"Graduate Research Assistant (Student)"

Job Details

Work Where You Learn: Build Experience, Grow Skills, and Contribute to Your University Community. This position is available only to enrolled American University students.

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Department: Kogod School of Business

Time Type: Part time

FLSA Status: Non-Exempt

Summary: The successful candidate will work closely with the Professor to advance ongoing research projects exploring how marketing practices affect different racial groups, influence health behaviors, and shape consumer experiences in the Marketing department. You'll provide support for academic publications, conference presentations, and policy-oriented research that aims to create more equitable marketplace outcomes.

I am looking for a dedicated Graduate Research Assistant to support marketing research that examines race, consumer welfare, and public health. This role offers hands-on experience in social marketing while contributing to meaningful work that addresses marketplace inequities and their impacts on communities.

Responsibilities:

1. Research Support
   • Conduct comprehensive literature reviews across multiple disciplines.
   • Identify and synthesize relevant academic research and policy developments.
   • Track current marketing practices and their social impacts.
   • Support qualitative research processes and data analysis.
2. Publication and Presentation Support
   • Format manuscripts and verify citations for journal submissions.
   • Create visual materials including charts, graphs, and presentation slides.
   • Manage reference databases and ensure proper documentation.
   • Assist with grant proposal development and academic presentations.
3. Outreach and Administration
   • Coordinate with external research partners and community organizations.
   • Support faculty networking and professional communication.
   • Handle administrative tasks including data entry and meeting coordination.
   • Monitor policy developments and public debates relevant to research areas.

Position Type/Expected Hours of Work: Part-Time. Student. Flexible hours, approx. 10 hours per week. Remote with occasional virtual meetings. This position is for the Fall 2025 - Spring 2026 semester(s).

Salary Range: $18.50 per hour.

Required Education and Experience: Currently enrolled in PhD or research-focused Master's program at American University. Excellent writing, research, and organizational abilities. Proficiency with Microsoft Office Suite and academic databases. Strong attention to detail and ability to manage multiple projects. Interest in or experience with issues of race, marketing, and social policy.

Preferred Education and Experience: Familiarity with reference management software (EndNote). Basic data analysis skills (SPSS knowledge helpful). Previous research assistant experience. Understanding of qualitative research methods.

Additional Eligibility Qualifications: If interested in this position, please send your resume and a cover note outlining your: 1.) Experience and interest in marketing, 2.) Experience and interest in research, 3.) Your specific ability to conduct the types of tasks described, 4.) Other qualifications, and 5.) Your goals for the position (why interested in this particular position). Be sure to note specific programs you know or use (Endnote, SPSS, PowerPoint, etc). In addition to uploading, feel free to send your materials directly to griers@american.edu for a faster response. Applications without even a brief cover note will not be considered. I’m looking for a self-motivated graduate student who thrives in an independent work environment. You should have strong analytical and writing skills, experience with academic research processes, and genuine interest in social justice issues within marketing contexts.

Professional Development Opportunities: This position provides valuable experience for students pursuing careers in academia, public policy, nonprofit advocacy, or social impact marketing. Previous research assistants have leveraged this role to strengthen their academic portfolios, develop research skills, and build professional networks in social marketing. The flexible nature of the position allows you to balance research responsibilities with coursework while gaining practical experience in high-impact research that addresses real-world social issues.

Other Details: This position is available only to enrolled American University students. 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. Visit https://www.american.edu/hr/ for additional information about American University employment and benefits.