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How to Apply
Please include a cover letter identifying your current major and unit affiliation at UM along with a current CV/resume.
Job Summary
The College of Education, Health, and Human services has an opening for a part-time research assistant position. We are seeking a research assistant to support a set of community-engaged projects related to incarceration, including a public art exhibition entitled Postmarked from the Inside. The position combines research support, community collaboration, and public-facing project coordination.
The research assistant will work closely with a community-academic team engaged in research, storytelling, and creative practice focused on incarceration, lived experience, and public engagement. Responsibilities will include literature reviews, qualitative data analysis, community outreach, and digital project support, particularly related to the exhibition?s website and public programming.
Priority will be given to individuals with interests in incarceration, abolition, social justice, community-engaged research, qualitative methods, and/or public humanities.
Most job responsibilities can be completed remotely, with occasional in-person meetings as needed.
Responsibilities*
- Conduct literature reviews related to incarceration, community-engaged scholarship, and related fields
- Assist with qualitative data analysis, including coding and synthesizing interview data
- Support the design and conduct of qualitative interviews with community collaborators
- Help prepare research summaries or materials for academic and public audiences
- Assist with website management and basic website building/updating for the exhibition
- Support outreach and communication with artists, community partners, and collaborators
- Help coordinate exhibition materials, timelines, and public-facing content
- Assist with documentation and dissemination of the exhibition (e.g., digital materials, summaries)
- Support planning and coordination of meetings with community partners and collaborators
- Communicate respectfully and professionally with diverse stakeholders
- Assist with the preparation of public-facing materials related to the project
Desired Qualifications*
Enrollment in or completion of an undergraduate or graduate program in Anthropology, Sociology, Social Work, or a closely related field
Training in or experience with qualitative research methods, including interviews, coding, thematic analysis, and literature reviews
Strong writing and analytical skills, with the ability to synthesize academic and community-based knowledge
Experience with or interest in community-engaged research, participatory methods, or public-facing scholarship
Comfort with or willingness to learn basic website management and digital content development
Demonstrated interest in issues related to incarceration, criminal legal systems, social justice, and community collaboration
Ability to work independently while maintaining accountability to project goals and timelines, and to communicate openly when challenges arise
Modes of Work
Positions that are eligible for hybrid or mobile/remote work mode are at the discretion of the hiring department. Work agreements are reviewed annually at a minimum and are subject to change at any time, and for any reason, throughout the course of employment. Learn more about the work modes.
Background Screening
The University of Michigan conducts background checks on all job candidates upon acceptance of a contingent offer and may use a third party administrator to conduct background checks. Background checks are performed in compliance with the Fair Credit Reporting Act.
U-M EEO Statement
The University of Michigan is an equal employment opportunity employer.