Research Assistant

🔍 Hoover Institution, Stanford, California, United States

New

📁: Research

📅   : 2 days ago Post Date

📅   : 105169 Requisition #

TERM: Six-month fixed-term (50%FTE)

About Stanford University’s Hoover Institution: The Hoover Institution on War, Revolution, and Peace is a public policy research center devoted to the advanced study of economics, politics, history, and political economy—both domestic and foreign—as well as international affairs.

Founded in 1919 by Herbert Hoover before he became the thirty-first president of the United States, the Institution began as a repository of historical material gathered at the end of World War I. The library and archives have grown to be among the largest private repositories of documents on twentieth-century political and economic history. Over time the Institution expanded its mission from collecting archival material to conducting advanced research on contemporary history and economics and applying this scholarship to current public policy challenges.

With its eminent scholars and world-renowned library and archives, the Hoover Institution seeks to improve the human condition by advancing ideas that promote economic opportunity and prosperity while securing and safeguarding peace for America and all humanity.

JOB PURPOSE:

Perform work to support research for a Hoover Senior Fellow, applying basic knowledge and understanding of theories and methods of social science (in particular, history). The position will entail management of the final phase of the book project on the biography of a major American statesman written by the Senior Fellow.

CORE DUTIES:

Plan and perform research tasks requiring initiative and judgment by applying basic knowledge and understanding theories and methods of social science when precedents do not provide specific guidance. General instruction provided by the supervisor as needed. May interpret study results in collaboration with Senior Fellow.
Participate in the development and administration of research tools requiring judgment in applying non-routine procedures. Analyze and summarize results for review with supervisor. Audit the accuracy and validity of data.
Identify, select, extract and summarize data and structured information. Gather and organize historical documents, using the project's established database. Present summary of findings to supervisor and research team when requested.
Conduct literature searches on historical documents, and write literature summaries and manuscripts, requiring preliminary judgments after the supervisor outlines conceptual approach.
Build and organize data as requested by principal investigator or supervisor; use common statistical programs requiring the application of job control language in generating and organizing data.
Adapt new, nonstandard methods outlined by supervisor in designing and evaluating phases of research projects, (i.e. data quality control procedures and processes).
May assist with development, communication and design of research findings to internal and external audiences, which may include web updates, social media, and/or white papers, for use in recruitment, educational, or awareness of projects, with guidance from supervisor.
Supervise staff or students as needed, including oversight and instruction on techniques, as well as consultation on project work.

MINIMUM REQUIREMENTS:

Education & Experience:

Bachelor of Arts degree in History with proficient knowledge of 20th century-history, or combination of education and relevant experience in an applicable social science. Master’s degree in history preferred.

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities:

General understanding of scientific theory and methods, typically gained through completion of an undergraduate degree in a related field.
General computer skills and ability to quickly learn and master computer programs.
Ability to work under deadlines with general guidance.
Excellent organizational skills and demonstrated ability to complete detailed work accurately.
Effective oral and written communication skills.
Ability to work with human study participants.
Good reading knowledge in a major European language, e.g. German.

Certifications and Licenses:

None

PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS*:

Frequently perform desk-based computer tasks, grasp lightly/fine manipulation, lift/carry/push/pull objects that weigh up to 10 pounds.
Occasionally stand/walk, sit, use a telephone, writing by hand, and sort/file paperwork or parts.
Rarely twist/bend/stoop/squat, kneel/crawl, rarely reach/work above shoulders, operate foot and/or hand controls.

WORKING CONDITIONS:

May be required to work non-standard, extended or weekend hours in support of research work.

The expected pay range for this position is $31.40-$38.89 per hour.

Stanford University provides pay ranges representing its good faith estimate of what the university reasonably expects to pay for a position. The pay offered to a selected candidate will be determined based on factors such as (but not limited to) the scope and responsibilities of the position, the qualifications of the selected candidate, departmental budget availability, internal equity, geographic location and external market pay for comparable jobs.

At Stanford University, base pay represents only one aspect of the comprehensive rewards package. The Cardinal at Work website (https://cardinalatwork.stanford.edu/benefits-rewards) provides detailed information on Stanford’s extensive range of benefits and rewards offered to employees. Specifics about the rewards package for this position may be discussed during the hiring process.

WORK STANDARDS:

Interpersonal Skills: Demonstrates the ability to work well with Stanford colleagues and clients as well as with external organizations.
Promote Culture of Safety: Demonstrates commitment to personal responsibility and value for safety; communicates safety concerns; uses and promotes safe behaviors based on training and lessons learned.
Subject to and expected to comply with all applicable University policies and procedures, including but not limited to the personnel policies and other policies found in the University's Administrative Guide, http://adminguide.stanford.edu.

The job duties listed are typical examples of work performed by positions in this job classification and are not designed to contain or be interpreted as a comprehensive inventory of all duties, tasks, and responsibilities. Specific duties and responsibilities may vary depending on department or program needs without changing the general nature and scope of the job or level of responsibility. Employees may also perform other duties as assigned.

Consistent with its obligations under the law, the University will provide reasonable accommodations to applicants and employees with disabilities. Applicants requiring a reasonable accommodation for any part of the application or hiring process should contact Stanford University Human Resources by submitting a contact form.

Stanford is an equal employment opportunity and affirmative action employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, protected veteran status, or any other characteristic protected by law.

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