Overview

The International Policy Research Assistantship (IPRA) program provides Ford School students the opportunity to build practical skills while supporting new and ongoing faculty research. IPRA is administered by the Ford School’s International Policy Center (IPC) and made possible through the generosity of the Weiser Family.

Dr. Amy Beck Harris seeks (in-residence) Ford School of Public Policy BA majors and MPAs/MPPs to serve as part-time research assistants for the Fall 2025 term.  The selected candidates may be asked to continue work during the Winter 2026 term, contingent upon funding availability, and successful completion of Fall 2025 research tasks and IPC reporting requirements.

Dr. Harris’s new research project would feature the creation of a global public participation design library. The intended audience for this library includes international development and participatory development practitioners, professionals charged with participatory design, and students learning about public participation.  

Work Location

The work location for this position is primarily remote, with periodic in-person check-ins at Weill Hall with the faculty supervisor.

Start Date

The tentative start date will be Monday, September 8 or 15.

Responsibilities

Students will have opportunities to conduct research-related tasks in support of the faculty’s project. Illustrative tasks include:

·         Conducting literature reviews on participatory development;

·         Identifying and (potentially) conducting outreach with external stakeholders;

·         Developing case studies;

·         Establishing an online platform, depending on research project progress;

·         Completing other duties, as assigned.

Eligibility & Qualifications

·         Current and incoming (in-residence) Ford School BA majors and MPA/MPP students in good standing. PhD students and non-Ford School students are ineligible for this opportunity. Please note that the Ford School may provide academic standing-related information to faculty supervisors prior to making hiring decisions;

·         Students may only serve in one (1) IPRA position during a given term;

·         Availability to work between 10 and 15 hours per week on a regular schedule determined by Dr. Harris and the student at the beginning of the semester;

·         Demonstrated interest in international policy required;

·         Prior experience, knowledge of, and/or training in international development and/or public participation/community engagement abroad a plus. This includes activities like needs assessments, and community workshops and meetings, among other examples;

·         Prior experience conducting literature reviews and/or data analyses a plus.

Compensation

·         $16 per hour for BA major applicants;

·         $20 per hour for MPP/MPA applicants.

Other Considerations

·         If hired, students must agree to prepare a brief narrative report for IPC each term, detailing IPRA tasks and skills acquired. IPC may share this narrative report information publicly and with the Weiser Family, an IPRA donor, to demonstrate program impact.

How to Apply

Please submit a resumé and one-page cover letter as a single PDF file (required) via U-M’s Student Employment portal by Friday, August 22 (11:59pm). Do NOT submit these materials directly to the faculty supervisor or IPC staff.

·         Current and incoming (in-residence) Ford School BA majors and MPA/MPP students in good standing. PhD students and non-Ford School students are ineligible for this opportunity. Please note that the Ford School may provide academic standing-related information to faculty supervisors prior to making hiring decisions;

·         Students may only serve in one (1) IPRA position during a given term;

·         Availability to work between 10 and 15 hours per week on a regular schedule determined by Dr. Harris and the student at the beginning of the semester;

·         Demonstrated interest in international policy required;

·         Prior experience, knowledge of, and/or training in international development and/or public participation/community engagement abroad a plus. This includes activities like needs assessments, and community workshops and meetings, among other examples;

·         Prior experience conducting literature reviews and/or data analyses a plus.