Part-Time Research Assistant

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Department:

College of Arts & Sciences

Time Type:

Job Type:

FLSA Status:

Work Modality:

Union:

Job Description:

Summary:

The part-time Research Assistant will support the Isbell Chair’s chemistry and policy research program through grant and project coordination, communications and administrative support, student research coordination, and mentored research in chemistry and policy. The position will help advance funded and emerging projects by contributing to proposal development, grant administration and reporting, stakeholder communication, support of student research activities, and the development and execution of selected research projects.

Essential Functions:

1.) Grant and Project Coordination

• Support the day-to-day coordination of funded program activities related to the Isbell Chair’s chemistry and policy research portfolio. Assist with research and administrative aspects of grants, including tracking deadlines, compiling materials, and preparing progress updates and reports. Assist with the preparation, editing, and assembly of grant proposals, concept notes, budgets, timelines, and supporting materials. Monitor and identify relevant funding opportunities from foundations, government agencies, and other external sponsors aligned with the research program.

2.) Communications, Documentation, and Administrative Support

• Support communications with internal and external stakeholders, including outreach, scheduling, follow-up, solicitation of feedback, and responses to routine inquiries; draft and organize documents, summaries, and presentations; and provide administrative support for research activities, including scheduling, recordkeeping, and completion of project-related tasks.

3.) Student Research Coordination and Support

• Help coordinate and support undergraduate and graduate student research activities in chemistry and policy, including communication, scheduling, and follow-up on deliverables. Assist the Isbell Chair in mentoring and overseeing student researchers by helping organize project workflows, materials, and expectations.

4.) Conduct Research in Chemistry and Policy

• Conduct mentored research in chemistry and policy, including literature review, analysis, synthesis of findings, and preparation of research materials; where appropriate, take a primary role in advancing selected projects under faculty mentorship.

Competencies:

• Prioritizing and Organizing.

• Acquiring and Analyzing Information.

• Developing Plans.

• Evaluating and Implementing Ideas.

• Displaying Creativity.

• Thinking Broadly.

• Building and Supporting Teams.

• Serving Customers.

Position Type/Expected Hours of Work:

• Part-time.

• Up to 20 hours per week.

• Continuation of the program/position is contingent upon external funding.

Salary Range:

• $20.00 - $30.00 per hour.

Required Education and Experience:

• Bachelor's degree.

• 1 - 3 years of relevant experience.

Preferred Education and Experience:

• Master's degree.

• 3 - 5 years of relevant experience.

Additional Eligibility Qualifications:

• Candidate should have background in either the natural or physical sciences or in political science, international affairs, public policy, or related fields, together with demonstrated ability to work across disciplinary boundaries on issues at the intersection of science and policy.

• Experience in research support, grant administration, proposal development, student coordination, or related program activities is preferred.

• Strong writing, organizational, and project-management skills are required.

Other Duties:

• Please note this job description is not designed to cover or contain a comprehensive listing of activities, duties or responsibilities that are required of the employee for this job. Duties, responsibilities and activities may change at any time with or without notice.

Benefits

Click here to learn about American University's unique benefit options .

Other Details

• Hiring offers for this position are contingent on successful completion of a background check.

• Employees in staff positions at American University must deliver their services to the university from either the District of Columbia, Maryland, or Virginia, or perform work on-site at the university.

• Please note this job announcement is not designed to cover or contain a comprehensive listing of activities, duties or responsibilities that are required of the employee for this job. Duties, responsibilities, and activities may change at any time with or without notice.

• American University is an E-Verify employer.

Current American University Employees

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Contact Us

For more information or assistance with the American University careers site, email theworkline@american.edu .

American University is an equal opportunity, affirmative action institution that operates in compliance with applicable laws and regulations. The university does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, national origin, religion, sex (including pregnancy), age, sexual orientation, disability, marital status, personal appearance, gender identity and expression, family responsibilities, political affiliation, source of income, veteran status, an individual’s genetic information or any other bases under federal or local laws (collectively "Protected Bases") in its programs and activities.