Research Assistant Opportunity.

The Consortium Research Fellows Program (CRFP) invites undergraduate students enrolled in degree-granting programs in information technology or computer science to apply for an immediate Research Assistant opportunity. Applicants must be U.S. citizens. 

Location.  National Defense University (NDU), Informational Resources Management (IRM) College, Innovation and Simulation Lab, Ft. McNair, Washington D.C.

Duties.  The Research Assistant will work with the IRM College’s Innovation and Simulation Lab specifying on game development. The student will work directly for the Coordinator for Experiential Learning and will team with that person and IRM College faculty to develop gaming scenarios (experiential learning) that map to curriculum learning outcomes. The games developed, ideally, will be deployed in both residential and distance learning courses. The Research Assistant will be responsible for the development, maintenance, and programming of electronic-based games and simulations. These may include, but are not limited to: Flash-based games, COTS-based development platforms for games and simulations, Virtual World development, e.g. Second Life, Forterra Inc, etc. The student will also be required to support technical set up of classrooms and labs.

Schedules.  Each Research Assistant’s schedule is flexible and is worked out individually between the student and government mentor. Research Assistants may work up to 20 hours per week during the school year and 40 hours per week in the summer. Appointments are for a minimum of one year and a maximum of three years.

Qualifications.  The ideal candidate will have strong computer-based game design skills, virtual world development experience, and strong IT knowledge, especially concerning game design and theory. The student will be expected to work well in a team of peers and with administrators and faculty. The ideal candidate will work quickly, adapt to often changing requirements, and will be expected to perform in a fast paced environment.

Applicants must be students who are pursuing recognized degrees at accredited institutions of higher learning in the United States, willing to commit to the CRFP for a minimum of one year, willing to work 10 to 20 hours per week during the school year and up to 40 hours per week during the summer, and be able to pass a low-level security check imposed by the DoD agency where you will potentially be placed, so as to gain access to facilities and computer networks. This is at a Confidential security level, not a Secret or higher level.

Compensation.  Research Assistants are paid an hourly rate based upon educational experience and program of study, ranging between $14.25 and $19.00 per hour. If all hours are worked, Research Assistants will earn between $18,525 and $24,700 annually.

 To Apply.  Please visit our website at www.consortium-research-fellows.org to learn more about the CRFP. If you feel that have the skills required and meet our general qualifications, apply via the online application links in the “Employment” section of our website. Please call 703-602-7824 if you have any questions.