Call for Applications

2023-24 Research Assistantships, 9-month 25% appointment

Application deadline: Monday, May 8 at 12 P.M. CDT

The European Union Center is seeking applications for two research assistants with interest in research, outreach activities, and academic development. Each position, contingent on funding, is a 9-month, 25% appointment for the 2023-2024 academic year with potential for summer hourly funding and continued funding during subsequent years. A tuition and fee waiver is possible, depending on the applicant’s graduate program. Some travel within the community may be required along with working evenings and weekends as needed. These positions support the distinctive work of the EU Center, one of five centers in the country that is both a U.S. Department of Education Title VI National Resource Center and an Erasmus+ Jean Monnet Center of Excellence. They are also intended to support the professional development of graduate students in extension of the EUC’s commitment to close mentoring of graduate students in its graduate community formed by its MAEUS program, FLAS fellowships, and other activities. For more information, see https://europe.illinois.edu.

This appointment entails some combination of the following responsibilities:

• Research, collect, organize, & analyze data on and for outreach;
• Work closely with EUC staff including other GAs in the coordination of events and programs for the UIUC campus community, K-14 educators, and the broader public;
• Help with outreach  activities both on and off campus;
• Help with contacting, working with, & escorting dignitaries for center events;
• Research European and EU topics and themes for new student focused events;
• Assist the outreach coordinator and academic coordinator in development of new student focused events;
• Research European and EU topics and themes for a center newsletter;
• Assist with EUC communications, such as contributing to newsletter, blog, social media, and website;
• Assist with the design of promotional materials and activities, particularly for the MAEUS program;
• Assist with general office duties as needed.

Applicants must:

• Be a registered graduate student at the time of appointment and remain in good academic standing with their home department(s);
• Possess good computer skills: proficient in word processing, spreadsheet, and presentation software;
• Have excellent organizational and communications skills and experience in speaking to groups;
• Provide evidence of strong writing and speaking skills;
• Articulate curiosity in Europe and/or international affairs as part of professional or career exploration;
• Contribute to the EUC’s commitment to diversity and inclusion in its programs and initiatives.

Preference will be given to candidates who demonstrate the following criteria:

• Strong writing, research, and problem-solving skills;
• Ability to work independently and as part of a team;
• Knowledge of additional software packages such as Adobe Creative Suite or Drupal;
• Experience with social media strategies for other offices or organizations;
• Command of language of the area and a research interest in Europe.

To apply:

• Submit a cover letter, a CV or resume, and list of two references, including one from the home department, in one pdf document by email to: eucenter@illinois.edu. A Director of Graduate Studies can submit applications on behalf of entering students who are under consideration by the admissions committee.

Deadline: 12 P.M. CDT on Monday, May 8

Finalists will be contacted for an interview, with a goal of offering appointments by the second half of May. Students hired for the positions may be asked to attend an initial orientation by Zoom in late May/early June. We expect funding for the positions to be confirmed over the summer.

Please direct any questions to Markian Dobczansky, Associate Director of the EU Center, at markian@illinois.edu.