Research Assistant or PhD Candidate Research Assistant (Continuous Recruitment)

Research Assistant - Human Rights Program

Job Title: Research Assistant or PhD Candidate Research Assistant (Continuous Recruitment)
Location: Twin Cities - West Bank Campus
Job Family: Graduate Assistants
Full/Part Time: Part-Time
Job Code: 9521 - Research Assistant and 9529 - PhD Candidate Research Assistant
Employee Class: Grad/Prof Student Position

The Human Rights Program is hiring one 25% time (10 hours a week) Research Assistant for Academic Year 26/27. The Research Assistant will provide administrative, research, and project support for an archival research and oral history project as well as lead a small collaborative research team through the Rights ColLaboratory, an interdisciplinary, experiential learning laboratory that equips students with the research and advocacy skills needed to tackle 21st century human rights challenges. The position will require the student to check in regularly with the HRP director and undergraduate student researchers. The Graduate Research Assistant is required to be physically present in the Human Rights Program offices on the West Bank several hours a week.

The supervisor for this position is Carrie Walling, director of the Human Rights Program. All research assistants must be physically present in Minnesota to work unless prior approval to work outside of MN has been obtained.

For more information about this position, contact cbwalling@umn.edu.

This position is covered by the collective bargaining agreement with the Graduate Labor
Union-United Electrical, Radio and Machine Workers of America (GLU-UE).

The project will research and then collect, preserve, and publish oral histories of Minnesota human rights advocates. The graduate research assistant will prepare background research and draft questions for oral history interviews. The graduate student researcher will coordinate the research activities of four undergraduate research assistants.

Rights Collaboratory:

The Rights Collaboratory is an interdisciplinary, collaborative, experiential learning laboratory housed within the University of Minnesota Human Rights Program in the Institute for Global Studies, College of Liberal Arts. Research activities may include developing advocacy and training tools, conducting primary and secondary research, documenting human rights violations, coding and analyzing data, writing reports, and generating multimedia content.

Research Assistant Responsibilities:

• Prepare background research and draft questions for oral history interviews.
• Conduct/participate in oral history interviews.
• Produce, preserve, and disseminate oral history interviews in collaboration with University of Minnesota Archives and Special Collections and the Minnesota Human Rights Archive.
• Manage four undergraduate research assistants.
• Write abstracts that include details about the narrators and contents of oral history interviews.
• Review the work of undergraduate research assistants who will format and edit AI-generated oral interview transcripts and edit video and audio files.
• Manage and maintain the organizational structure of project-related files.
• Assist HRP Director with identifying research priorities.
• Develop human rights education and advocacy training tools.
• Conduct primary and secondary qualitative research.
• Document human rights violations, code and analyzing data, and write reports.
• Creation of multimedia and web content.
• Assist Director and Assistant Director with additional projects, as needed.
• Other duties as assigned.

The Employer retains the right to change and/or assign other duties to this position as needed.

Anticipated work schedule. This position requires 25% (10 hours per week) in-person and virtual attendance for Academic year 2026-2027 (8/31/26-5/30-27). Specific hours and schedules will be set in consultation with the Human Rights Program director and program coordinator. Research Assistants must be physically present in Minnesota to work unless prior approval to work outside of MN has been obtained. The ability to be in person for 2 hours on Friday afternoons is required. Work is typically performed on Twin Cities West Bank Campus, with some allowance made for hybrid/remote work.

Appointment Dates:

• Academic year 2026-2027 (8/31/26-5/30-27)

Required Qualifications (9521 Research Assistant):

• Must have academic background and a demonstrated understanding of the subject matter of the research projects they will support as a graduate research assistant.
• Limited to students registered in a graduate or post-baccalaureate professional degree program at the University of Minnesota.
• Each student is limited to a total of 75% time University employment except during vacation periods. If on an F-1 visa, the student is limited to 50% time employment except during vacation periods.
• Meet the language proficiency requirement for non-native English-speaking TAs. For more information visit this website: https://policy.umn.edu/hr/language
• Commitment to vision of human rights and the mission of the Human Rights Program, including a demonstrated commitment to issues related to human rights, justice, equality, accessibility, and diversity.
• Previous knowledge of and engagement with human rights is required (coursework and/or professional experience, or volunteer experience).
• Excellent qualitative research and writing skills.
• Strong communications and outreach, and organizational skills.
• Willingness to work collaboratively with Human Rights Program campus and community partners.
• Previous experience working on collaborative teams.
• Demonstrated ability to apply knowledge and skill to a recurring task or activity with an emphasis on precision and timeliness of execution.
• Excellent collaborative and communication skills.
• Academic and educational background in human rights and the social sciences or humanities (coursework or experience).
• Experience with archives, interviews, and oral history interviews.

Preferred Qualifications (9529 PHD Research Assistant):

• Must have academic background in the subject matter and a demonstrated understanding of the research projects they support as a graduate research assistant.
• Limited to students registered in a graduate or post-baccalaureate professional degree program at the University of Minnesota.
• BA/BS degree. 24 semester xxxx-8888 doctoral thesis credit requirements are completed and oral preliminary examination has been passed.
• Each student is limited to a total of 75% time University employment except during vacation periods. If on an F-1 or J-1 visa, the student is limited to 50% time employment except during vacation period.
• Meet the language proficiency requirement for non-native English-speaking TAs. For more information visit this website: https://policy.umn.edu/hr/language
• Previous engagement with HRP programming or activities.
• Enrollment in the graduate minor in human rights or the Master of Human Rights degree program.
• Familiarity with Microsoft office, Canva.
• Graphic design, multimedia, web design, story mapping, podcasting experience.
• Experience with community-engaged research or programming.

About the Human Rights Program:

The Human Rights Program, based in the Institute for Global Studies, is a hub of interdisciplinary research, teaching, and outreach in the field of human rights. The Human Rights Program has a threefold mission:

• Advance human rights scholarship through support for research and publications
• Educate the next generation of human rights scholars and professionals
• Engage with serious human rights issues through timely and meaningful projects, public programs, and internships.

Pay Range: $29.95/hour; depending on education/qualifications/experience

Please visit the Office of Student Health Benefits website for more information regarding benefit eligibility.

Pay Frequency. The pay period is 14 days in length and you will be paid bi-weekly (every other
Wednesday) according to the University's biweekly payroll calendar.
This position is eligible for tuition and health benefits. Visit the Graduate Assistant Tuition Benefits and Office of Student Health Benefits websites for more information regarding benefit eligibility.

Student workers are eligible to participate in the Student Health Benefit Plan, if they maintain 6 or more eligible course credits within a given semester. The same applies for Undergraduate Students, Graduate Assistants, Residents, Fellows and Interns.

Application Deadline: June 30, 2026.

Student positions are a form of financial support while pursuing an education at the University of Minnesota.

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

In the cover letter please describe how your academic background and professional experience prepare you to succeed as a Research Assistant in the Human Rights Program, as well as your commitment to creating a welcoming and inclusive learning environment for diverse populations and communities.

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.

Applications will not be acknowledged and will be reviewed and selected from this pool on an as-needed basis. To request an accommodation during the application process, please e-mail employ@umn.edu or call (612) 624-8647.

Applications will be accepted until the position(s) are filled. Priority application deadline is June 30.

The University recognizes and values the importance of diversity and inclusion in enriching the employment experience of its employees and in supporting the academic mission. The University is committed to attracting and retaining employees with varying identities and backgrounds.

The University of Minnesota provides equal access to and opportunity in its programs, facilities, and employment without regard to race, color, creed, religion, national origin, gender, age, marital status, disability, public assistance status, veteran status, sexual orientation, gender identity, or gender expression. To learn more about diversity at the U: http://diversity.umn.edu

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.

The University of Minnesota, Twin Cities (UMTC)

The University of Minnesota, Twin Cities (UMTC), is among the largest public research universities in the country, offering undergraduate, graduate, and professional students a multitude of opportunities for study and research. Located at the heart of one of the nation's most vibrant, diverse metropolitan communities, students on the campuses in Minneapolis and St. Paul benefit from extensive partnerships with world-renowned health centers, international corporations, government agencies, and arts, nonprofit, and public service organizations.

At the University of Minnesota, we are proud to be recognized by Forbes as a Best Employer for Company Culture (2026), Best Employer for Women (2023), and Best Employer by State (2022-2026). In 2026, we also received Culture Excellence & Industry Awards recognition for employee appreciation and work-life flexibility.