Student Research Associate Jobs in Hawaii (NOW HIRING)

Description Title: Research Associate Position Number: 0081261T Hiring Unit: SCH OF ARCH, ARCH DEANS OFF Location: UH at Manoa Date Posted: August 20, 2026 Closing Date: August 26, 2026 Band: B Salary : salary schedules and placement information Full Time/Part Time: Full-time Temporary/Permanent: Temporary Funding: Revolving Funds Duties and Responsibilities Conduct applied research related to urban, ecological, cultural, and architectural planning, design and solutions in the context of various University of Hawai'i Community Design Center (UHCDC) projects. Perform research studies including literature, policy, and existing document reviews; social, cultural, historical, political, economic, urban, and ecological analysis of project areas. Synthesize applied design research for presentations and final reports and recommendations.

Participate in the supervision, development, and training of junior staff and students. Oversee timelines, work plans, deliverables, and reporting requirements; ensure tasks are completed by the student project team in a timely and professional manner and in accordance with the relevant project contracts. Oversee research-based designs for proof-of-concept projects for UHCDC represented in sketches, diagrams, concept drawings, models, maps, and renderings in collaboration with a project team.

Create presentations to stakeholder groups and clients on research findings and design development. Responsible for composing and writing research and project reports. Develop pedagogical, teaching, and knowledge opportunities for assigned projects to ensure that all project tasks align with the educational aims of the center.

Assist in the creation of processes that elevate indigenous knowledge systems as a core component of our work. Ability to participate in overnight travel to neighbor islands to conduct site visits and community engagement as part of the UHCDC team. Keep abreast of urban/architectural trends, products and systems.

Responsible for the maintenance and backup of project data, files, and documents both electronic and hard copy. Manage financial and administrative documents required for project activities. Other duties as assigned.

Judgment Exercised Judgments and decisions impact operations, functions, programs, management, or policies of the program or its organizational segments. Judgments are recognized as sound, accurate, and knowledgeable and are generally accepted and followed after general review. Efforts have impact on direction, accomplishment of goals, and schedules of projects.

Work is expected to be technically thorough, creative, correct, and reliable, and result in the development of technically sound products, judgments, studies, recommendations, and documentation. Originality Develops, defines, or applies new or improved techniques, methods, practices, or strategies. Recommends constructive ideas to increase the efficiency, effectiveness, and productivity within a specialty area.

Develops, defines, and applies new and improved techniques, strategies, and original methods to the solution of important problems in the specialty area. Originates plans, techniques, and/or procedures to apply existing knowledge to ideas, analyses, projects, or tests and evaluations. Controls Over Position The incumbent may recommend or establish policy and procedures applicable to an assignment.

The incumbent works independently without close supervision and performs most assignments with instructions as to the general results expected. Guidance is given on unusual or complex problems and procedures as needed. The incumbent's supervisor is kept informed of general plans and progress of work.

Supervision Exercised Coordinates, directs, reviews, and/or monitors the work of others in accomplishment of a specific task. Monitors, coordinates, or directs the work of lower level personnel, clerical assistants and/or student assistants. Coordinates, monitors, and/or supervises the work of clerical personnel and/or student assistants who require assistance and guidance on specific assignments.

Reviews the work of others and/or provides training to others in area of expertise. Refers matters of policy to supervisor. May review the work product from specific task assignments of other professional, clerical, technical personnel and/or student assistants.

Education and Professional Work Experience Possession of a baccalaureate degree in architecture, urban planning or related fields of study and 3 year(s) of progressively responsible professional experience in project-based architectural research and design; or any equivalent combination of education and/or professional work experience which provides the required education, knowledge, skills and abilities as indicated. Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities Considerable working knowledge of principles, practices and techniques in the area of community design as demonstrated by the broad knowledge of the full range of pertinent standards and evolving concepts, principles and methodologies. Considerable working knowledge and understanding of applicable federal and state laws, rules, regulations and theories and systems associated with community design and development.

Demonstrated ability to resolve wide ranging complex problems through the use of creative reasoning and logic to accurately determine the cause of the problems and the resolution of the problems in an effective, innovative and timely manner. Demonstrated ability to interpret and present information and ideas clearly and accurately in writing, verbally and by preparation of reports and other materials. Demonstrated ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships with internal and external organizations, groups, team leaders and members, and individuals.

Demonstrated ability to operate a personal computer, apply word processing software. If applicable, for supervisory work, demonstrated ability to lead subordinates, manage work priorities and projects, and manage employee relations. Supplemental Minimum Qualifications Proven evidence of completed complex and inventive design and planning projects that demonstrate the ability to apply innovation (as demonstrated in a portfolio of creative work).

Proven ability to maintain high professional standards. Proven ability to independently interpret data and spatial design information. Strong written and verbal communication skills.

Proficiency in urban ecological design, research, and graphic abilities. Proven familiarity with local, social, political, cultural, and regulatory context. Strong organizational skills and demonstrated ability to exercises independent judgment, discretion, perform complex tasks, prioritize tasks, multi-task, see tasks through completion, and meet hard deadlines.

Ability to communicate effectively with leaders, faculty, staff and students, external partners, the general community and present to a variety of audiences. Proficiency in general computer and architectural digital software applications such as Microsoft Office, Adobe Creative Cloud (including Illustrator), GIS, CAD/Revit, Rhinoceros, and Sketchup. Ability to travel independently to various geographical locations on all islands in a timely manner.

Requirement may be fulfilled by a valid Hawaii Driver's license (class 3), or comparable driver's license, or other means of transportation, which meets position needs. Ability to work after hours and weekends as needed. Desirable Qualifications Advanced degree in Architecture and/or additional professional degree(s) in landscape architecture or urban planning.

Experience in governmental/community design project work that uses similar research and design processes (as evidenced by a sample of work). Experience using fabrication lab equipment to prototype and build models. Evidence of past leadership in design outreach, education, and advocacy initiatives.

Evidence of experience and expertise in public-interest design. Ability to work closely and collegially with others in small group situations. To Apply: Click on the "Apply" button on the top right corner of the NEOGOV screen to complete an application and attach required documents to the online application.

The applicants should submit: (1) Cover letter specifying the position how they meet the minimum qualifications; (2) Curriculum vitae (3) Transcripts (unofficial copies accepted, however, official transcripts will be required upon hire) (4) Names and contact information of 3 professional references. Note: If you have not applied for a position before using NeoGov, you will need to create an account. The maximum file size to upload/attach is 10MB.

If the attachment is larger than 10MB, please split the file and upload it as a supplemental attachment. Inquiries: Kimi Makaiau, Project Supervisor, kmakaiau@hawaii.edu EEO, Clery Act, ADA The University of Hawai'i is an Equal Opportunity Institution and is committed to a policy of nondiscrimination in employment, including on the basis of veteran and disability status. For more information, visit: https://www.hawaii.edu/offices/eeo/policies/ Employment is contingent on satisfying employment eligibility verification requirements of the Immigration Reform and Control Act of 1986; reference checks of previous employers; and for certain positions, criminal history record checks

In accordance with the Jeanne Clery Disclosure of Campus Security Policy and Campus Crime Statistics Act, annual campus crime statistics for the University of Hawai'i may be viewed at: https://www.hawaii.edu/titleix/help/campus-security/, or a paper copy may be obtained upon request from the respective UH Campus Security or Administrative Services Office. In accordance with Article 10 of the unit 08 collective bargaining agreement, bargaining unit members receive priority consideration for APT job vacancies. As a result, external or non BU 08 applicants may not be considered for some APT vacancies

BU 08 members with re-employment rights or priority status are responsible for informing the hiring unit of their status. Accommodation Request: The University of Hawai'i complies with the provisions of the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA). Applicants requiring a reasonable accommodation for any part of the application and hiring process should contact the EEO coordinator directly.

Determination on requests for reasonable accommodation will be made on a case-by-case basis. For further information, please refer to the following link: https://www.hawaii.edu/offices/eeo/accommodation-request/