Sawyer Seminar Graduate Research Assistant

Description, Responsibilities, and Qualifications

The Andrew W. Mellon Foundation Sawyer Seminar, “At Risk U:
The Past, Present, and Future of Academic Freedom,” located in the Office of the Vice Chancellor for Research and Innovation, invites applications for one 50% graduate research assistantship during AY 2026‑2027.

• Active participation in the Sawyer Seminar activities
• Assisting in advancing the case study research of Seminar faculty members and coordinating other activities related to the initiative.
• Communications and outreach
• Conducting your own research and writing
• Being in residence in Urbana‑Champaign and attending all Sawyer Seminar meetings and events

• Must be enrolled as a graduate student at the University of Illinois Urbana‑Champaign
• Applicants may be from any discipline or interdiscipline in the humanities and interpretive social sciences, with research interests related to the history and politics of U.S. higher education
• Research and experience should connect with the Seminar description and activities (as explained in the application letter)
• Completed coursework and currently working on a dissertation during the assistantship period; ideally having completed preliminary examinations by the time of application
• Must be a doctoral student with ABD status in the College of Liberal Arts and Sciences
• Strong organizational, analytical, and communication skills; experience with Word Press content creation and management desirable but not essential

This nine‑month appointment offers a salary of $26,142. The appointment runs from August 16, 2026 to May 15, 2027.

In addition to completing the online application form, applicants must submit the following materials through the online application system:

• A brief cover letter describing how the applicant’s research and experience connects with the Sawyer Seminar description.
• CV
• A PDF of the official transcript
• A writing sample: published article, research paper, or dissertation chapter
• Two letters of recommendation

The Final date to receive applications is March 16, 2026. Applicants will be notified in early April.