Research Associate of Native American Studies

University of Oklahoma Norman Campus:
Dodge Family College of Arts and Sciences:
Native American Studies Location Open Date

Aug 04, 2026

The Research Associate provides professional-level research support for interdisciplinary community-engaged research initiatives affiliated with the Indigenous Futures Research Lab (IFRL) at the University of Oklahoma. The Lab serves as a hub for future-building projects grounded in kinship-based approaches to community engagement.

The Research Associate supports faculty-led and community driven research integrating the following: immersive technologies, Indigenous media, performance, archaeology, and digital humanities. The position combines research coordination, relational engagement with community partners, and research operations support in alignment with Indigenous research methodologies and university requirements.

• Provides professional research coordination support for faculty-led interdisciplinary, and grant funded research projects affiliated with the Indigenous Futures Research Lab (IFRL).
• Assists in planning and implementing research activities, timelines, and deliverables across multiple concurrent projects.
• Supports research initiatives involving immersive technologies, Indigenous films, sound, podcasting, performance, archaeology (including drones, GPR, and LiDAR), and digital humanities.
• Applies Indigenous research methodologies and principles of kinship-based engagement and relational accountability in support of research activities.
• Coordinates participation of faculty, research staff, students, consultants and community collaborators.
• Collects, organizes, and maintains research-related documentations, records, and output.
• Assists with preparation of research materials and documentation for internal review, external sponsors, and grant reporting.

• Supports research-related purchasing, reimbursements, and payments using Peoplesoft and Concur, in coordination with Shared Business Services Center (SBSC).
• Assists with tracking research expenditures to support alignment with approved grant budgets and allowable costs.
• Maintains organized documentation to support audit, compliance, and institutional accountability requirements.

• Assist with onboarding and orientation of research faculty, research students, artists, elders, and project affiliates.
• Supports coordination of research student appointments and participation in lab projects.
• Maintains onboarding materials and participation documentation.

• Supports dissemination of research activities and outcomes through events, public programming, and digital platforms.
• Assists with marketing, social media, and public-facing communications that support lab research visibility.
• Coordinates ordering, logistics, and operational support for research-related events and activities.

• Master's degree in related field or an equivalent combination of education and experience.
• Experience supporting research, creative projects, or community-engaged initiatives.

• PhD in Indigenous/Native American Studies, humanities, social services, media studies, archaeology, or related field.
• Experience working with Indigenous communities or cultural institutions.
• Experience supporting grant-funded research environments.
• Familiarity with creative, digital humanities, or interdisciplinary research projects.

The University, in compliance with all applicable federal and state laws and regulations, does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, national origin, sex, sexual orientation, marital status, genetic information, gender identity/expression (consistent with applicable law), age (40 or older), religion, disability, political beliefs, or status as a veteran in any of its policies, practices, or procedures. This includes but is not limited to admissions, employment, housing, financial aid, and educational services.

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The Mission of the University of Oklahoma is to provide the best possible educational experience for our students through excellence in teaching, research and creative activity, and service to the state and society.