Research Assistant II

This short-term, full-time, hybrid position is available immediately. The successful candidate will begin work by early May 2025, and be located in the Ann Arbor area during this employment (through July 2025, possibly longer). This opening is a new addition to the WDI staff working with both WDI’s Energy & Mobility team and a new focus: Venture Studio and Clean Tech.

About The Employer:

The William Davidson Institute at the University of Michigan (aka: WDI) is an independent, non-profit institute located off-campus in Ann Arbor. Note: WDI employees are not University of Michigan employees. To learn more about WDI, please visit this link. Due to a construction project, WDI is currently located at 1000 Oakbrook Drive, Ann Arbor. Questions about WDI’s unique relationship to the U-M will be discussed with persons offered an interview.

Job Duties for Energy & Mobility (approx 25 hours/week):

1. Conduct desk research (aka: secondary research) and analysis on business and policy topics related to energy and electric mobility, among other topics, to support select research projects
2. Support data analysis (qualitative and quantitative) and create visualizations for select WDI energy/mobility research projects
3. Support the development of presentations, articles, and reports, including visual/graphic design of documents and drafting content
4. As relevant, participate in interviews or meetings with external stakeholders
5. Perform other duties as assigned

Job Duties for Venture Studios & Clean Tech (approx 15 hours/week):

1. Conduct secondary landscape analyses of venture studios in emerging markets (e.g., Africa, South Asia, Southeast Asia, Latin America)
2. Map clean tech and climate-focused impact investment funds operating in emerging markets
3. Identify trends, case studies, and comparative models across different regions
4. Analyze market gaps, systemic challenges, and innovation opportunities for venture studios and impact funds
5. Synthesize findings into an Excel spreadsheet and a slide deck
6. Contribute to the development of a high-impact pitch deck and thought leadership for defined target audience

TIME COMMITMENT:

This Student Employment Office website does not allow the employer to say the role exceeds 29 hours/week, but this role is full-time 40 hours/week.

Wage & Benefits:

This Research Assistant role pays $20 to $22/hour; details about WDI’s benefits will be shared with persons offered an interview.

About the Recruiting Process:

The successful candidate will submit WDI’s online employment application form. To auto-fill certain fields, please upload one document (max 4MB) that includes your current resume with a brief cover. WDI will review applications as they are received. Only shortlisted candidates will be contacted and advance to the next stage of the selection process. To be considered, visit WDI's site to begin the online application: https://wdi.umich.edu/about/jobs/

WE WILL NOT ACCEPT EXPRESSIONS OF INTEREST VIA THE U-M STUDENT EMPLOYMENT SITE.

Required Qualifications:

1. Academic or professional experience in energy and/or mobility, as well as background in finance, business, economics, or international development
2. Experience conducting market landscaping, sector mapping, or investment ecosystem research
3. Proficient in MS Office, Google Workspace, A.I., and Canva
4. Self-starter with good critical thinking skills, able to work independently within a lean team and bring an entrepreneurial mindset
5. Strong desk research and data analytical skills with the ability to synthesize and visualize large volumes of information into insights
6. Superior English written communication skills
7. Must reside in the SE Michigan area during this employment due to hybrid work
8. Authorized to work full-time lawfully in the USA for WDI. Note: This role is not approved for “sponsorship” related to employment-based visa status.
9. Must apply using WDI’s online Employment Application linked below.

Desired Qualifications (but not required):

1. Experience using Tableau and/or other data visualization software
2. Academic or professional experience with consulting for private sector or non-profit clients
3. Familiarity with venture capital, impact investing, climate innovation, or entrepreneurship ecosystems in emerging markets
4. Proficiency in Spanish