Graduate Assistant - NIJ Grant Research

Graduate Assistant - NIJ Grant Research - Spring 2026 in UCMO - Warrensburg, MO

Seeking a motivated and detail-oriented graduate assistant to support faculty research on terrorism, extremism, and global security issues. The student will assist in monitoring news outlets, academic publications, and policy reports, compiling findings, and contributing to ongoing research projects.

• Track and review current news articles, reports, and publications related to terrorism, extremist organizations, and counter terrorism efforts.
• Summarize and synthesize findings into clear, well-organized reports.
• Maintain an up-to-date database of relevant news items, incidents, and sources.
• Provide background research and fact‑checking for faculty projects, presentations, and publications.
• Adhere to ethical guidelines and handle sensitive content with discretion.

Education:

Bachelor's Degree in Political Science, International Relations, Security Studies, Criminal Justice, or a related field required

Currently admitted to a UCM graduate degree program

3.0 or higher graduate level GPA if previous graduate level courses have been taken

2.7 or higher undergraduate level GPA if no previous graduate level courses have been taken

Experience:

• Strong research, writing, and analytical skills.
• Ability to work independently and manage multiple tasks with attention to detail.
• Comfort in reviewing sensitive or difficult content in a professional and academic manner.
• Familiarity with online databases, academic resources, and media outlets is preferred.
• Strong interpersonal and teamwork skills.
• Comfortable communicating via email and in person.
• Dependable, organized, and proactive.

GA Type: Research

GA Hour Expectations: 20 hours a week

Start Date of Position: 01/12/2026

End Date of Position: 05/08/2026

Total Stipend for Semester: $4,950

Working Days &

Hours:

Monday through Friday.

- 20 hours a week.

Scholarship: Students filling a Graduate Assistantship (GA) position are eligible to receive a graduate tuition waiver, a graduate non-resident tuition waiver (if applicable), and a graduate mandatory fees waiver. The scholarships are in the form of a waiver and the funds are not deposited into the student’s personal account. Instead, the student’s bill is reduced by the amount of the scholarship awarded.

If the maximum amount of the scholarship is not used, the remainder is not paid to the student in any form and unused scholarship money cannot be carried over to another semester. The scholarship is applied to graduate level courses only; courses taken for undergraduate credit are not eligible to be covered by the GA scholarship. The non-resident fee scholarship only applies to classes taken on the UCM Warrensburg campus.

The maximum scholarship amounts are based on the size of assistantship held. For a full (20-hour per week) assistantship, the scholarship covers tuition costs and mandatory fees up to 12 credit hours of graduate coursework per semester. Graduate assistantship positions less than full will be prorated accordingly.

Special Instructions:

Full‑time staff & 12‑month faculty benefits‑eligible position:
Benefits include competitive salary; health, dental, vision, life insurance, AD & D, long‑term disability; 3 weeks paid vacation per year; 3 weeks of accrued sick leave per year; 13 paid holidays; retirement; and generous education assistance for an employee, spouse and dependent children taking classes at UCM.

9‑month faculty benefits‑eligible position:
Benefits include competitive salary; health, dental, vision, life insurance, AD & D, long‑term disability; 3 weeks of accrued sick leave per year; 13 paid holidays; retirement; and generous education assistance for an employee, spouse and dependent children taking classes at UCM.

Part‑time benefits‑eligible positions:
Benefits include generous education assistance for the employee.

Temporary, adjunct, student employment, or graduate assistant positions:
Benefits are not included.

Completed UCM on‑line application for employment required. Incomplete applications will not be considered.

A review will begin immediately and continue until filled unless indicated otherwise.

NOTE:

A background check is required for the selected candidate of all staff, faculty, adjunct, and temporary positions and any job offer is contingent on the results of this check. Student employees and graduate assistants do not require a background check to be conducted prior to employment.

The University of Central Missouri is an Equal Opportunity Employer.