Graduate Research Assistant

Title: Graduate Research Assistant

Employee Classification: Graduate Research Assistant

Campus: University of North Texas - Dallas

Division: DAL-Office of the President

SubDivision-Department: DAL-Office of the President

Department: DAL-Center Socioeconomic Mobility-500700

Job Location: Dallas

Salary: Commensurate with experience

FTE:

Retirement Eligibility: Not Retirement Eligible

About Us - Values Overview:

Welcome to the University of North Texas System. The UNT System includes the University of North Texas in Denton and Frisco, the University of North Texas at Dallas and UNT Dallas College of Law, and the University of North Texas Health Science Center at Fort Worth. We are the only university system based exclusively in the robust Dallas-Fort Worth region. We are growing with the North Texas region, employing more than 14,000 employees, educating a record 49,000+ students across our system, and awarding nearly 12,000 degrees each year.   We are one team comprised of individuals who are committed to excellence, curiosity and innovation. We are transforming lives and creating economic opportunity through education. We champion a people-first values-based culture where We Care about each other and those we serve. We believe that we are Better Together because we foster an inclusive environment of respect, belonging, and access for all. We demonstrate Courageous Integrity through setting exceptional standards and acting in the best interest of our communities. We are encouraged to Be Curious about opportunities for learning, creating, discovering, and innovating, and are encouraged to learn from failure. Show Your Fire by joining our team and exhibiting your passion and pride in your work as part of our UNT System team.   Learn more about the UNT System and how we live our values at www.UNTSystem.edu.

Department Summary

The Department of Public Leadership at the University of North Texas at Dallas (UNT Dallas) focuses on preparing students for leadership roles in public administration and related fields. The department offers a Master of Science in Public Leadership (MSPL), which is designed to equip students with the skills needed to address contemporary governance issues and lead public service organizations effectively.

Position Overview

The Graduate Research Assistant (GRA) in Public Leadership will support faculty-led research projects, contribute to academic publications, and assist in various departmental activities. The GRA will be responsible for conducting literature reviews, collecting and analyzing data, preparing reports, and presenting findings. This position provides an excellent opportunity for hands-on research experience and professional development in the field of public administration. GRA reports to the Principal Investigator (PI) or Faculty Advisor.

Minimum Qualifications

• Must be currently enrolled in a Master's or Ph.D. program in Public Administration, Public Policy, or a related field.
• Minimum GPA of 3.0.
• Strong research and analytical skills.
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office Suite.
• Effective written and verbal communication skills.
• Strong organizational skills and attention to detail.
• Ability to work independently and as part of a team.

Knowledge, Skills and Abilities

• Ability to conduct literature reviews, design research studies, collect and analyze data, and synthesize findings.
• Proficiency in statistical software (e.g., ArcGIS, SPSS, STATA, R) and techniques for analyzing quantitative data.
• Skills in conducting interviews, focus groups, content analysis, and case study research.
• Strong writing skills for drafting reports, research papers, grant proposals, and policy briefs.
• Effective communication skills for presenting research findings and engaging with diverse stakeholders.
• Ability to manage multiple tasks and projects simultaneously, including setting goals, planning, organizing, and meeting deadlines.
• Skills in managing and organizing data, including using databases and ensuring data integrity and confidentiality.
• Capacity to think critically about complex issues, identify problems, and develop evidence-based solutions.
• Proficiency in using various software tools, including word processing, spreadsheets (e.g., Microsoft Excel), presentation software (e.g., PowerPoint), and reference management tools (e.g., En