The Economic Growth Institute (EGI) is seeking a graduate student to support an equity and inclusion research project.

In collaboration with our partner, EGI has been selected to develop an Equity Action Guide through a comparative case analysis of three National Science Foundation (NSF) Engines. Using community-based research methods, data collection will include semi-structured interviews, community focus groups, federal, regional, and programmatic data, and will be analyzed using mixed methods, including a socioeconomic spatial analysis. This research will create steppingstones between theoretical frameworks of equity (e.g., intersectionality, decolonization, community wealth building) and the tangible execution of place-based innovation programs.

Graduate Student Research Associate  - This position works with the Project Senior Manager and will be responsible for:

•       Researching and synthesizing 30-50 individual articles. Identifying main themes across literature
•       Collecting and analyzing local data and information sources for each of the three selected Engine sites
•       Assisting in compiling and developing charts and tables as needed
•       Creating in-depth briefs on local programs as well as executive summaries
•       Other tasks to support the research

Current enrollment in a graduate program on the UM Ann Arbor Campus. Strong understanding of qualitative research methodology required and knowledge of diversity, equity and inclusion approaches and practices.

Graduate students are expected to assist the Project Senior Manager as well as other members of the research team in all aspects and stages of the work. The project requires students who can be resourceful to search for and compile data from multiple sources, such as academic, industry, and government sources, state and regional government, and databases. 

The members of the research team are expected to be able to work independently and as a team. Members will be accountable to one another for assigned tasks and information gathered, and are expected to make contributions to the framework for organizing the work. 

Knowledge of and specific experience using some of the following software and programs is also a plus: Nvivo (or other coding software), Google Docs and Sheets, and InDesign. Students wishing to work on Economic Growth Institute projects should exhibit excellent critical thinking skills, the ability to work in a project team environment, high levels of self-motivation, excellent verbal and written communication skills, in addition to dependability, punctuality, attention to detail, and computer skills.

This position is for February 2025 - February 2026 (open to shorter time period depending on coursework). 

Please submit resumes and indicate specific skills and interests, along with a writing sample.