/Library Manager in assisting library staff on a variety of tasks and projects including the following: cataloging of print and electronic resources, interlibrary loan and document delivery, current awareness outreach, serials management, shelving and de-accessioning of print materials, development of the ILS database and OPAC interface, reference work, and development and management of web pages and digital collections for the Library's section of the Institute's Web site, www.usip.org/library/.
Expected Project Dates: April - September 2008
For further information on Research Assistant Opportunities contact:
Shira Lowinger
JR Program Coordinator and Manager of the RA Program
United States Institute of Peace
1200 17th Street NW
Washington, DC 20036
E-mail: slowinger@usip.org
