UPDATE: The application is now closed as of May 21st. Thanks to those who considered and applied for the position.
I’m excited to announce that I have a fully-funded research assistant position open for 2020-2021 academic year. The position is open to all Indiana University system students; however, my preference is to hire from my institution, preferably from within my school or my department.
About the Position
If you’re interested in gaining valuable research experience and participating on projects with the potential make a real-world impact on higher education throughout the country, you’re in the right place. I’m hiring a student research assistant to support my qualitative research on the following projects:
If you choose to work with me, I will provide mentorship and meaningful learning opportunities. We’ll discuss your ambitions and current weaknesses to develop a personalized opportunity that helps us achieve our mutual goals.
I wish to work with students who have a real interest in doing quality research and want more from their research assistant positions than just a paycheck. Depending on your skills, experience, and aspirations, I can provide opportunities for collaborative and independent research leading to publications and presentations.
The Work You’ll Do
While the job responsibilities will change from week-to-week depending on project needs and your interests, you can expect to do some or all of the following:
- search for literature based on a scoped needs;
- use Zotero to organize found literature;
- briefly summarize found literature;
- analyze and code transcripts and other data using MAXQDA;
- write case summaries;
- work on drafts for journals and conference proceedings;
- support project logistics, like updating key research infrastructure (e.g., OSF, project websites);
- and engage in open, exploratory conversations about emerging research.
Desired Skill Sets
I’d like to see a lot of the following skills in my research assistant:
- familiarity with qualitative research methods and tools;
- an understanding of coding qualitative data;
- an exact attention to detail;
- ability to document project progress in a clear manner;
- excellent command of the English language, both written and oral;
- an interest in big data practices and their societal impacts;
- a passion for understanding privacy issues;
- and a willingness to work via web conferencing applications (e.g., Zoom, Skype).
In addition to the above, all applicants should have advanced competencies with the following technologies:
- web conferencing tools (e.g., Zoom, Skype, Google Hangout);
- desktop publishing tools (e.g., Microsoft Word, Apple Pages);
- and shared work suites of tools (e.g., Google Drive/Docs, Box).
Any other tool we’ll use I can train you on.
Testimonials from Past Research Assistants
Dr. Jones has a wealth of knowledge and projects to keep you interested and well informed in cutting edge library science. I had a variety of projects that were thought provoking, stretched my research abilities, introduced me to new ways to use technology, and made me a better research librarian by the end of my RA. Additionally, Dr. Jones’ flexibility with when I worked was perfect for my work/life/school/time zone balance. Really a great experience with a great professor!
Meredith Kostek, a graduate of the Department of Library and Information Science’s Master’s of Library and Information Science program. She is the Research and Instruction Librarian at the Lewis & Clark Law School in Portland, Oregon.
I had an amazing experience working with Dr. Jones. Working as his RA gave me the opportunity to engage deeply with some really exciting topics and projects, and learn much more about what it takes to successfully see a research endeavor through. Incredibly, I learned how to grow as an independent worker, tackling challenges head on by myself, while also becoming a better team player in my collaboration with Dr. Jones and his associates. I highly recommend this position for anyone who wants to strengthen their research ability, their critical thinking skills, and receive strong guidance and mentorship.
Tanisha Afnan, a spring 2020 graduate of the Department of Human-Centered Computing’s Master’s Human-Computer Interaction program. In fall 2020, she we will be a doctoral student in Information Science at The University of Michigan School.
Requirements and Stipend
In order to be eligible for the position, you need to be enrolled in six credits or more for both semesters in the academic year in a master’s-level or doctoral program. If chosen for the position, you will be required to complete twenty (20) hours of work each week, often meeting at least once a week for progress updates and research conversations. The stipend is $1,700 per month.
Ready to Apply?
If you’re interested in applying, go to this application form to provide some information. I will be conducting brief interviews with select applicants in mid-May. I aim to make my hiring decision come the end of May.
Thanks for your interest in working with me!
