Part-Time Research Assistant

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College of Arts & Sciences

Time Type:

Part time

Job Type:

Temporary (Fixed Term)

FLSA Status:

Non-Exempt

Excluded

Summary:

The Research Assistant will advance a research project on the long-term population and economic impacts of access to Assisted Reproductive Therapies (ART). The project has direct relevance to current policy discussions in the U.S. regarding access to in-vitro fertilization (IVF), in which some are promoting access from pronatalist objective and others are opposing access from an embryo rights perspective. The objective of this position is to compile relevant existing studies regarding the population and economic impacts of ART access, assist in designing an empirical analysis to test such impacts, identify and prepare data needed for such analysis, and – primarily – to conduct such analysis with guidance and feedback from the supervisor. Finally, to the extent the position allows, the job will also entail drafting a manuscript based on the analysis and findings.

Essential Functions:

1.) Literature Search

• The employee will identify and read relevant literature on this topic, summarizing what is currently known and how our research will contribute.

2.) Procuring and Preparing Data

• The employee will identify and process existing data, including learning the data collection process that was used, understanding the data structure and its appropriate uses, and conducting necessary data cleaning and preparation.

3.) Data Analysis

• The employee will assist in designing the data analysis methodology and will deploy the methodology in Stata, including descriptive statistics, complex regression analyses using causal inference methods, and data visualizations.

4.) Reporting

• The employee will meet weekly with the supervisor and will submit in advance a report on activities and findings from the preceding week.

5.) Drafting Manuscript

• The employee will contribute to drafting sections of the research manuscript, including those describing the methodology and results.

Competencies:

• Acquiring and Analyzing Information.

• Serving Customers.

• Displaying Creativity.

• Prioritizing and Organizing.

• Supporting Coworkers.

Position Type/Expected Hours of Work:

• Part-time.

• Up to 20 hours per week.

• Temporary position. Proposed dates are August 2026 to December 2026.

• Position funded by IDFRA of Kelly Jones and CAS Faculty Research Grant.

• Continuation of the program/position is contingent upon external funding.

Salary Range:

• $20.00 - $25.00 per hour.

Required Education and Experience:

• Bachelor's degree or equivalent.

• Less than 1 year of relevant experience.

Preferred Education and Experience:

• Master's degree.

• 1 - 3 years of relevant experience.

Other Duties:

• Please note this job description is not designed to cover or contain a comprehensive listing of activities, duties or responsibilities that are required of the employee for this job. Duties, responsibilities and activities may change at any time with or without notice.

Benefits

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Other Details

• Hiring offers for this position are contingent on successful completion of a background check.

• Employees in staff positions at American University must deliver their services to the university from either the District of Columbia, Maryland, or Virginia, or perform work on-site at the university.

• Please note this job announcement is not designed to cover or contain a comprehensive listing of activities, duties or responsibilities that are required of the employee for this job. Duties, responsibilities, and activities may change at any time with or without notice.

• American University is an E-Verify employer.

Current American University Employees

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Contact Us

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American University is an equal opportunity, affirmative action institution that operates in compliance with applicable laws and regulations. The university does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, national origin, religion, sex (including pregnancy), age, sexual orientation, disability, marital status, personal appearance, gender identity and expression, family responsibilities, political affiliation, source of income, veteran status, an individual’s genetic information or any other bases under federal or local laws (collectively "Protected Bases") in its programs and activities.