Federal Work-Study (FWS) Internship Program: Student Research Assistant (Student Wage)

**Federal Work-Study Students Only**

Under the direct supervision of a faculty member or research supervisor, conducts research, follows protocols, records research results, etc.  Will use various methods to collect, organize and analyze data, maintain records of research and/or experiments and document results. Ability to follow oral and written instructions, work effectively individually and in a team environment. Students are required to follow all policies and procedures required by the position, including but not limited to environmental, safety, information security/data privacy, etc.

POSITION OVERVIEW: 

The Office of the Vice President and Chief Student Affairs Officer at the University of Virginia is seeking two motivated and curious undergraduate student researchers to support a qualitative study examining competition as a structural, cultural, and experiential phenomenon in the UVA undergraduate student experience. This project investigates how competitive norms and institutional structures shape student identity, belonging, social capital, and well-being on grounds. 

These positions offer a meaningful opportunity to contribute to original, institution-level research that has the potential to directly inform student affairs policy and practice at UVA. Students will work closely with the Fellow to the Vice President and Chief Student Affairs Officer throughout all phases of the project, from study design through dissemination. 

ABOUT THE PROJECT: 

This qualitative study explores how UVA undergraduates understand, navigate, and are shaped by competitive environments across areas like academic, co-curricular, social, and pre-professional. Drawing on theoretical frameworks from higher education research, social capital theory, and organizational sociology, the study aims to surface student voices and lived experiences in institutional data. Findings will be used to improve the student experience and inform the work of the Office of the Vice President and Chief Student Affairs Officer. 

Additional Information:

In addition to the job duties and responsibilities outlined below, this position will participate in a structured internship experience through the Internship Placement Program (IPP). If selected, interns must enroll in either UNST 3910 (1 cr.) or UNST 3920 (1 cr.). The courses are offered 9+ times during the fall, offering plenty of options to choose from. Through this robust internship experience, students will receive dedicated career support from their supervisor and gain key skills and competencies that align with future job interests. The FWS Internship will look great on your resume and provide the student with impactful stories to share in interviews. TFWS Internships are best suited for students in their 2nd – 4th years. 

RESPONSIBILITIES: 

Student Research Assistants will contribute to the following areas: 

Research Design 

• Collaborate in developing research questions, interview protocols, and survey instruments. 

• Assist in selecting appropriate qualitative and mixed method approaches, including ethnographic methods. 

• Review relevant literature and synthesize findings to inform study design. 

Data Collection 

• Recruit and interview undergraduate students, faculty, and staff participants. 

• Conduct participant observation and ethnographic fieldwork across campus settings. 

• Administer surveys and assist with data management and organization. 

Analysis and Synthesis 

• Assist in coding qualitative data and identifying themes. 

• Participate in team debriefs and collaborative analysis sessions. 

• Contribute to the interpretation of findings considering existing literature. 

Final Product and Dissemination 

• Contribute to the design and preparation of the final research report and any accompanying presentations or materials. 

• Assist in translating findings into actionable recommendations for student affairs practice. 

• Support efforts to share findings with relevant campus stakeholders. 

QUALIFICATIONS: 

Required: 

• Current UVA undergraduate student.  

• Strong written and verbal communication skills. 

• Demonstrated interest in higher education, student affairs, social science research, or related fields. 

• Ability to work collaboratively, meet deadlines, and manage multiple tasks. 

• Commitment to confidentiality and ethical research practice. 

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