FUSE Student Researcher - History (Part-time Temporary / Summer 2026)

Job Details

Job Title: FUSE Student Researcher - History (Part-time Temporary / Summer 2026)
Location: UNG-Dahlonega, GA
Regular/Temporary: Temporary
Full/Part Time: Part-Time
Job ID: 296824

About Us

Located in the fastest-growing region of the state, the University of North Georgia is a multi-campus university with an enrollment of over 20,000 students, making it one of the largest institutions in the University System of Georgia. UNG is focused on a mission of educational excellence, leadership development and community engagement opportunities that develop students into leaders for a diverse and global society. Through a variety of educational pathways that provide access and range from certificates and associate degrees to a professional doctoral program, UNG is responsive to regional education and economic development needs. Federally designated as a senior military college, one of the university's signature leadership programs is its 800-member Corps of Cadets on UNG's Dahlonega Campus.

Job Summary

The University of North Georgia is currently accepting applications for FUSE Student Researchers in History on the Dahlonega campus. The Student Research Assistants will join a faculty-led research team conducting data-driven historical research on federal incarceration using U.S. Penitentiary Atlanta registers and related inmate records (1900 -1922). The student will help build and publish a structured dataset and data dictionary, conduct basic analysis and visualization, and contribute to a final research poster/presentation and short written report suitable for undergraduate research venues. The research assistant will join the FUSE program to conduct focused and meaningful research, scholarly and creative activities alongside a faculty researcher from June 1 - July 24, 2026. This includes in-person workshops and group meetings once a week for the duration of the program.

***Please be advised that any offer of employment is contingent upon your eligibility to work in the United States. The university is aware of recent federal changes that may significantly increase the cost of filing H-1B visa petitions.***

***As a public institution, the university's ability to cover such costs is subject to budgetary constraints and state funding policies. Therefore, while we remain committed to supporting international faculty hires, we cannot guarantee payment of any newly imposed or increased visa-related fees.***

***If you have any questions regarding the visa policy, please contact Monica Arrendale at (706) 867-4470.***

Responsibilities

• Archival research & source extraction: Read registers and selected inmate/case files; extract/transcribe information into standardized fields with source notes.
• Research design, contextual reading, and interpretation: Develop/refine a research question; complete targeted secondary reading; write brief interpretive memos linking patterns to historical context.
• Coding & documentation: Apply coding rules (offense categories, courts/jurisdictions, demographics as recorded); maintain data dictionary; document edge cases.
• Data cleaning & quality control: Run consistency checks; spot-check entries against records; maintain a discrepancy/corrections log.
• Analysis & visualization: Produce descriptive summaries and simple charts/tables to support findings.
• Writing, revision, and dissemination: Draft and revise the final project paper/report and poster/presentation; incorporate feedback from the faculty mentor and peers; prepare for public presentation.

Knowledge, Skills & Abilities

• Ability to maintain confidentiality and follow project protocols for handling sensitive historical records.
• Ability to travel for day-long archival research trips as scheduled.
• Reliable attendance for required meetings/workshops and scheduled research team meetings.
• Interest in U.S. history and/or criminal justice; willingness to learn archival workflows and ethical research practices.
• Accurate data entry; basic spreadsheet skills; file organization; clear writing; ability to summarize findings for a poster/paper.
• Sustain attention to detail; follow a codebook consistently; handle ambiguity by documenting decisions; work independently and collaboratively; meet weekly deadlines; communicate professionally.

Required Qualifications

• Must be currently enrolled as an undergraduate student at the University of North Georgia (any major) and not graduating before December 2026.
• No prior research experience required; training provided.

Preferred Qualifications

• Preferred: completed at least one college-level course in History, Criminal Justice, Sociology, Political Science, or a methods/statistics/data-related course.
• Preferred: experience with spreadsheets (Excel/Google Sheets), class research projects, transcription, archives/special collections, or poster/presentation work.

Proposed Salary

$12.00 per hour

Required Documents to Attach

• Resume
• Cover letter