Job Details  

Research Assistant II
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Job ID 74962
Job Funding Source Work-Study, Non-Work-Study, Remote
Employer Gerald R. Ford School of Public Policy
Category Professional/Administrative
Job Description

Prof. Megan A. Stewart seeks a current Ford School of Public Policy BA major, MPA/MPP, or PhD student to serve as a part-time Research Assistant for the Spring/Summer 2026 term.  This is a term-limited appointment, slated to end in late July 2026.

Prof. Stewart’s current research project examines questions surrounding radical power redistribution, linked to developments like democratization or gender equality, but also authoritarianism and war. In their support of Prof. Stewart’s research, the research assistant will conduct literature reviews on global cases involving the redistribution of political power.

 

 

Work Location

The work location for this position is primarily remote, with periodic in-person and/or virtual check-ins with the faculty supervisor. 

Start Date

The tentative start date will be Monday, May 11 or May 18.

Responsibilities

The student will have opportunities to conduct research-related tasks in support of the faculty’s ongoing project(s). Illustrative tasks include: 

  • Identifying relevant sources in English and non-English sources;

  • Conducting case studies by reading secondary and primary literatures;

  • Identifying key information as determined in a coding document;

  • Completing the coding document as specified.

Compensation

  • $16 per hour for BA major student applicants;

  • $20 per hour for MPP/MPA student applicants;

  • $23 per hour for PhD student applicants.

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 Monday, April 20. Do NOT submit these materials directly to the faculty supervisor or Ford School staff.

 
Educational Value

As a Research Assistant, the Ford School student will assist with an ongoing research project related to global conflict and redistribution of political power. While providing this research support, the student will receive training in international research methods, including data collection, management and analysis, writing citation best practices, and coding.

Job Requirements

Eligibility & Qualifications

  • Current (in-residence) Ford School BA major, MPA/MPP and PhD students in good standing. Non-Ford School students are ineligible for this opportunity. New, incoming (Fall 2026) Ford School students are also ineligible to apply. Please note that the Ford School may provide academic standing-related information to faculty supervisors prior to making hiring decisions;

  • Availability to work between 20 and 25 hours per week on a regular schedule determined by Prof. Stewart and the student at the beginning of the semester. Strong preference will be given to candidates who can work 25 hours per week;

  • Demonstrated interest in international policy required. Interest in global conflict and security issues a plus;

  • Proficiency in one or more foreign languages preferred, ideally Portuguese, Russian, or Mandarin;

  • Prior experience conducting literature reviews and/or data analyses preferred.
Hourly Rate $16.00/hour to $23.00/hour
Hours 25.0 hours per week
Time Frame Spring/Summer
Start Date Monday, May 11, 2026
End Date Friday, July 31, 2026
Primary Contact Eric VanDeventer
Primary Contact's Email N/A
Supervisor N/A
Work Location Primarily remote but some meetings may take place in Weill Hall
Phone N/A
Fax N/A