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.
Jennings Randolph Fellowship Program (3 Positions)
Contact: Shira Lowinger, slowinger@usip.org
Dr. Robert Maguire
Project: Resource Allocation for Stability and Development in Transitional Societies: Strategic Decision-Making in the Case of Haiti
Contact: Shira Lowinger, slowinger@usip.org
Duties: Seeking an individual to help explores how decisions regarding international resources have helped or hindered stability in Haiti. This research assistant will be editing text, checking sources, conducting literature searches, providing brief synopses of materials and events, and translating material.
Desired Foreign Language Skills: French and if possible, Creole
Expected Project Dates: October 1, 2008 – July 31, 2009
Dr. Leonard S. Rubenstein
Project: Toward a New Human Rights/Humanitarian Law Framework on Health in Conflict
Contact: Shira Lowinger, slowinger@usip.org
Duties: Seeking an individual with a background in public health to help research and develop what Rubenstein refers to as a “coherent approach to health in conflict.” This research assistant will be editing text, checking sources, conducting literature searches, providing brief synopses of materials and events, and helping to arrange events.
Expected Project Dates: October 1, 2008 – July 31, 2009
Mr. David Tolbert
Project: Can International Tribunals Make a Difference on the Ground? Lessons from the ICTY
Contact: Shira Lowinger, slowinger@usip.org
Duties: Seeking an individual with legal training to help explore the impacts that international tribunals have on the peace and security of the countries over which they have jurisdiction. This research assistant will be checking sources, conducting literature searches, providing brief synopses of materials and events, and drafting text.
Desired Foreign Language Skills: French, if possible Bosnian
Expected Project Dates: October 1, 2008 – July 31, 2009
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
