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.

Prof. Megan A. Stewart seeks in-residence Ford School of Public Policy BA majors or MPAs/MPPs to serve as part-time research assistants for the Fall 2026 term.  The selected candidates may be asked to continue work during the Winter 2027 term, contingent upon funding availability and successful completion of Fall 2026 research tasks and IPC reporting requirements.

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 his/her support of Prof. Stewart’s research, the student 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 check-ins at Weill Hall with the faculty supervisor.

Start Date

The tentative start date will be Monday, September 14 or 21.

Responsibilities

The students 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.

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 15 and 20 hours per week on a regular schedule determined by Prof. Stewart and the students at the beginning of the semester;

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

·       Proficiency in one or more foreign languages preferred, ideally Russian;

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

Compensation

·       $16 per hour for BA major applicants;

·       $20 per hour for MPP/MPA applicants.

Other Considerations

·       If hired, the 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 28 (11:59pm). Do NOT submit these materials directly to the faculty supervisor or IPC staff.

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 15 and 20 hours per week on a regular schedule determined by Prof. Stewart and the students at the beginning of the semester;

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

·       Proficiency in one or more foreign languages preferred, ideally Russian;

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