Graduate Research Assistant

The Talent Acquisition department hires qualified candidates to fill positions which contribute to the overall strategic success of Howard University. Hiring staff “for fit” makes significant contributions to Howard University’s overall mission.

At Howard University, we prioritize well-being and professional growth.

Here is what we offer: 

• Health & Wellness: Comprehensive medical, dental, and vision insurance, plus mental health support
• Work-Life Balance: PTO, paid holidays, flexible work arrangements
• Financial Wellness: Competitive salary, 403(b) with company match 
• Professional Development: Ongoing training, tuition reimbursement, and career advancement paths
• Additional Perks: Wellness programs, commuter benefits, and a vibrant company culture

Join Howard University and thrive with us! 

https://hr.howard.edu/benefits-wellness

BASIC FUNCTION:

The DC Health Histories project is an innovative initiative under the Georgetown-Howard Center for Medical Humanities and Health Justice. The project aims to digitize, analyze, and explore over a century of Washington, DC’s vital statistics (with a focus on mortality broken down by race, sex and age) to uncover the collective stories and experiences shaping the city’s population health. By integrating archival research, statistical analysis, and digital storytelling, the project offers a dynamic approach to understanding the intersection of history, health, and justice.

NATURE AND SCOPE:

This position involves scrutinizing technical texts, such as public health reports and revisions to ICD codes, to document the rationale and methods of historical data collection practices. The assistant will help to contextualize findings, identify significant insights or anomalies, and synthesize these observations into coherent narratives that illuminate the stories underlying the data.

PRINCIPAL ACCOUNTABILITIES:

• Research and analyze archival material related to cancer in DC.

• Identify notable or unexpected observations in official documentation to inform the interpretation of population health data.

• Maintain detailed records of research findings and support the development of contextual narratives for data stories.

• Collaborate with the research team to integrate findings into historical narratives.

CORE COMPETENCIES:

• Demonstrated analytical and problem-solving skills.
• Excellent teamwork and communication skills.
• Ability to acquire accurate, reproducible data
• Strong writing and summarization skills.
• Experience working with Excel spreadsheets.
• Ability to work independently and collaboratively

Minimum Requirements:

Background in history, anthropology, public health, or a related field. Experience with archival research and document analysis.

Compliance Salary Range Disclosure

$23.86 per hour