Job Details

American University is a student-centered research institution located in Washington, DC, with highly-ranked schools and colleges, internationally-renowned faculty, and a reputation for creating meaningful change in the world.

Department: College of Arts & Sciences

Time Type: Part time

Job Type: Temporary (Fixed Term)

FLSA Status: Non-Exempt

Summary: The Research Associate will oversee the day-to-day operations of an urban heat field study conducted in partnership with the DC Department of Transportation. The position combines field leadership with project coordination responsibilities, serving as the primary operational point of contact between the research team, the Principal Investigator, and external stakeholders. The ideal candidate has prior experience managing field research campaigns, strong interpersonal skills, and the ability to handle logistics and public-facing communication in a professional manner. Availability for two short sessions in summer 2026 is preferred, though candidates available for only one session will also be considered.

Essential Functions:

1. Planning Field Work: Coordinate the overall field measurement campaign, including scheduling field days, managing site routing, and ensuring all equipment and personnel are prepared and in place. Serve as the on-the-ground point person during field operations, resolving logistical issues as they arise. Oversee instrument deployment and data collection across multiple field teams, ensuring protocol adherence and data quality. Perform and supervise instrument calibration, setup, and maintenance throughout the measurement period. Complete field survey forms and oversee data download and backup at the end of each field day.
2. Leading Field Work: Supervise graduate and undergraduate field research assistants during field sessions. Provide direction, training, and on-site support to field team members. Communicate field day status, staffing needs, and data quality issues to the Principal Investigator in a timely manner. Serve as the primary point of contact for members of the public encountered during field operations, including residents, passersby, and local business owners. Liaise professionally with law enforcement and other officials as needed during street-based data collection on public roadways. Communicate with DDOT and other project stakeholders on operational and logistical matters as directed by the PI.
3. Organizing Data from Field: Track project expenditures and assist with budget monitoring. Assist with report preparation, data organization, and other project deliverables as needed.

Supervisory Responsibility: Indirectly supervises a team of up to 16 students.

Position Type/Expected Hours of Work: Part-Time. Up to 27 hours per week. Temporary position. This position is grant funded, to be hired from late June to early September 21st, 2026. Continuation of the program/position is contingent upon external funding.

Salary Range: $24.00 per hour.

Required Education and Experience: Bachelor's degree or equivalent. Less than 1 year of relevant experience.

Preferred Education and Experience: Master's degree or equivalent.

Additional Eligibility Qualifications: Should have experience measuring climate and surface energy balance quantities in the field.