Federal Work-Study (FWS) Internship Program Student Research Assistant (Student Wage)

**Federal Work-Study Students Only**

Under the direct supervision of a faculty member or research supervisor conducts research follows protocols records research results etc. Will use various methods to collect organize and analyze data maintain records of research and/or experiments and document results. Ability to follow oral and written instructions work effectively individually and in a team environment. Students are required to follow all policies and procedures required by the position including but not limited to environmental safety information security/data privacy etc.

POSITION OVERVIEW:

The Office of the Vice President and Chief Student Affairs Officer at the University of Virginia is seeking two motivated and curious undergraduate student researchers to support a qualitative study examining competition as a structural cultural and experiential phenomenon in the UVA undergraduate student experience. This project investigates how competitive norms and institutional structures shape student identity belonging social capital and well-being on grounds.

These positions offer a meaningful opportunity to contribute to original institution-level research that has the potential to directly inform student affairs policy and practice at UVA. Students will work closely with the Fellow to the Vice President and Chief Student Affairs Officer throughout all phases of the project from study design through dissemination.

ABOUT THE PROJECT:

This qualitative study explores how UVA undergraduates understand navigate and are shaped by competitiveenvironments across areas likeacademic co-curricular social and pre-professional. Drawing on theoretical frameworks from higher education research social capital theory and organizational sociology the study aims to surface student voices andlivedexperiences in institutional data. Findings will be used to improve the student experience and inform the work of the Office of the Vice President and Chief Student Affairs Officer.

Additional Information:

In addition to the job duties and responsibilities outlined below this position willparticipatein a structured internship experience through the Internship Placement Program (IPP). If selected interns must enroll in either UNST 3910 (1 cr.) or UNST 3920 (1 cr.). The courses are offered 9 times during the fall offering plenty of options to choose from. Through this robust internship experience students will receive dedicated career support from their supervisor and gain key skills and competencies that align with future job interests. The FWS Internship will look great on your resume and provide the student with impactful stories to share in interviews. TFWS Internships are best suited for students in their 2nd 4thyears.

RESPONSIBILITIES:

Student Research Assistants will contribute to the following areas:

Research Design

• Collaborate in developing research questions interview protocols and survey instruments.

• Assistin selectingappropriate qualitativeandmixed method approaches including ethnographic methods.

• Review relevant literature and synthesize findings to inform study design.

Data Collection

• Recruit and interview undergraduate students faculty and staff participants.

• Conduct participant observation and ethnographic fieldwork across campus settings.

• Administer surveys andassistwith data management and organization.

Analysis and Synthesis

• Assistin coding qualitative data andidentifyingthemes.

• Participate in team debriefs and collaborative analysis sessions.

• Contribute to the interpretation of findingsconsideringexisting literature.

Final Product and Dissemination

• Contribute to the design and preparation of the final research report and any accompanying presentations or materials.

• Assistin translating findings into actionable recommendations for student affairs practice.

• Support efforts to share findings with relevant campus stakeholders.

QUALIFICATIONS:

Required:

• Current UVA undergraduate student.

• Strong written and verbal communication skills.

• Demonstrated interest in higher education student affairs social science research or related fields.

• Ability to work collaboratively meet deadlines and manage multiple tasks.

• Commitment to confidentiality and ethical research practice.

Preferred (but notrequired):

• Prior coursework or experience in qualitative/quantitativeresearch methods sociologytechnologyeducation psychology orrelateddiscipline.

• Familiarity with research ethics and IRB procedures.

• Experience conducting interviews or surveys.

• Interest in issues of belongingand student well-being in higher education.

Compensation: $13.00-15.00/hr.

To Apply: Applications aresubmittedthrough Workdayor Handshake. Please include a current resume and a brief statement of interest (300500 words) describing your background your interest in this project and any relevant experience or skills you would bring to the role. Applications will be reviewed on a rolling basis.

For questions about the position please contactValentina Mendoza Gonzalez Fellow tothe Vice President and Chief Student Affairs Officerat

Minimum Requirements:

Resume and Statement of Interest.

Education: Federal Work-Study eligible current UVA undergraduate student.
Experience: None
Licensure: None
Physical Demands: This position may require the ability to sit stand walk bend stoop squat climb stairs use fine finger manipulation etc. while collecting conducting observing analyzing and/or recording research data.

The University of Virginia is an equal opportunity employer. All interested persons are encouraged to apply including veterans and individuals with disabilities. Learn more about UVAs commitment to non-discrimination and equal opportunity employment.