Research Assistant — Providing Up-to-Date Information to Technical Advisors
Position Type: Volunteer / Internship
Reports To: Technical Advisor / Various Administrators
Location: Remote
Commitment: Part-time, flexible hours (specify: e.g., 5–10 hrs/week)
Duration: 6–12 month term
Position Summary
The Research Assistant supports the organization’s Technical Advisors by gathering, verifying, and synthesizing current information on industry trends, regulatory changes, and technical developments relevant to the organization’s mission. This role is well-suited to a detail-oriented, curious individual who enjoys digging into primary sources and turning raw information into clear, usable findings that inform strategic and policy decisions.
Key Responsibilities
- Conduct ongoing research on topics assigned by Technical Advisors (industry trends, regulations, technical standards, competitor/sector activity, etc.)
- Verify accuracy and credibility of sources; prioritize primary and authoritative sources
- Summarize findings into concise briefs, memos, or annotated bibliographies
- Maintain an organized repository of research materials and citations for easy reference
- Flag time-sensitive or high-impact developments to Technical Advisors promptly
- Assist in fact-checking materials prepared for leadership or external audiences
- Support data collection and light analysis as needed for reports or presentations
- Track ongoing research requests and follow up on outstanding items
Qualifications
Required:
- Currently pursuing or recently completed a degree in a relevant field (e.g., research, policy, science, data, or related discipline)
- Strong research and information literacy skills; able to evaluate source credibility
- Clear, concise written communication skills
- Highly organized with strong attention to detail
- Ability to work independently and meet deadlines
Preferred:
- Experience with academic or professional research methods
- Familiarity with citation management tools (e.g., Zotero, EndNote)
- Familiarity with the organization’s sector or subject matter
- Basic data analysis skills
What You’ll Gain
- Mentorship and close collaboration with Technical Advisors and leadership
- Real-world experience conducting research that directly informs organizational strategy
- Portfolio-ready work samples (research briefs, reports)
- Letter of recommendation upon successful completion
- Flexible schedule suited to academic or other commitments
How to Apply
Interested candidates should submit a resume and brief statement of interest to volunteer@bolton-strid.org; the subject should be Research Assistant. Bolton-Strid has no long-form application and sources talent based on submitted resumes, personal statements, and interviews.