What are the responsibilities and job description for the Research Assistant, Sustainability position at The George Washington University?
Posting Details
I. DEPARTMENT INFORMATION
Job Description Summary
The George Washington University (GW) Sustainability Research Institute ( SRI ) is seeking a Research Assistant to work in the complex and multi-faceted field of sustainability and support its ability to attract new funding.
SRI is the research division of the GW Alliance for a Sustainable Future, which is GW’s academic and research hub for sustainability. SRI stimulates and supports interdisciplinary research to address the complex sustainability problems that society is facing today and amplifies the impact of GW’s research through community-focused partnerships, policy discussions, convenings, other outreach. The Sustainability Research Institute is building faculty-led research communities as a primary mechanism for coordinating and stimulating sponsored research in sustainability across GW.
Sustainability is a broad cross-disciplinary field that encompasses a wide range of subjects related to the environmental, social, and economic health of the planet. The Alliance and SRI work with faculty, staff, and students across all of GW’s schools and related Institutes, as well as many of its administrative and operations offices, to coordinate, strengthen, and amplify the work done by GW in this dynamic field. In addition to SRI , the Alliance is home to Academic Sustainability Programs and is a center for convenings and communications related to sustainability.
SRI has demonstrated expertise in several specific areas, including the relationship of sustainability to Arctic communities and health. These areas have traditionally benefited from support from National Science Foundation and National Institute of Health grants. Over the coming year, SRI will be placing greater emphasis on expanding the sources of its funding.
In connection with the rollout and implementation of the Alliance’s Strategic Plan, SRI will place new emphasis on communicating the results of its research and strengthening its communications to internal and external partners.
Duties
Working closely with the Director of the Institute, the Institute Associate, and in coordination with the Alliance’s staff, the Research Assistant will provide substantive and administrative support to SRI with a primary focus on supporting the Director’s research work and developing new sources of funding for SRI’s existing areas of research; a secondary focus on communicating the impact of SRI’s research and building communications among SRI’s faculty and collaborators; and third, on supporting the work of SRI more generally. The Research Assistant’s duties will include:
Support the Director
This is an on-campus position (GW’s Foggy Bottom campus, Washington DC).
Minimum Qualifications
Qualified candidates will hold a BA/BS in a related discipline. Degree must be conferred by the start date of the position.
Preferred Qualifications
Additional Required Licenses/Certifications/Posting Specific Minimum Qualifications:
GW Staff Approach to Pay
How is pay for new employees determined at GW?
Healthcare Benefits
GW offers a comprehensive benefit package that includes medical, dental, vision, life & disability insurance, time off & leave, retirement savings, tuition, well-being and various voluntary benefits. For program details and eligibility, please visit https://hr.gwu.edu/benefits-programs.
II. POSITION INFORMATION
Campus Location: Foggy Bottom, Washington, D.C.
College/School/Department: Academic Affairs
Family Research and Labs
Sub-Family Field Research
Stream Service and Support
Level Level 2
Full-Time/Part-Time: Full-Time
Hours Per Week: 40
Work Schedule: 8-5 M-F
Will this job require the employee to work on site? Yes
Employee Onsite Status On-campus (in person)
Telework
Required Background Check Criminal History Screening, Education/Degree/Certifications Verification, Social Security Number Trace, and Sex Offender Registry Search
Special Instructions To Applicants
Posting Number: R002273
Job Open Date: 03/31/2025
Job Close Date: 04/04/2025
Background Screening Successful Completion of a Background Screening will be required as a condition of hire.
EEO Statement
The university is an Equal Employment Opportunity employer that does not unlawfully discriminate in any of its programs or activities on the basis of race, color, religion, sex, national origin, age, disability, veteran status, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, or on any other basis prohibited by applicable law.
I. DEPARTMENT INFORMATION
Job Description Summary
The George Washington University (GW) Sustainability Research Institute ( SRI ) is seeking a Research Assistant to work in the complex and multi-faceted field of sustainability and support its ability to attract new funding.
SRI is the research division of the GW Alliance for a Sustainable Future, which is GW’s academic and research hub for sustainability. SRI stimulates and supports interdisciplinary research to address the complex sustainability problems that society is facing today and amplifies the impact of GW’s research through community-focused partnerships, policy discussions, convenings, other outreach. The Sustainability Research Institute is building faculty-led research communities as a primary mechanism for coordinating and stimulating sponsored research in sustainability across GW.
Sustainability is a broad cross-disciplinary field that encompasses a wide range of subjects related to the environmental, social, and economic health of the planet. The Alliance and SRI work with faculty, staff, and students across all of GW’s schools and related Institutes, as well as many of its administrative and operations offices, to coordinate, strengthen, and amplify the work done by GW in this dynamic field. In addition to SRI , the Alliance is home to Academic Sustainability Programs and is a center for convenings and communications related to sustainability.
SRI has demonstrated expertise in several specific areas, including the relationship of sustainability to Arctic communities and health. These areas have traditionally benefited from support from National Science Foundation and National Institute of Health grants. Over the coming year, SRI will be placing greater emphasis on expanding the sources of its funding.
In connection with the rollout and implementation of the Alliance’s Strategic Plan, SRI will place new emphasis on communicating the results of its research and strengthening its communications to internal and external partners.
Duties
Working closely with the Director of the Institute, the Institute Associate, and in coordination with the Alliance’s staff, the Research Assistant will provide substantive and administrative support to SRI with a primary focus on supporting the Director’s research work and developing new sources of funding for SRI’s existing areas of research; a secondary focus on communicating the impact of SRI’s research and building communications among SRI’s faculty and collaborators; and third, on supporting the work of SRI more generally. The Research Assistant’s duties will include:
Support the Director
- Assist the Director in research.
- Assist the Director in managing grants and provide other administrative support, such as managing expense reports and schedules.
- Assist the Director of the Institute and selected other faculty members with the preparation of manuscripts and support other outreach work, such as coordinating their presentation of papers at meetings and convenings.
- Help increase the flow of external funding to GW from federal, private, and individual funders to support research activities by monitoring funding announcements and communicating pertinent opportunities to the Institute Director and working as appropriate with research partners and the research communities.
- Provide support to the Director and other researchers by helping to build relationships with new funders, in coordination with the Office of Corporate and Foundation Relations.
- Help build networks through communications. Working in coordination with the Alliance’s communications director, build a communications strategy for SRI and develop content to promote the work of SRI and its collaborators.
- Conduct research in the field and at the desk as needed for funded projects.
- Prepare literature reviews.
- Prepare manuscripts for publication in peer-reviewed journals.
- Help develop budgets for projects.
- Assist with the management of grant budgets, expenses, reallocations, and sub-accounts.
- Take notes at various meetings and distribute succinct lists of follow-up steps.
- Procure goods and services as needed.
This is an on-campus position (GW’s Foggy Bottom campus, Washington DC).
Minimum Qualifications
Qualified candidates will hold a BA/BS in a related discipline. Degree must be conferred by the start date of the position.
Preferred Qualifications
Additional Required Licenses/Certifications/Posting Specific Minimum Qualifications:
- A background in one or more of the areas related to sustainability in which SRI is presently working and a passion for furthering this work. Experience working with Indigenous communities in the Arctic and elsewhere, or Arctic communities, the mining sector, generally is a plus.
- Strong writing ability. This position will involve writing in various formats (e.g., grant proposals, reports, newsletters, business correspondence) for effective communication. The successful applicant should be able to write clearly, concisely, and in a style that is persuasive when needed.
- Communications experience. Interest in communicating scientific and academic information in an engaging manner. Demonstrated experience in preparing content for social media, press releases, briefing documents, and similar is preferred.
- Strong organizational skills. This position will involve managing workflows, meetings, and events with a particular emphasis on grant administration.
- Ability to work independently and collaboratively. The Institute structure will be horizontal and the Research Assistant will be a team player able to function in a small office where each person has unique responsibilities but close coordination is also important.
- High level of attention to detail. A top candidate will be comfortable with common office software (Microsoft Office, Adobe, Canva).
- Experience in conducting independent research is preferred.
GW Staff Approach to Pay
How is pay for new employees determined at GW?
Healthcare Benefits
GW offers a comprehensive benefit package that includes medical, dental, vision, life & disability insurance, time off & leave, retirement savings, tuition, well-being and various voluntary benefits. For program details and eligibility, please visit https://hr.gwu.edu/benefits-programs.
II. POSITION INFORMATION
Campus Location: Foggy Bottom, Washington, D.C.
College/School/Department: Academic Affairs
Family Research and Labs
Sub-Family Field Research
Stream Service and Support
Level Level 2
Full-Time/Part-Time: Full-Time
Hours Per Week: 40
Work Schedule: 8-5 M-F
Will this job require the employee to work on site? Yes
Employee Onsite Status On-campus (in person)
Telework
Required Background Check Criminal History Screening, Education/Degree/Certifications Verification, Social Security Number Trace, and Sex Offender Registry Search
Special Instructions To Applicants
- Indicate the number of hours worked per week for each job on your resume.
- Employer will not sponsor for employment Visa status.
- This position is a grant funded position. Continuation of the position is contingent on grant funding.
Posting Number: R002273
Job Open Date: 03/31/2025
Job Close Date: 04/04/2025
Background Screening Successful Completion of a Background Screening will be required as a condition of hire.
EEO Statement
The university is an Equal Employment Opportunity employer that does not unlawfully discriminate in any of its programs or activities on the basis of race, color, religion, sex, national origin, age, disability, veteran status, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, or on any other basis prohibited by applicable law.
Salary : $18 - $27
