Graduate Student Research Assistant Jobs in Springfield, VA

Organizations Summary:

The mission of the Research Development Office is to grow the volume and visibility of UMD's research enterprise. We provide customized services to help faculty and faculty-led groups across the university turn ideas into action. Whether you are launching a new initiative, communicating a vision to university leaders, or identifying opportunities for unique research contributions, we are supportive partners during pivotal moments.

Job Summary:

This is a 12-month, 20-hours-per-week full time graduate assistantship supporting the Research Development Office through data management, analytics, systems development, process improvement, and program support.

We are seeking a motivated and proactive graduate student with strong technical, analytical, and organizational skills who is able to work independently and collaboratively in a fast-paced environment.

The position offers an opportunity to apply technical and analytical skills to strengthen the systems and processes that support research development programs and faculty funding activities.

As a Graduate Assistant, you will work collaboratively with the Research Development team, with primary responsibilities focused on data systems, reporting, analytics, and workflow improvement. You will also develop familiarity with core Research Development programs and processes and provide backup programmatic and administrative support as needed.

• Data Systems & Management: Develop, maintain, and improve databases and other data systems that support Research Development programs, funding opportunities, reporting, and institutional knowledge.

• Dashboards, Analytics & Reporting: Develop and maintain dashboards, automated reports, visualizations, and other analytical tools to support program assessment, leadership reporting, strategic planning, and data-informed decision-making.

• Workflow Automation & Process Improvement: Identify opportunities to streamline processes and develop automated or technology-assisted workflows that reduce manual administrative work, improve data quality, and increase office efficiency.

• Systems & Tool Development: Support the development, testing, implementation, documentation, and ongoing maintenance of internal tools and resources, including data and reporting systems used across Research Development.

• Limited Submissions & Program Support: Develop and maintain working knowledge of limited submission competitions, internal funding programs, InfoReady, and associated application, deadline, and reporting processes. Serve as backup support for program administration and tracking as needed.

• Funding Opportunity Support: Assist the Research Development team in identifying, tracking, organizing, and communicating relevant federal, state, foundation, and corporate funding opportunities.

• Communication, Documentation & Outreach: Support documentation of systems and processes and assist, as needed, with communications, outreach materials, events, workshops, and other Research Development activities.

• Collaboration & Continuous Improvement: Work with Research Development staff to understand programmatic and operational needs, troubleshoot issues, and identify opportunities to improve how information, data, and technology are used across the office.

• Enrollment as a graduate student at UMD (Master's or Ph.D. level).

• Demonstrated experience working with data, including organizing, cleaning, analyzing, and presenting information from multiple sources.

• Proficiency with Microsoft Excel, including advanced formulas, pivot tables, charts, and other data analysis and reporting functions.

• Experience with Python and the ability to understand, run, troubleshoot, and modify existing code used to support data processing, reporting, and workflow automation.

• Familiarity with GitHub or other version-control platforms for accessing, maintaining, and documenting code and technical projects.

• Experience with databases, automation, data systems, or other technical tools used to improve administrative and reporting workflows.

• Strong analytical and problem-solving skills, including the ability to understand a process or operational need and develop practical technical solutions.

• Strong written and verbal communication skills, with the ability to communicate technical and non-technical information clearly to diverse audiences.

• Excellent organizational and time-management skills, with the ability to manage multiple projects, priorities, and deadlines.

• Ability to work both independently and collaboratively, learn new systems and technologies, and adapt to changing priorities.

• Strong attention to detail and commitment to data accuracy, documentation, and quality control.

• Proficiency with common office and collaboration tools, including Microsoft Office and Google Workspace.

• Data Visualization & Dashboard Development: Experience developing interactive dashboards, reports, and visualizations using tools such as Power BI, Tableau, Looker Studio, or similar platforms.

• Database & Data Management: Experience designing, querying, maintaining, or integrating databases and structured data sources, including familiarity with SQL or similar tools.

• Automation & Systems Integration: Experience developing automated workflows, integrating data across systems, or using APIs and other tools to reduce manual processes and improve efficiency.

• Web & Application Development: Familiarity with HTML/CSS, JavaScript, or other web and application development technologies used to build or maintain internal tools and digital resources.

• AI-Assisted Tools & Workflows: Experience using or developing AI-assisted tools, applications, or workflows for data analysis, information management, process automation, or administrative support.

• Software Development Practices: Familiarity with software development practices, including version control, testing, documentation, and maintenance of existing code and technical projects.

• Data Analytics & Reporting: Experience analyzing complex data sets and developing reports or analytical products that support program assessment, strategic planning, or decision-making.

• Research Administration: Familiarity with research administration, sponsored research, research development, funding opportunities, or university administrative systems is a plus but not required.

• Appointment Continuity: Preference may be given to students who anticipate being eligible to hold the assistantship for two or more years.

Physical Demands:

Sedentary work performed in a normal office environment; exerts up to 10 pounds of force occasionally and/or negligible amount of force frequently or constantly to lift, carry, push, pull or otherwise move objects, including the human body. Ability to attend meetings both on and off campus. Spending long hours in front of a computer screen.

Required Application Materials:

Resume

Cover Letter

Best Consideration Date:

09/09/2025

Posting Closing Date:Open until filled