Research Assistant

The research assistant will work virtually as part of an existing team to help Prof. Tricia Olsen in the Humphrey School of Public Affairs and Department of Political Science with her research project to clean and finalize a comprehensive, global database of corporate human rights abuse allegations. This is a part-time position: hours will not exceed 14 per week.

The incumbent will collect and analyze relevant data, help clean existing data, and may help develop annotated bibliographies, conduct literature reviews, and coordinate project activities. They should be able to collaborate with team members to ensure timely completion of tasks.

The Corporations and Human Rights Database (CHRD) Project is an effort to learn more about when businesses are implicated in human rights violations and the corporate, state, or global policies or practices that are likely to prevent or reduce such violations. This multi-year project has already produced a large database of nearly 6,000 allegations from around the world. The dataset will eventually be used for research as well as published on an interactive website available to the public.

Responsibilities:

• Complete a virtual training program over the first 1-2 weeks of employment under the direction of a senior member of the research team
• Conduct research on each assigned allegation using the research methods and template taught in the training program
• Synthesize the research and enter it into the coding tool for the allegation and upload research sources and template to Trello
• Update the workflow on Trello for each allegation
• Accurately maintain and update their timesheet
• Contact senior team members or Prof. Olsen with issues or questions that come up while conducting research and/or cleaning data
  
  

Minimum Qualifications:

• Bachelor's degree
• Experience in data collection, management, and cleaning
• Strong organizational, communication, and analytical skills

Preferred Qualifications:

• Familiarity with the CHRD, related software, and research methods
• Knowledge and/or experience reading a second language
• Strong interest in international business, corporate social responsibility, and/or human rights

Pay Range: $25 - $30 per hour; depending on education/qualifications/experience.

Retirement plan options are available for Civil Service, Faculty, Labor-Represented, Professional & Administrative, and Temp Casual classifications. Learn more about retirement plans.

While our salary ranges provide a framework, it is important to note that most of the time, the initial pay may not reach the maximum of the range. This approach ensures that compensation reflects the value and unique contributions of each candidate while maintaining equity within our organization. As part of our commitment to fair and equitable compensation, please be aware that the salary offered to incoming candidates will be based on their individual credentials and experience.

Applications must be submitted online. To be considered for this position, please click the Apply button and follow the instructions. You will be given the opportunity to complete an online application for the position and attach a cover letter and resume.

Additional documents may be attached after application by accessing your "My Job Applications" page and uploading documents in the "My Cover Letters and Attachments" section.

To request an accommodation during the application process, please e-mail employ@umn.edu or call (612) 624-8647.

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Any offer of employment is contingent upon the successful completion of a background check. Our presumption is that prospective employees are eligible to work here. Criminal convictions do not automatically disqualify finalists from employment.

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