Freshwater Lab Research Assistant - Professor Rachel Havrelock, Department of English

Professor Rachel Havrelock seeks two research assistants to support the endeavors of the Freshwater Lab in the Spring 2024 semester. The work for each is slightly different. Based on the interests of the graduate students selected, there is room to redistribute some of the tasks.

Please contact Rachel Havrelock for more information, raheleh@uic.edu

If you would like to apply, then please send a resume and cover letter stating your interest by 11/27/23, raheleh@uic.edu

Internship Description:

https://www.freshwaterlab.org/internship

1) Research Assistant and Event Support

This position involves around 50% of the time devoted to research in environmental humanities. Specific areas of research may include energy humanities/oil pipelines, the Chicago River, environmental justice, or the Great Lakes and climate change adaptation. The area of focus will be chosen through conversation. Another 25% of the time will involve planning and producing an event (with a group) connected with The Backward River digital storytelling site. Another 25% will be helping with administrative matters like promoting courses and recruiting students, preparing reports, and organizing elements of grant applications. Preference will be given to graduate students in the Humanities or Social Sciences. The position will be 50% with a tuition waiver [it may need to differ for students in other fields with an alternate hourly rate].

Please contact Rachel Havrelock for more information, raheleh@uic.edu

If you would like to apply, then please send a resume and cover letter stating your interest by 11/20/23, raheleh@uic.edu

2) Support for the Freshwater Lab Internship Course and Research Assistant

In Spring 2024, the UIC Freshwater Lab will offer its internship program for the fifth time. The internships focus on the Great Lakes and interconnected environmental and social issues. The program engages students, professionals, and a wide-range of organizations. Professor Rachel Havrelock, Department of English, is coordinating the internship along with the Freshwater Lab’s research and public events. The Research Assistant position is organized from the Great Cities Institute.

A graduate hourly position is available beginning on 1/8/24 and extending through the Spring semester. There is a possibility of renewing the position through the summer. Preference will be given to students who will be on campus in Spring 2025 and can hold the position for a second time.

The main aspects of the job include:

1. Help Professor Havrelock to maintain and develop connections with agencies and organizations hosting interns.

2. Communicate with staff at host organizations and facilitate intern placement.

3. Coordinate the visits and stipend payments for guest lecturers.

4. Set up a network for Freshwater Lab interns to support one another and gain support for their work and experience. This involves organizing an event for Freshwater Lab alumni and building the alumni network.

5. Develop and implement an on-campus publicity plan for the Freshwater Lab.

6. Support social media and PR for the Freshwater Lab.

Guidelines for this work have been prepared by previous holders of the position.

There is room for the Freshwater Lab graduate student to also focus on an area of personal interest. There are possibilities for the Freshwater Lab assistant to conduct research, do web development, work on fundraising, and plan events, if and when these tasks are relevant and of interest.

It is highly recommended to be enrolled in the Spring 2024 Freshwater Lab Internship Course, ENGL/UPP/PA 453.