Summer Student Research Assistant

Summer Student Research Assistant

Position Summary

The Student Research Assistant will assist the National Center for Civil and Human Rights in a collaborative research project focused on the history and impact of forced labor, particularly within the context of the Chattahoochee Brick Company and Bellwood Quarry in Atlanta, Ga., and related areas such as convict leasing, chain gangs, public works camps, and prisons. The Research Assistant will work with Douglas A. Blackmon, a team of other student researchers, and other scholarly advisors. This is a summer position that begins May 19, 2025, and ends August 1, 2025.

The National Center for Civil and Human Rights (NCCHR) is collaborating with researchers and scholars at Georgia State University (GSU), Morehouse College and Ancestry.com to design, execute, and communicate research findings to various stakeholders. The Research Assistant is a 29-hour-per-week position. The Research Assistant will work during standard office hours, primarily in-person, at GSU’s Creative Media Industries Institute. Some evening and weekend work may be required to accommodate community events and other research-related activities. Travel may also be required to attend conferences or conduct fieldwork. The Research Assistant reports directly to Douglas A. Blackmon.

Responsibilities:

• Conduct research using Census records and other archival documents in a study identifying prisoners held at ChattahoocheeBrick Company and the Bellwood Quarry chain gang camp in the early 1900s.
• Assist in data gathering and analysis,including data handlingand interpretation.
• In coordination with Douglas A. Blackmon and subject experts, analyze and interpret findings and assist in communicating results. 
• Work as needed with other organizations involved in the collaboration. 
• Uphold ethicalresearch standards and protocols.

Preferred candidate will have: 

• Current undergraduate course work and research experience as a student in a field such as African American Studies, History, Public History, Library Science, Archaeology, Anthropology, Journalism, or related disciplines.
• Proficiency, or eagerness and ability to quickly learn, qualitative and quantitative research methods.
• Familiarity with digital history platforms.
• General knowledge of civil rights and human rights issues.
• Strong organizational, communication, and collaboration skills.
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office and Excel is a plus; willingness to learn new tools.
• Ability to work independently, manage tasks, and meet deadlines.
• Excellent interpersonal skills and commitment to ethical research practices.
• Previous work with communities affected by historical events.

Compensation & Work Experience Benefits:

• Hourly compensation beginning at $20 per hour, with a maximum of 29 hours per week.
• Opportunity to contribute to important research and advocacy in civil and human rights.
• Professional development and networking opportunities withinthe research community.
• Flexible work arrangements and a supportive team environment.

*All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, or national origin.

The position is open for immediate application, and we are accepting letters and resumes until March 21, 2025. To apply, please send your application letter and resume to truth@civilandhumanrights.org by the deadline.