Research Assistant

Georgetown University in Qatar (GU-Q) is dedicated to fulfilling Georgetown University's mission of promoting intellectual, ethical and spiritual understanding through serious and sustained discourse among people of different faiths, cultures, and beliefs. Embodying this spirit of the University, Georgetown's Qatar campus undertakes education, research, and service in order to advance knowledge and provide students and the community with a holistic educational experience that produces global citizens committed to the service of humankind. We demonstrate the values of Georgetown University; seek to build upon the world-class reputation of the Edmund A. Walsh School of Foreign Service; and work with our partner, Qatar Foundation, in its endeavors to achieve the Qatar National Vision 2030.

Requirements

This is a one-year, term position scheduled for 30 hours per week, supporting a research project on Qatar's maritime sector resilience. The role includes data collection, literature reviews, workshop coordination, and assisting with publication preparation.

Key Accountabilities

• Provide comprehensive research support aligned with the project's focus on enhancing Qatar's maritime sector resilience, contributing to data collection, analysis, and documentation processes.
• Contribute to literature reviews and participate in the groundwork for publication preparations, collaborating closely within a team setting to achieve research goals.
• Contribute to the organization and running of workshops and other types of external engagement.
• Participate in collaborative efforts including facilitating various project tasks that enhance understanding of Qatar's maritime sector resilience and other similar duties, as assigned.
• Other duties, as assigned.

Key Activities

• Actively participate in gathering, analyzing, and synthesizing primary data and secondary literature to support research objectives.
• Organize and manage collected research materials for ease of access and reference.
• Assist in identifying, reviewing, and obtaining consent agreements from interviewees while organizing and hosting end-user training seminars.
• Conduct interviews, analyze findings, and integrate these insights into ongoing research efforts while providing support in organizing and hosting workshops.
• Support project leader in hosting workshops and other events, ensuring their smooth execution.
• Provide assistance, where required, in managing and administering the project's budget and logistics.
• Set up and manage a cloud-based content management software for the storage of non-confidential data, ensuring secure and accessible data management.

Knowledge and Skills

• Excellent written and verbal communication skills, with the ability to convey complex ideas in a clear and concise manner.
• Strong analytical skills and organizational skills and the ability to work and solve problems independently.
• Proficiency in basic research methodologies, including qualitative and quantitative approaches.
• Eagerness to apply and develop skills in a practical setting.
• Effective communication and collaboration abilities, enabling productive engagement with the team and ability.
• Proficiency with Microsoft Office Suite, PC, and internet applications.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's Degree in international relations, security studies, regional studies or a related field.
• Master's degree is preferred.

Experience

• At least 1 year of relevant work experience as a researcher in scholarly and academic research projects at an academic institution is preferred.
• Previous role in academic initiatives or other activities emphasizing critical thinking, analytical skills, or collaborative teamwork.
• Experience with online information databases and other research tools.
• Prior engagement or coursework in research-related projects, demonstrating a proactive approach and readiness to contribute to project objectives.