Debate Researcher

Debate Researcher Position

The University of Michigan Debate Program, a department within the Division of Student Life that reports to the Dean of Students Office, is committed to student learning and development via participation in several intercollegiate policy debate tournaments each fall and spring. Through a varsity traveling team, urban debate outreach efforts, etc. the Debate Program facilitates and enriches the educational experience of current University of Michigan students.

The Debate Program currently has five employees. We are seeking a motivated, student-centered, and team-oriented individual for a debate researcher position.

Approximately 20-30 hours/week of debate research focusing on the  collegiate policy topic, which focuses on restricting United States arms sales to foreign countries. Debate research surrounding this topic will be required starting in August for use in national debate tournaments from September through April. Additional responsibilities include interacting and strategizing with debate team members and coaches regularly as described by the Director, helping plan and edit research assignments, teaching students how to retrieve and synthesize research that is produced, scouting intercollegiate debate opponent research efforts, and helping to determine the Debate Program argument selection and research prioritization.

U-M Debate Team Research and Synthesis - 80%

• Assist the debate team's research efforts, which involves planning assignments, original research, editing files and producing a substantial amount of evidence for the students before each intercollegiate debate tournament.
• Work with and teach students how to retrieve and synthesize research that you produced surrounding intercollegiate debate tournaments.
• Help determine debate team argument selection and research prioritization.

U-M Debate Team Research Scouting - 10%

• Observe and scout the debate research methods and argument content of potential intercollegiate opponents.
• Specific preparation and rebuttal of such research learned about via this scouting.
• Predict and anticipate the future research trends and directions of likely potential debate opponents.

U-M Debate Team Research and Strategy Meetings - 10%

• Participate in weekly team meetings involving discussion of debate research priorities and assignments. Be prepared to discuss best practices and strategies involving current and timely debate research efforts.
• Advise U-M Debate coaches and debaters of emerging trends and developments surrounding debate research on the  intercollegiate "arms sales" topic.

A bachelor's degree is required, along with evidence of at least four years of intercollegiate debate experience and research. Also required is the ability to work independently and make sound educational, ethical and appropriate decisions, strong organizational skills, and understanding the educational and developmental purposes of intercollegiate debate.

Previous experience working inside a large and complex institution and an extensive knowledge of debate theories, concepts, and best practices. Experience in fostering and promoting a positive team culture and successful debate team atmosphere and partnerships. Advanced experience with research and formatting tools such as Microsoft Word and Verbatim.

Positions that are eligible for hybrid or mobile/remote work mode are at the discretion of the hiring department. Work agreements are reviewed annually at a minimum and are subject to change at any time, and for any reason, throughout the course of employment. Learn more about the work modes.

Ability to work independently and make sound educational, ethical and appropriate decisions.

Strong organizational skills.

Demonstrated commitment to ethical standards, including working directly and closely with college students.

Timely research required for intercollegiate debate tournaments will be needed on some evenings and/or weekends, in addition to during regular business hours.

This role may have reporting obligations under Title IX and Clery. Relocation will not be offered for this position.

Authorization to work in the U.S. is a precondition of employment and applicants for this position will not be sponsored for work visas.

Selected candidates whose start date is between 4/1/2026 - 9/1/2026 will not be eligible for the university FY26-27 salary/merit plan unless otherwise notified.

Salary may vary depending on qualifications, experience, and education of the selected candidate.

Relocation will not be offered for this role.