Research Associate-Term

Position Summary:

The CSDI Research Associate (TERM) is part of the department of Political Science at Vanderbilt University and is a key individual contributor responsible for supporting faculty research and teaching in city and urban studies. This position will assist the chair and key faculty with ongoing research projects. Reporting directly to the Professor and Chair, John Sides, the CSDI Research Associate (TERM) will assist in developing the proposed minor for City and Urban Studies Program (CUSP).

About the Work Unit:

The Political Science Department is comprised of undergraduate and graduate programs. The Department of Political Science has over 30 full-time faculty members that teach an array of courses, and work extensively on research projects. The Department also has three research programs - Research on Individuals, Politics & Society (RIPS), Research on Conflict and Collective Action Lab (ROCCA), and Center for the Study of Democratic Institutions (CSDI). The department host several lecture series with prestigious guests throughout the Academic Year.

Key Functions and Expected Performance:

• Assist faculty in ongoing research projects-including building literature reviews as well as conducting data collection and analysis.
• Assist in developing the proposed minor for City and Urban Studies Program (CUSP). The minor relies on existing courses for student credits, but at its core is an internship program that has yet to be created. The specific responsibilities attached to the position are:
• Develop agreements with community partners who will host our interns. Working with VU faculty who have established relationships with partners, this person will help create a roster of participating institutions and draft agreements with these institutions. This roster will be used by students to find a suitable internship placement.
• Coordinate a set of pre-professional seminars and workshops to help students build skills and understanding of working in urban environments.
• Manage the administration of the minor, including interfacing with interested students and coordinating course offerings with the participating faculty.

Supervisory Relationships:

This position does not have supervisory responsibility; this position reports administratively and functionally to Professor and Chair John Sides.

Education and Certifications

• Master's Degree in a social science discipline, ideally with a focus on urban and city politics.

Experience and Skills:

• Background in the study of cities and urbanism is preferred.
• Experience working with local governments and community organizations.
• Ability to make connections with government, non-profit, and for-profit entities in Nashville.
• Experience working with local governments and community organizations as well as experience working on local issues, such as climate change, education, economic development, or policing is preferred.