Job Description
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JOB TITLE: Summer Student Research Assistantship in Regional Economic History (Graduate or Undergraduate)
JOB PURPOSE: Dr. Grete Gansauer is recruiting a student research assistant for a summer appointment supporting the “Rural Pasts, Rural Futures” project investigating the economic history of the rural Eastern Wyoming region. The position is designed for a student interested in qualitative research methods, regional development and change, economic history, public policy, rural communities, archival methods, and interviewing. This position offers excellent preparation for students preparing for graduate study or future work involving qualitative research, public policy, community development or historical analysis.
The research assistant will contribute primarily to archival data collection and organization, helping to construct a historical dataset that traces how industrial and institutional change, infrastructure development and public service provision shape uneven regional development over time, from colonial settlement to today. The research assistant will also assist with interviews to understand how community leaders envision future regional development and economic pathways. The position offers hands-on training in qualitative research methods, archival analysis, historical interpretation and narrative development, with opportunities to contribute to broader discussions about rural community sustainability and regional inequalities.
ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES: The research assistant will support the project through the following activities:
Conduct archival review of digital local newspaper records from the 1880s – present
Assemble archival database of County and Municipal public meeting minutes, resolutions by locating, collecting, organizing and cataloguing records.
Condense newspaper and public records datasets into a long-list of relevant sources for the research questions of the project, to build a timeline of major industrial events and institutional change in the region.
Extract and summarize archival material relevant to project research questions (regional industrial, institutional and infrastructural history) using internal memoing and detailed notetaking of timeline of events and trends
Identify key external policy or market shifts which influenced change or development of the region
Support qualitative and thematic coding of the archived materials
With the PI, conduct at least one field work trip to eastern Wyoming to assist in interviewing community leaders.
Additional field work travel may be required to access local archival records, or to conduct interviews (time dependent)
MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS: Ability to work independently. This position will mostly take place through remote work (office access in Laramie on the UWyo Campus provided). Candidate must be a trustworthy, self-starter who can carry out tasks without supervision.
Strong attention to detail
Interest in qualitative research, interpretation, narrative development. This position would be ideal for candidates majoring or interested in journalism, history, community development, geography, anthropology, sociology, policy analysis, public administration, or related social science fields.
Ability to read critically and identify relevant themes across historical documents.
Strong organizational skills and ability to maintain accurate records
Strong written communication skills
DESIRED QUALIFICATIONS: Previous experience with qualitative research design, methods and analysis
Familiarity with document/archival review research, coding, document analysis
Interest in Wyoming history, rural communities and/or public policy
REQUIRED APPLICATION MATERIALS: Complete the online application. The department additionally requests candidates upload the following document(s) for a complete application:
(1) Cover letter/narrative (1 page max.) that articulates your desire to pursue this position and your interest in social science research as it relates to your career goals. Please highlight your relevant skills and experience.
(2) Resume or CV including degree(s) earned (and/or expected completion date, if currently enrolled), and contact information for at least one reference.
WORK LOCATION: On-campus: This position provides vital support to campus customers, and the successful candidate must be available to work and perform essential job functions on campus, understanding our location is at 7,220 feet above sea level.
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HIRING STATEMENT/EEO: All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, or status as a protected veteran. In compliance with the ADA Amendments Act (ADAAA), if you have a disability and would like to request an accommodation to apply for a position, please contact us at 307-766-2377 or email
jobapps@uwyo.edu
.
ABOUT LARAMIE: The University of Wyoming is located in Laramie, a charming town of 30,000 residents nestled in the heart of the Rocky Mountain West. The state of Wyoming continues to invest in its only 4-year university, helping to make it a leader in academics, research, and outreach with state-of-the-art facilities and strong community ties. We invite you to learn more about Laramie by visiting the
About Laramie website
.
Located in a high mountain valley near the Colorado border, Laramie offers both outstanding recreational opportunities and close proximity to Colorado’s Front Range and the metropolitan Denver area. Laramie’s beautiful mountain landscape offers outdoor enjoyment in all seasons, with over 300 days of sunshine annually. For more information about the region, please visit
Job Tags
Hourly pay, Part time, Summer work, Work at office, Local area, Remote work, Shift work