Research Assistant Program

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, Marymount University, National Defense Intelligence College, National Defense University, 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:

1. A cover letter stating which position is of interest to you;
2. A copy of your resume; and
3. A brief writing sample demonstrating your research and writing ability.

Current R.A. Openings

• JR Fellowship Program (1 Position)
  
• Haiti Program (1 Position)
• Library (1 Position) - Will Accept Appplications from Part-time Students
• Grants (1 Position)
  

JR FELLOWSHIP PROGRAM (1 Position)

Project: Research Assistant on Nuclear Non Proliferation
Project Focus: Nuclear non-proliferation, NPT Review Conference, and nuclear weapon-free zones 
Desired Qualifications: Looking for an M.A. or Ph.D. student with an Interest/background in nuclear non-proliferation. 
Expected Project Dates: Through June 30, 2010
Contact: Shira Lowinger, slowinger@usip.org

HAITI PROGRAM (1 Position)

Project: Research Assistant to the USIP Haiti Program
Project Focus: The research assistant will support USIP's Haiti Program, including Robert Maguire, Chairman of the USIP Haiti Working Group. Duties will include conducting research on  topics related to the current crisis in Haiti, organizing materials, fact-checking, editing, providing notes from meetings and limited administrative tasks. Successful applicants will be detail-oriented, skilled in multi-tasking, and flexible. 
Expected Project Dates: Looking to hire immediately
Contact: Liz Panarelli, lpanarelli@usip.org

LIBRARY (1 Position) - Will Accept Appplications from Part-time Students

Project: Research Assistant to Library and Knowledge Management 
Project Focus: The research assistant will work under the general direction of the Director of Knowledge Management and Library Services in assisting library staff on a variety of tasks and projects. The following list represents a range of activities, including, but not limited to: current awareness outreach; development and management of library web pages, Intranet pages and digital collections; work with the Library’s ILS database and OPAC interface; public service assistance and use of online resources; and, technical services, circulation, serials and processing tasks.
Desired Qualifications: The successful candidate will demonstrate an interest and aptitude for web and database development, attention to detail, a willingness to do a variety of tasks, ability to take direction well and work independently.  The ability to use text editing software, to catalog and develop metadata, and use database and/or content management software is also desirable. Knowledge of and/or familiarity with Adobe Acrobat, MediaWiki,  Drupal and Innovative Interface’s Millennium system is a plus. Basic library database knowledge of OCLC, etc. is helpful.
Expected Project Dates: Jan 2010 - Sept. 2010
Contact: Ellen Ensel, eensel@usip.org; Please also copy your email to library@usip.

GRANTS (1 Position)

Project: Middle East Grants
Desired Qualifications: Assist Grants program with applications related to the Middle East, specifically in Iraq. The grant-making in Iraq focuses on promoting inter-communal tolerance and conflict resolution capacity through the development of education and training initiatives by Iraqi civil society organizations; empowering marginalized and disadvantaged groups—especially women, minorities, the disabled, and rural communities—to make positive contributions to political and conflict management processes in Iraq; and promoting transitional justice initiatives in Iraq through education and training.  Advanced Arabic skills required.
Expected Project Dates: Position temporarily on-hold
Contact: Shira Lowinger, slowinger@usip.org

For further information on Research Assistant Opportunities contact: