Summer Institute in Social Research Methods: Research Assistant Program.

Opportunity Description:


We are surrounded by ever-more data and technologies that are changing how we experience the world. Regardless of your academic or career aspirations, developing a strong understanding of social research methods and applications is an important foundation to knowing what all that information means and why it matters. Social research methods help us learn about people and societies through collecting, analyzing and interpreting data.

The Summer Institute in Social Research Methods provides students with an immersive summer experience through a combination of classroom instruction, skills-building workshops, and hands-on research experience.

Students who participate in SISRM will:

  • Earn course credit and fulfill methods requirements majors or minors (UChicago undergraduates)
  • Gain mentored experience as an RA on faculty research projects (UChicago undergraduates)
  • Be eligible for academic year awards to continue RA work with faculty (UChicago undergraduates)
  • Finish the program well-positioned for future internship and research assistantship opportunities within graduate education and/or positions in the private sector

Minimum Qualifications and/or Eligibility Requirements: 

UChicago undergraduates who wish to participate in the Summer Institute in Social Research Methods must register for a SISRM methodology course and participate in the 5-week Practice of Social Science Research Workshop series.

Interested students may also choose to apply for the paid Research Assistantship program.

General eligibility requirements:

Application Process: 

Submit your application here. Abide by the following application guidelines:

  • Please select “UGrad SISRM” as your program name
  • Header information: your full name, major, year in school
  • Candidate questions: 
    • Describe your interest in pursuing a research experience with a faculty mentor in the social sciences.
    • How does your current major and interests in that field influence your reasons for pursuing an RAship? If you have not yet declared a major, how do you anticipate that participation in SISRM will influence your future academic decisions?
    • Describe your previous experiences with faculty research (if any) and/or any existing skill set that you believe will be valuable in your role as a SISRM RA.
    • What do you hope to learn through this experience?

CV guidelines for undergraduates

Your CV should detail honors, awards, research, leadership/service, and other co- and extra-curricular activities you have pursued since beginning your undergraduate studies in the College. If you possess proficiency in a language other than English, please make note of it. Please do not include  details from high school—we’re interested in getting to know about you in this phase of your academic and professional development. You can find further guidance on developing a CV here: https://ccrf.uchicago.edu/national-fellowships/building-curriculum-vitae-cv.

Application Deadline: 

Friday, February 25, 2022