Research Assistant - HIAS

The Talent Acquisition department hires qualified candidates to fill positions which contribute to the overall strategic success of Howard University. Hiring staff “for fit” makes significant contributions to Howard University’s overall mission.

At Howard University, we prioritize well-being and professional growth.

Here is what we offer: 

• Health & Wellness: Comprehensive medical, dental, and vision insurance, plus mental health support
• Work-Life Balance: PTO, paid holidays, flexible work arrangements
• Financial Wellness: Competitive salary, 403(b) with company match 
• Professional Development: Ongoing training, tuition reimbursement, and career advancement paths
• Additional Perks: Wellness programs, commuter benefits, and a vibrant company culture

Join Howard University and thrive with us! 

https://hr.howard.edu/benefits-wellness

The Howard University Institute for Advanced Study (HIAS) engages thinkers and scholars at Howard University, in the country, and around the world in addressing deep and persisting racial inequities in areas including, but not limited to, technology, the environment, healthcare, the economy, governance, education, and the criminal legal system.

In addition to a residential fellowship program for intellectuals, and a research program, HIAS is home to The Emancipator, an award-winning nonprofit digital magazine that reimagines the nation’s first abolitionist newspapers for a new day. The Emancipator’s mission, like those who came before us, is to leverage the power of journalism to turn public opinion against racist policies and ideas.

Together, HIAS plans to enhance the general public’s understanding of racism and evidence-based antiracist solutions through research, collaboration, public lectures, workshops, and outreach programs.

JOB PURPOSE:
The Research Assistant conducts research across HIAS’s programmatic areas, including HIAS research projects, the Director’s research projects, and research for The Emancipator. The Research Assistant thrives as both an independent self-starter and an engaged collaborator in a fast-paced team environment. The Research Assistant also provides editorial assistance such as fact-checking and proofreading in a timely manner. The ideal candidate will share a commitment to HIAS’s mission and to delivering accurate, fact-based research and reporting to a public audience. The Research Assistant reports directly to the Research Manager. This position is funded by a one-year grant, with the possibility of renewal.
 

SUPERVISORY AUTHORITY:

This role has no direct supervisory authority, but the Research Assistant may be asked to serve as lead on projects related to helping promote HIAS's mission and goals. 

NATURE AND SCOPE:

This position will interact with faculty, staff, students, and internal and external contacts. 

PRINCIPAL ACCOUNTABILITIES:

Research:

• Conduct research for HIAS research projects, for the Director’s research projects, and The Emancipator's reporting
• Fact-check research products and Emancipator content prior to submission and publication
• Monitor and report to the Research Manager and Managing Editor on newsworthy studies and research

Collaboration and Communication:

• Communicate daily with the Research Manager and as needed with editors and journalists at The Emancipator to receive work assignments and report any necessary updates

CORE COMPETENCIES: 

Technical Proficiency:

• Skilled in historical research and fact-checking
• Adept at locating important documents and navigating online databases and journals
• Experience creating academic citations in the Chicago Manual of Style
• Competency in reading and synthesizing research and other content outside of individual’s field of expertise

Attention to Detail:

• Meticulous in reviewing content for factual and copy-editing errors
• Proven and constant commitment to ensuring accuracy
• Expertise in identifying reputable and reliable sourcing

Organizational Skills:

• Effectively manage time to meet assigned project deadlines
• Handle multiple assignments and adjust priorities based on project needs

Analytical Thinking:

• Stay attuned to the historical throughlines in current events
• Observe historiographical and other research trends

Communication Skills:

• Clear, effective, and collegial written and verbal communication

Collaborative Skills:

• Work effectively and efficiently without constant supervision while also being a collaborative contributor to larger projects and the team at large

Adaptability:

• Flexibility to shift from project to project on short notice, and sometimes with a quick turnaround

MINIMUM REQUIREMENTS:

• Based in the Washington D.C. metro area.
• Education: B.A. or M.A. in History, African American Studies, or a related field
• Historical research background in racist policies and/or practices
• Knowledge of proper research methods and proper citation practices (Chicago Manual of Style)
• Experience locating historical documents, secondary research, and navigating relevant archives and databases
• Excellent attention to detail
• Strong verbal and written communications skills

Compliance Salary Range Disclosure

Expected Salary: $55,000

Compliance Salary Range Disclosure

Compensation Range: $50,000 - $55,000