Ed-Casual-Research

This is a 25%-time Casual Research Assistant Position set to end on 5/24/2026. Salary: $27.95 per hour. This position is not eligible for benefits.

The candidates will work with the director of CURA on a research project related to the impact of the ICE surge (Operation Metro Surge) on immigrant-owned businesses.

Job Responsibilities

• Conduct in-person interviews with business owners
• Transcribe recorded interviews
• If necessary, translate transcriptions into English
• Work with the director of CURA to summarize the findings from the interviews
• All other duties as assigned and related to the research project

Required

• Bachelor's Degree or 4 years of experience in a research role
• Must speak and understand written and spoken Somali and/or Oromo languages
• Excellent communications skills - both written and oral

Preferred

• Experience working in a research setting

The mission of the Center for Urban and Regional Affairs is to align University of Minnesota resources to catalyze community-driven change. We collaborate with community and local government to advance smart and equitable decision making, investments, and policies to benefit all of Minnesota's diverse communities. Faculty and students at the University of Minnesota are involved in CURA programs in a variety of ways. CURA's work ranges from community engaged research to leadership development. Our varied programs seek to develop deep partnerships with community collaborators and acknowledge the expertise and contributions of our partners in all of the work we do.

Pay Range: $27.95 per hour; depending on education/qualifications/experience.

Retirement plan options are available for Civil Service, Faculty, Labor-Represented, Professional & Administrative, and Temp Casual classifications. Learn more about retirement plans.

Applications must be submitted online. To be considered for this position, please click the Apply button and follow the instructions. You will be given the opportunity to complete an online application for the position and attach a cover letter and resume.

Additional documents may be attached after application by accessing your "My Job Applications" page and uploading documents in the "My Cover Letters and Attachments" section.

• To be considered for this position, applicants must include the following with their application materials.
  • A complete resume.
  • A Cover letter explaining your interest in the position and how your career goals training and experiences support your candidacy. Letters can be addressed to Prof. Edward Goetz.
  • Names and contact information of three references.
• Applications will be accepted through midnight on 4/6/2026.
• If you receive a message from the online employment system that the position is no longer available prior to the application deadline, close out of your browser and try again or try a different browser. If you continue to experience problems, contact Bailey Baker - baileyb@umn.edu

To request an accommodation during the application process, please e-mail employ@umn.edu or call (612) 624-8647.

The University recognizes and values the importance of diversity and inclusion in enriching the employment experience of its employees and in supporting the academic mission. The University is committed to attracting and retaining employees with varying identities and backgrounds.

The University of Minnesota provides equal access to and opportunity in its programs, facilities, and employment without regard to race, color, creed, religion, national origin, gender, age, marital status, disability, public assistance status, veteran status, sexual orientation, gender identity, or gender expression. To learn more about diversity at the U: http://diversity.umn.edu

Any offer of employment is contingent upon the successful completion of a background check. Our presumption is that prospective employees are eligible to work here. Criminal convictions do not automatically disqualify finalists from employment.

The University of Minnesota, Twin Cities (UMTC)

The University of Minnesota, Twin Cities (UMTC), is among the largest public research universities in the country, offering undergraduate, graduate, and professional students a multitude of opportunities for study and research. Located at the heart of one of the nation's most vibrant, diverse metropolitan communities, students on the campuses in Minneapolis and St. Paul benefit from extensive partnerships with world-renowned health centers, international corporations, government agencies, and arts, nonprofit, and public service organizations.

At the University of Minnesota, we are proud to be recognized by the Star Tribune as a Top Workplace for 2021, as well as by Forbes as Best Employers for Women and one of America's Best Employers (2015, 2018, 2019, 2023), Best Employer for Diversity (2019, 2020), Best Employer for New Grads (2018, 2019), and Best Employer by State (2019, 2022).