SIGs Research Assistantship

Position Overview:

The International Association for Research on Service-Learning and Community Engagement (IARSLCE) is seeking a Research Assistant (unpaid)to work directly with Dr. Elaine Ward, Scholar in Residence, to help coordinate and develop the Association's Special Interest Research Groups. This role is vital to IARSLCE’s mission of promoting the development and dissemination of research on service-learning and community engagement internationally.

Grounded in a framework of networked inquiry and knowledge sharing, the Special Interest Research Groups (SIGs) provide a forum for IARSLCE researchers to come together around a common interest. The goals of the SIGs are to provide a capacity building infrastructure for IARSLCE members to deepen existing research, foster new research, and mentor the next generation of service-learning and community engagement researchers. Participation in a SIG allows more members to assume an active role in IARSLCE between annual meetings. You can join an existing SIG or propose the exploration of a new SIG.  

SIGs are housed under the Scholarship and Publications Committee and are supported by a Scholar in Residence and coordinated by SIG co-chairs. The Scholar in Residence collaborates with the coordinators of the Alliance, Graduate Student Network, Special Programming Committee, and the Global Research Agenda on areas of synergy and opportunity. SIG participation is open to all active IARSLCE members and community partners.

Key Responsibilities:

The Research Assistant will support the SIGs which provide structured pathways that move research from inquiry and ideation to scholarly output. Specific duties include:

  • Coordination & Communication: Assisting the Scholar in Residence in tracking projects and communicating updates across a global network of over 40 active researchers and 20+ institutions.

  • SIG Support: Working with Co-Chairs of active SIGs—such as Social Drivers of Health (SDOH), Graduate Student Preparation in SLCE, Oral History & Community Engagement, and Promotion and Tenure (P&T)—to convene virtual meetings and track progress.

  • Project Development: Helping to facilitate the "Design" and "Develop" phases of research, which include refining research questions, methods, and data analysis.

  • Scholarly Dissemination: Supporting the production of scholarly outputs, including book proposals, book chapters, and conference proposals.

  • Event Facilitation: Assisting with the coordination of the SIG Webinar Series and monthly Networked Inquiry Sharing sessions.

Professional Development & Benefits:

While this is an unpaid assistantship, it is designed as a capacity-building opportunity for graduate students or early-career scholars. Benefits include:

  • Mentoring: Direct mentorship from the Scholar in Residence and SIG co-chairs, and high-level visibility with established researchers in the field.

  • Networking: Access to a supportive environment for global collaborative networking.

  • Research Coaching: Guidance through the professional development and research design process.

  • Presentation & Publication: Opportunities to contribute to and be recognized in conference presentations and scholarly publications.

  • Membership & Attendance: The position provides discounted membership to IARSLCE and discounted conference attendance.

Qualifications:

  • A strong interest in the development and dissemination of Service-Learning and Community Engagement (SLCE) research.

  • Excellent organizational and communication skills to manage a multi-institutional network.

  • Ability to work collaboratively in a virtual, global environment.

  • This position is open to IARSLCE and Graduate Student Network members.

  • Applicants from any country are welcome and encouraged to apply.  

Commitment:

This position requires a minimum of 3 - 5 hours per week. There is a high level of flexibility depending on the needs of the Research Assistant.  

Start date: As soon as possible.

Application Process:

Submit your interest directly to Dr. Elaine Ward at warde@merrimack.edu.  Put the following in the email subject line “SIG RA Application”. 

Include 

  1. An introductory email with a paragraph describing who you are and why you are interested in this position, what strengths you bring to the position and what you would like to learn from the role.  

  2. A copy of your resume/CV. 

  3. The time you can commit to the role. 

Applications will be reviewed on a rolling basis.