Position Information

Classification TitleTemporary Hourly

Employment CategoryTemporary

Is this an Hourly position?Yes

Work Hours/Week0-35

Overtime Eligible?No

Position LocationRemote

Does this position qualify for hybrid or remote work?Yes

Description of Work Unit

The department of Journalism and Media Communication focuses on journalistic and other uses and effects of mass and specialized media. To fulfill this role, the department engages in:

Undergraduate teaching, to examine with students the knowledge, skills, and values necessary for traditional and innovative approaches to professional journalistic and related communication responsibilities.

Graduate teaching, to explore with advanced students communication concepts, theories, research methods, and sophisticated application in academic and advanced professional work environments.

Scholarship and creative activity, to help understand the nature, processes, technologies, effects, and problems of communication, modern media, and journalism/communication education.

Interdisciplinary teaching, research, and outreach, especially as related to science, technical, health, and environmental communication.

Service to the university, professional media, and academic organizations, including outreach to the public and media/communication constituencies.

Search Contact EmailKatie.Abrams@colostate.edu

Position Summary

Dr. Katie Abrams’ environmental social marketing research lab is seeking a dedicated Research Assistant on a part-time hourly basis to support an ongoing grant project in science communication, focusing on invasive species and behavior change. You will be primarily responsible for conducting interviews of project stakeholders and continuing work on a literature review to summarize available evidence that can inform effective messaging and techniques to reduce the introduction and spread of invasive plants and animals from travelers to islands in the U.S. This position can be done remotely or in Fort Collins, CO. Most work will take place between mid- to late December through April 30. Expected end date is June 30, 2024. Possible opportunity to continue pending additional funding.

This position offers an excellent opportunity to gain hands-on experience in research, communication, and stakeholder engagement within the field of environmental/conservation science. Additionally, this job offers you experience working on a National Park Service grant and in partnership with multiple other federal agencies.

Primary Responsibilities

· Conduct a comprehensive literature review on invasive species communication and behavior change strategies and audiences targeting mainly recreational visitors/tourists to ecologically sensitive geographic locations

· Conduct phone or online interviews of project partners and stakeholders, summarize key findings

· Write a digestible report and companion communication pieces for the U.S. Department of Interior, synthesizing research findings from the literature review

· Support the principle investigator in various project-related tasks, such as scheduling, organizing files, emailing, etc.

· Perform other duties as assigned

Position Minimum Qualifications

· At least 1 year of a Master’s degree related to science communication, human dimensions of natural resources, psychology, sociology, conservation communication/leadership, library and information sciences, or related fields in the social sciences

· Experience in conducting and writing academic literature reviews

· Demonstrated proficiency in academic database research, including the ability to construct advanced search queries using Boolean operators and filters in platforms like JSTOR , PsychInfo and ProQuest

· Proficiency in citation management and APA style

· Strong understanding of and ability to analyze social science research methods

· Prior experience creating or communicating lengthy and complex written research summaries into shorter, more usable and accessible materials and presentations

· Excellent written and verbal communication abilities

· Ability to work independently and as part of a team, and adapt to direction from PI or more senior personnel (i.e., more advanced/senior graduate students)

· Strong organizational and time management skills

Preferred Qualifications

· Completed Master’s degree (Masters of Science preferred)

· Experience or familiarity with literature review methods, such as scoping reviews, systematic literature reviews, etc.

· Familiarity with behavior change theories and communication strategies

· Prior experience or knowledge of environmental science or invasive species research

· Experience conducting interviews or stakeholder engagement, particularly with U.S. federal agencies or those in natural resources management

· Knowledge of U.S. government reporting structures, particularly for the U.S. Department of Interior

Posting Details

Working TitleScience Communication Research Assistant

Posting Number202400748T

DepartmentJournalism and Media Communication

Salary Range$25/hour

Employee Benefits

Visit CSU’s Human Resources website for detailed benefit plan information for temporary employees in the following University benefit area:https://hr.colostate.edu/hr-community-and-supervisors/benefits/benefits-eligibility/

Close Date12/08/2024

Special Instructions to Applicants

Required documents:

1. Cover letter

2. Resume or Abbreviated CV

3. 1 academic or research writing sample in social sciences or closely related field; literature review preferred (e.g., class papers, thesis/dissertation, conference manuscripts, journal articles, etc.)

References will not be contacted without prior notification to applicant.

Background Check Policy Statement

Colorado State University strives to provide a safe study, work, and living environment for its faculty, staff, volunteers and students. To support this environment and comply with applicable laws and regulations, CSU conducts background checks. The type of background check conducted varies by position and can include, but is not limited to, criminal history, sex offender registry, motor vehicle history, financial history, and/or education verification. Background checks will also be conducted when required by law or contract and when, in the discretion of the University, it is reasonable and prudent to do so.

EEO Statement

Colorado State University is committed to providing an environment that is free from discrimination and harassment based on race, age, creed, color, religion, national origin or ancestry, sex, gender, disability, veteran status, genetic information, sexual orientation, gender identity/expression, or pregnancy in its employment, programs, services and activities, and admissions, and, in certain circumstances, marriage to a co-worker. The University will not discharge or in any other manner discriminate against employees or applicants because they have inquired about, discussed, or disclosed their own pay or the pay of another employee or applicant. Colorado State University is an equal opportunity and equal access institution and affirmative action employer fully committed to achieving a diverse workforce and complies with all Federal and Colorado State laws, regulations, and executive orders regarding non-discrimination and affirmative action. TheOffice of Equal Opportunity (https://oeo.colostate.edu/) is located in 101 Student Services.

The Title IX Coordinator is the Director of the Office of Title IX Programs and Gender Equity, 123 Student Services Building, Fort Collins, CO 80523-0160, (970) 491-1715,titleix@colostate.edu.

The Section 504 and ADA Coordinator is the Director of the Office of Equal Opportunity, 101 Student Services Building, Fort Collins, CO 80523-0160, (970) 491-5836,oeo@colostate.edu.

The Coordinator for any other forms of misconduct prohibited by the University’s Policy on Discrimination and Harassment is the Vice President for Equity, Equal Opportunity and Title IX, 101 Student Services Building, Fort Collins, Co. 80523-0160, (970) 491-5836,oeo@colostate.edu.

Any person may report sex discrimination under Title IX to theOffice of Civil Rights, Department of Education (https://www2.ed.gov/about/offices/list/ocr/docs/howto.html) .

Diversity Statement

•Reflecting departmental and institutional values, candidates are expected to have the ability to advance the Department’s commitment to diversity and inclusion.

Essential Job Duties

Job Duty CategoryCommunication Research

Duty/Responsibility

· Conduct a comprehensive literature review on invasive species communication and behavior change strategies and audiences targeting mainly recreational visitors/tourists to ecologically sensitive geographic locations

· Conduct phone or online interviews of project partners and stakeholders, summarize key findings

· Write a digestible report and companion communication pieces for the U.S. Department of Interior, synthesizing research findings from the literature review

· Support the principle investigator in various project-related tasks, such as scheduling, organizing files, emailing, etc.

· Perform other duties as assigned

Percentage Of Time100

References

Minimum References Required2

Maximum References Required3

Documents Needed To Apply

Required Documents

• Resume

• Cover Letter

• Resume or CV

• Writing Samples

Optional Documents