Summer Research Assistants

NOW HIRING: RESEARCH ASSISTANTS- SUMMER INTERNS
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The Governance Lab (The GovLab) aims to improve people’s lives by changing how we govern. We are seeking new ways to solve public problems using advances in technology and science.

The GovLab builds, studies and implements experimental, technology-enabled solutions that advance a collaborative, networked approach to re-invent existing institutions and processes of governance to improve people’s lives. Our work is predicated on the following hypotheses:

• Institutions that govern themselves more collaboratively solve problems faster and with greater success.
• Greater engagement leads to more legitimate democratic governance and also to better solutions for citizens.

GovLab operates as a network of networks. Housed at New York University and funded by grants from the John D. and Catherine T. MacArthur Foundation and the John S. and James L. Knight Foundation, the GovLab encompasses two major initiatives: GovLab Research and GovLab Academy.

GovLab Research convenes an interdisciplinary network of thought leaders across academia, government, and industry to analyze novel forms of collaborative problem-solving in public and private institutions. Despite advances in collaborative governance, there has been little systematic study of what approaches work best under varied conditions. We produce scholarly research and map real-world developments to create a robust understanding of how scientific and technological advances can be harnessed to improve 21st century governance.

GovLab Research is now seeking Research Assistants to support GovLab and its Chief of Research in a variety of research and editing tasks.GovLab Research Assistants/Summer Interns will be given the unique opportunity to work with leading specialists and thinkers on how to re-design government and re-imagine democracy.

Responsibilities may include:

• Mapping and researching the emerging field of open and collaborative governance;
• Documenting, and synthesizing the findings from reviews of published literature related to the field of open government;
• Identifying and capturing new ideas and practices on how to make decisions and solve public problems;
• Providing news and other updates through blog posts and social media on subjects related to the work of the GovLab;
• Completing various tasks to support the ongoing maintenance of the GovLab website and digest;
• Supporting communications and meetings held on behalf of the GovLab and the members of its Network;
• Other tasks as assigned.

Preferred Qualifications:

• Graduate student with background in technology, computer sciences,communications, political science, public policy, international affairs, law and/or economics;
• Proven research, technical and analytical skills;
• Strong writing and editing abilities;
• Familiarity with new research tools and interest in new ways of presenting information (including visualization tools);
• Attention to detail and the ability to work independently;
• Proficient with social media and web platform technologies;
• Demonstrated commitment to and interest in the field.

Position specifics:

• Hourly position with pay rate based on NYU student employee pay scale
• Full-time position (40 hours per week) during the Summer

To apply:

• All interested applicants should apply by submitting a resume, cover letter, description of relevant academic and professional project experiences, and writing sample to careers@thegovlab.org.
• Application deadline: Friday, May 17, 2013
• Expected start date: June 3, 2013

For more information:

• Please visit thegovlab.org email careers@thegovlab.org with any additional questions.